DIY: Custom Nursery Clothing Art

Morgan’s adorable, framed clothing art caught our eye in the gallery, and we asked her to share a tutorial with you all. Thanks, Morgan!

Here’s an easy way to add personalized baby artwork to your space—frame favorite clothing items in fabric-lined shadow boxes for a one-of-a-kind feature!

When we were decorating my daughter Liv’s baby-animal-themed nursery, we wanted to include as many custom, DIY projects as possible to bring both character and handmade love to a room that she would spend so much time in. You can read all about the room makeover here (you’ll never believe the before shots!).

When I received an adorable tutu bathing suit from an Aunt, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to create personalized art. Here’s a quick how-to to commemorate your own favorite coming home outfit, baptismal gown or crocheted hat and booties.

Materials: shadowbox or deep frame, fabric remnant, art to feature (clothing, handmade baby blanket, etc), map pins or sewing pins, glue

1. Choose a frame/shadowbox that will fit your clothing item with several inches to spare around each edge.

2. Fabric remnants or samples are great for a project like this (I chose Gabriel in putty by Thibaut Designs). Measure your frame, and cut out a square two inches wider on each side to allow for an extra large hem.

3. Flip frame over and remove backing, cardboard, mat and glass. Line up cardboard insert directly over your fabric cutout (make sure the back of your fabric is facing up). Save mat and glass for another project, and set the backing aside. Using standard glue, line the edge of the cardboard with a thick line of glue, and fold over each edge of fabric, gluing corners as you go. I used the geometric print on my fabric to help me keep it straight; you may want to flip it over to check everything is lined up before gluing it into place. Don’t worry if your adhesive doesn’t hold 100%; the next step will ensure the fabric doesn’t move.

4. Press your fabric covered cardboard insert firmly into the back of your frame—the fit should be snug.

5. Press frame backing into place.

6. Using sewing or map pins (which can be found at office supply stores), attach the garment to the fabric-covered cardboard. I cut my pins to about half of their length in order to conceal them within the bathing suit (be careful if you trim your pins; no one will laugh at your safety glasses!). Pin various edges of the clothing so that the final piece is held securely against the frame when hung up.

Now your clothing art is ready to display!

Check out more fun DIY projects including: a handmade felt butterfly mobile, easy ideas for revamping a traditional glider and the simplest no-sew fabric pennant flags at my blog.

Have a DIY project of your own that you’d like to share with us?
Email editor@projectnursery.com with details and pictures.