marimekko
July 16th, 2009
I got this fabric, well really it’s more like a print, from reprodepot last year. After asking my super talented art major friends how to display this ginormous piece of fabric, I went to the art supply store to get stretcher bars. Stretcher bars, if you don’t know (I didn’t), are used to make a simple wooden frame that you can then stretch your canvas over. Now that I think about it, they are like large square (or rectangle) embroidery hoops. They come in every length, so you can make a frame in whatever size you like. I only say all of this because if you like fabric, sooner or later you are going to want to put some on your wall and stretcher bars will help you out immensely. I was really nervous about this project–mostly I didn’t want to destroy this beautiful fabric. I finally got my nerve up at the last craft night and put a thousand staples in it. It may be a little wonky, but I’m okay with that. It’s in the kid’s room and they love it (I thought it might give them nightmares, I mean it’s pretty large and a little on the creepy side). When all the furniture rearranging (for this little baby) finally is finished I’ll show the whole room.
Fantastic art for kids. Like it!
I love her fabrics. And I really love that you use the fabric as an artwork. This print is really colorful & whimsical, not creepy one bit! And the black & white lines are great for little babies…it’s all they’ll see in the first couple of months anyway ;)
Great tip about the stretcher bars. I didn’t know that, and I feel like that will be something useful to know in the future. :)
I LOVE your wall color. It’s just awesome. The fabric thing would probably give me nightmares were it in my room, but I could handle it in other areas of the house.
I’ve seen this design before, but for some reason, I fell in love with it today when I saw your photo. I checked ebay (reprotdepot is sold out) and they are going for around $50! I’m keeping an eye out, though. It’s awesome, and looks so perfect against that blue wall…I’ve used strecher bars, too, just for even a pretty piece of repeating-pattern fabric. Fast, cheap, and easy. Yay! (thanks for reminding me–I had kind of forgotten about it!)
WOW!!! Love it! I wonder if those stretcher bars could be used to display scarves. I have a few that I would like to display. I couldn’t use staples though. Do you have to use staples? Thanks so much for the tip! I need to check some out :)
Also, My little one has a huge paper mache cat sculpture in that same sort of style. Although I found it a bit creepy, she adores it!
I’m currently in the process of doing the same so I am very glad that yours turned out so wonderfully! Makes me less nervous to stretch silks. Thanks for sharing, it looks terrific =)
Love it and hadn’t seen that print before. It looks modern and whimsical at the same time. Thanks for the stretcher bar idea. Right now I’m hanging up fabric but in the form of a fabric covered cork board for the main living area.
What a great use of that cool fabric! I love framing fabric — thanks for the stretcher bar tip.
I love this print. I have some fabric that I have been waiting to do this with but have been a little worried I would screw it up. Thanks for the motivation. Where is the S&M/crafty vinyl little number your workin on? I can’t wait to see!
Looooooove Marimekko, and for the price, it practically is fine art! Looks great on the wall and I’m glad your kids appreciate it. :)
what a stunning corner of the world, look forward to you sharing more.
such a pretty blue wall..and the fabric on the wall is gorgeous!!
It looks fab.
For years and years I kept a large peice of Japanese inspired vintage cintz. I think I got it when I was about 15. I finally had the currage to put staples in it a few years back. It was in the lounge room at my old place and I loved it. Things have changed a little so now its a pin board in my studio – I still get to see it every day.
the print looks fabulous.
I have always wanted to stretch some of my vintage fabrics over a frame…This looks great!
Marimekko is a classic…we grew up with it in our home when we were kids…great stretching…not an easy job!
Char
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Kids are so imaginative they can forgive you for anything, as long as it’s imaginative and colorful! It looks great :)
I’ve also used stretchers for framing fabric, but for really big or transparent pieces, I’ve added a foamcore layer behind the fabric to make it smooth looking and keep the integrity of the shape. Otherwise, the stretchers got a little warped over time.
That’s a great piece! I love using cool fabric as art in a room too!
I LOVE your wall hanging. Far from creepy. Thanks for the stretcher idea. Great talent you have!