I am loving the new scalloped tulle trim from the 2012 Stampin' Up Holiday Catalog, which comes in three gorgeous colors and is taking embellishing to a whole new level. This morning I came up with a fun technique totally on accident while I was working on something else, and I put together a quick mini-tutorial for you. You'll need your "tool" and your "tulle"–the heat tool and the scalloped tulle–and that's it!
Tulle is synthetic, so unlike natural fibers, it melts–and in this case, that's a good thing! Cut off twice as much tulle as you think you're going to need, because it shrinks down considerably. Sometimes the ends shrivel more than they should, too.
Make sure you are on a heat-safe surface. I use a discarded concrete kitchen tile my friend Tracy gave me from her workplace. Use your heat tool on the #2 setting so it is good and hot (love that
the new tool, in addition to new safety measures, has two different heat
settings!)
Hold it over the center of the tulle in the MIDDLE of your strip. Why not the ends? Because the ends burn the fastest, and you'll have less control of the pacing and consistency if you are trying to move away from the melt too quickly.
Start in the middle and work your way out to the edges. You can go back and hit areas that did not ruffle enough, but remember, there is no way to undo the melted parts, so less is more.
The melted center strip is not particularly attractive, so you'll want to run ribbon down the center of it. Then you can use it on your package, basket, page or card! Cute and easy–and super quick! No Sticky Strip or needle and thread necessary. I hope you enjoy this holiday trim idea as you decorate for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Nice discovery!! TFS!
Great tutorial! I appreciate that you share your discoveries with us all!
When I grow up I want to discover cool new things just like you. But since I’m never going to grow up, I’ll just have to keep reading your blog 🙂
Great idea!! Thanks for sharing!
Um, you’re awesome! I really enjoy all of your accidental discoveries!
Thanks Lyssa for sharing another great idea!
That is so cool! I can’t wait to share this with the ladies I stamp with every month. They are going to love this! I told them about your blog because I love it so much and I had to share the love.
Thanks for the fantastic tutorial
I must say…you have an incredible knack for taking products I am sure I have no need/desire for, and making me second-think my decision!
Wished I’d known about this tutorial BEFORE I recreated the card on page 6 of the Holiday Catalogue! It will now be much easier the next time around! Thanks so much for sharing!