DIY Network

Showcasing Family Heirlooms Scrap demonstrates unique ways to showcase family heirlooms. From "Scrap" episode DSCD-101

Textiles are a huge part of family heritage. Award winning paper crafter Laurie Stamas shows you a great way to showcase family heirlooms—everything from bow ties to cuff links to quilts and more. She demonstrates how to create a dress shirt out of handmade paper from sewing the seams to gluing the buttons then attaching her grandpa's actual bow tie to create a beautiful piece of art. It is a great way to capture a piece of family heritage for generations to come!

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	Scrap tackles the world of displaying family heirlooms.
	Host Scott Petti and guest Laurie Stamas admire this unique way to showcase family heirlooms.

Showcasing Family Heirlooms

Project designed by Laurie Stamas.

Materials:

display frame with 16" x 20" opening
foam core cut to 16" x 20"
fabric or patterned paper (to cover 16" x 20" foam core board
1 large parent sheet of handmade paper, 25" x 37"
shirt piece template
6 medium sized shirt buttons
2 small sized shirt buttons
covered wire or thread
display pins to anchor shirt to foam core display board
Optional: 1 piece of coordinating handmade paper, 8-1/2" x 11", for handkerchief
a special bowtie
photograph
sewing machine
scissors
adhesive

	PDF Download the template patterns needed to complete the "heirloom" project.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Begin with a large "parent" sheet of handmade paper in desired color.

2. Cut out pieces to make a "mock" shirt (figure A) using the template (right) provided.

   Note: The template was created using a man's dress shirt.

3. Pre-stitch each piece of paper as indicated on the template.

   Note: Stitching on handmade paper is just like stitching on fabric. Set the sewing machine to a long length stitch. If the stitches are too close together, the paper may tear.

4. If desired (this gives a more authentic look), stitch button holes on the shirt front, collar, cuff and sleeve using the buttonhole feature on a sewing machine.

5. Using an actual folded shirt as your guide, assemble the pieces of the paper shirt (front, button strip for front, sleeve, cuff, collar, and pocket) and tack down with adhesive.

6. Thread covered wire or thread through the buttons (figure B). Using adhesive, attach the six medium sized buttons over the button holes on the front of the shirt, the sleeve and the cuff. Attach the two smaller buttons to the collar.

7. Place actual bowtie around the collar and tie in place.

8. Prepare the frame to display your "shirt" by covering a piece of foam core board with fabric or patterned paper (figure C).

9. Attach the covered board to the back of the frame and secure in place.

10. Secure the shirt to the frame using T-pins or decorative pins.

11. If desired, create a handkerchief from a piece of coordinating handmade paper (template provided) to place in the shirt pocket. Journaling could be written on this.

12. Include a special photograph to help share your story of the bowtie.

13. An additional option idea is to add a monogram to the shirt pocket or cuff using rub-ons.

Next: Photo Family Tree

RESOURCES :

Nature's Handmade Paper
Impact Images
Website: www.clearbags.com

GUESTS :

Laurie Stamas
Independent Designer
Laurie Stamas Designs
Website: www.lauriestamas.typepad.com