Quilting in Layouts

To me, one of the best techniques to try on a heritage or recipe page is quilting. Quilting adds depth to a layout as well as creating a homemade look. Adding quilting to you page is an easy task. In this layout "Goodwin Chili", the sides of the layout were quilted.

How to add quilt patches to a layout
1. First, decide where on the page
you want to add the patches.
2. Decide the type of patterned paper you want for your patches.
3. Distress the whole page of the patterned paper. NOTE: Lightly dampen your
paper and then crumble the paper up and let dry. Carefully, pull the paper apart
and then use an iron to get all big crimples out. The paper will be very soft and
clothlike at this point.
4. Cut your patches in any shape that is desired for your layout. I usually do
rectangles, triangles, and squares but any shape will work.
5. Lay your patch in the exact position on the layout and use a paper piercer to put holes through the patch and the layout under it in pairs of two. So you will
have either 2,4,6,8, etc. holes on each side of the patch.
6. Using a needle and embroidery thread (number of strands depends on the desired thickness of the stitch) start to sew around the patch using the holes that you just pierced into the paper. NOTE: When you have just one side left to stitch, STOP!
7. Cut a tiny piece of quilting batting and stuff into the patch. The amount of
batting needed depends on how full you want the patch.
8. Sew up the final one side of the patch.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 for the rest of the patches.