Here at The Ugly Art Club, we believe every little bit of creative material deserves a chance to shine, especially those overlooked threads and fabric scraps! This month, we’ve been diving deep into the world of fiber art, transforming humble remnants into delightful treasures. Get ready to be inspired by some of our favorite thread-based projects:
Fluttering into Fun: The Scrappy Fabric Butterfly Brooch
Who says scraps aren’t glamorous? We’ve been turning small pieces of fabric into charming scrappy fabric butterfly brooches! This project is all about embracing asymmetry and combining different textures and patterns in a way that’s uniquely “ugly-cute.” It’s a fantastic way to use up those odd-shaped bits of beloved fabric, adding a whimsical touch to any outfit or bag. No two butterflies are ever alike, and that’s precisely the beauty of it! Get scrappy with Tiffany :
Coaster Creations: Punch Needle Play
If you’ve been looking for a project that’s both satisfying and practical, then our punch needle cup coasters are for you! This technique is meditative and allows for wonderful texture exploration. We’ve been experimenting with bold color combinations, simple geometric shapes, and even some freeform “ugly” designs. The chunky loops of the punch needle create a durable and absorbent surface, making these coasters perfect for protecting your surfaces while adding a pop of handmade charm. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those leftover yarn bits! Punch with Kristin :
Holding onto Moments: Memory Baubles
This might be our most heartfelt project yet: memory baubles made with threads and trinkets. Imagine encasing tiny fragments of cherished memories – a favorite bead or button, a hag stone, shell, or even a marble – within a thread bauble. These baubles become tangible keepsakes, telling the stories and the beautiful imperfections of life itself. They’re a unique way to honor moments and transform sentimental scraps into art. DeeDee walked us through the following :
Ready to try your hand at Asemic Stitching?
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to create perfectly formed letters or intricate embroidered designs, then asemic stitching is your liberating rebellion. Think of it as writing without words, but with thread. It’s about focusing on the gesture of writing, the rhythm of the stitch, and the beautiful marks your needle makes, rather than any literal meaning.
Grab some fabric scraps (even old cardboard works!), a needle, and any thread you have lying around – even that “ugly” color you never use! Let your hand guide the needle, creating fluid lines, erratic scribbles, or repetitive marks that feel authentic to you. This lesson was brought to us by the talented Krista Barmer :
We can’t wait to see your unique, wordless textile narratives! Share your asemic stitching experiments in our Facebook group using #tuacthreads
We hope these thread-inspired projects spark your imagination and encourage you to dig into your own stash of fabric and yarn. Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to create, especially when you’re part of The Ugly Art Club. Embrace the scraps, enjoy the process, and let your threads tell their own beautifully “ugly” story!