My photo
A very warm welcome to my teeny, tiny part of the huge world of blogging. This is where I share my passion for making hand made greeting cards. So - why "Always with a Heart"? Well this is for two reasons. Firstly, it is because every card I produce carries a heart on it somewhere. This can be big and bold or small and almost hidden - the fun sometimes is just trying to find it! Secondly it is because I put my heart into everything I produce. I hope that any visitors enjoy seeing what I post. If you drop by then please leave me a comment so that I know you called. It would be nice to know that you have found my heart in what I do.

Thursday 12 May 2011

FRENCH KNOT TUTORIAL

Hi Everyone

Hope you are all well .. .. and if you aren't then I wish you better soon!!!

It has been a busy day today in the House of Hearts but I have a card to share and a little tutorial.

I received quite a lot of emails asking about the french knots I put on my card yesterday and how I did them.  So I have tried to put a few photographs together for you to explain the process I used.

But first here is my share of the day






This used:

Image:  Hero Arts"G5311" Sillhouette Spray
Background Image:  Elusive Images "32531" Script Background

Sentiment:  Elzybells (sadly no longer trading)
Background made with brayer and Big and Juicy "Spice" Ink Pad
Heat it Up!:  Silver Pearl Embossing Powder
Josy Rose:  Nail Heads

Ribbon and Button from the stash box

Very different colours for me .. .. but I love them!!


Now tutorial time.

I am hoping this glut of photographs help to explain how I make my french knots.  Here we go ....

I started by laying the vellum over my base card and folding
the ends to the back

This is the back and I have sellotaped the loose ends down

Working from the front again I made two holes where I
wanted the french knot to be

Thread a needle with embroidery silk
(I didn't split the silk and used all 6 strands).
Working from the back push your needle through one of the
holes and sellotape the end down. 
(You don't want to put a knot in it or your work
won't lie flat against your card when you stick it down)

Working from the front again place your needle
behind your thread

Now wrap your thread over and over the needle.
I do this 4 times .. .. but don't do this too tight.

Next push your needle through the second hole you made

Gently pull the needle and thread through to the back of
your work and all of the thread you wrapped over and over your
needle will bunch up into a knot. 
Don't pull it too tight .. .. you want it a bit bulky.

Oops!!!  I can see distress ink on my thumb!! 
Mucky madam!!!!

On the back simply cut your thread,
pull it tight and sellotape that end down too. 
Keep quite a bit of length otherwise the thread might
work its way through and spoil your work. 

Here is a close up of one of the knots from yesterday
(because I forgot to take one of my finished knot today).

I think they add bit of texture and are a bit more artistic
than the ever faithful brads that I normally end up using.

So hopefully that has been useful for you.

I used embroidery silk here but you can also do them with ribbon, wool, thick cotton .. .. all kind of threads really.

They take a little practice.  Just don't pull the thread too tight around your needle whilst wrapping it round and you should be OK.  In fact it might be easier to practice on a piece of material to begin with.  Once you get the hang of them you can experiment with wrapping the thread round the needle more times or even less .. .. just to see what result you get.  Good luck if you decide to give it a go.

So back to the important issue of The Apprentice.  LOL!!!

Both Keryn and I still have our three candidates in the running for The Apprentice.  Neither of us lost any of our acts this week (sounds like we are on the X-Factor).  Keryn has Jim who seems to be one very lucky chappie .. .. I have never seen anyone be nominated to be taken back to the boardroom and then turn it around so that they aren't .. .. and what was that little wink he did when they were back at the house.  Mmmm... might be more to him than meets the eye!!! LOL!!!

Shame it isn't on again tonight!!  I have to wait a whole week now!!  Tee hee!!

Have a good evening everyone whatever you are doing.

Love


23 comments:

G Peplow said...

Hi there Jules, Wonderful layering with the colours on your card, it's so beautiful:0) xxx

Pop's Cards said...

Stunning sweetie hugs pops x x x

Debs M said...

love the colours! when i first started x stitch i had to practice with french knots..they do get easier! x

Jacee said...

Lovely card Jules, I really love the colours, the black layer you have used makes it 'pop' it's a super card. You're very good with your tutorial, very clear and easy to understand, thanks for sharing that with us all.
Hugs Jacee
Yes, you're right, I looked very much like that child on my card, mad and the stamping of feet just did'nt cover it, it was towels I had out there so you can imagine, wetter than wet!!!! Urgh.

Doreen said...

Wow I love your card I have never tried to brayer yet but I think yours looks wonderful.

Your tutorial is fabulous, so well explained.xxx

jem (jane elizabeth middleton) said...

Thanks for the tut,most try this out.
card is gorgeous ,a real stunner.
As for the Apprentice,loving it, I like Jim,must be the lovely Irish accent,thought the boys had it last night,funniest thing on tv, I would love to be on the pannel for "the apprentice,your fired", lastnights firing was defo the right choice,quite cute looking though.
janex

angelwhispers said...

Jules the card is just lovely and the images look fab in your colours!! Thanks for the tutorial a great way to hold down the vellum without seeing the glue or tape!!! Chanelle xxxx

PinksyDoodles said...

Beautiful card Jules! I love the silhouette stamp you have used.
I remember thinking I would never get the hang of French knots when I started cross-stitching.
How inspired of you to use them on your cards.
Hugs, Clare x

brenda said...

Wicked Jules, I have been racking my head wondering how they are made, it really is that long since I was at school.

Thanks for sharing.

B x

Vicky said...

Gorgeous card Jules...and super tut on the wee french knots!...I remember doing these at school...many moons ago lol...and they look fabulous on cards hun...I must do more stitching hehehe...

I don't watch the apprentice...maybe I should!

have a fab evening sweetie...hugs Vicky xx

Netty said...

Terrific card Jules and love the design. Great french knot tutorial, had never thought about using them on cards. Thank you for the great idea. Annette x

Wishcraft said...

So gorgeous Jules! Beautiful colours and love your background and the stamps you've used. Thanks for the french knot tutorial - you've reminded me of how they're done :o) Lisa x

Anonymous said...

Hi Jules,
Another gorgeous card and I love those colours! Thanks for the tutorial - I must have a go (add it to the ever growing 'to do' list!) I loved the way Jim turned it around last night - very clever! He knows what he's doing that one!! I still haven't got a favourite yet and can't remember all the names, but I like the blonde girl who couldn't spell vegetable on the first night! xx

Clare said...

Stunning card Jules!!! i love it!!!. Would be a fantastic card for male or female. The brayering is superb and love all of the wonderful colours. Big hugs Clare xxx P.S Jules if you have any probs getting hold of the vellum spray just give me a shout and i will see if they still have it at the shop i got it from x

Donna Mosley said...

Hi Jules, really love your beautiful card. Very yummy colours and fab image. Love, love, love your tut, very clear pics and you've explained it all so well. Think I will definately be trying french knots. Thanks for the tut. :o)

Donna x

Debbie said...

Hi Jules,Thank you for your lovely message.You're a sweetie.Your card is beautiful, the colours are gorgeous.Looks like you've been brayering - fantastic effect.Great tutorial too.Hope you're okay.Love Debbie x

Anonymous said...

awesome card I love the sunsetty colours!

craftimamma said...

Wow, hasn't Mr Blogger been a bit of a b........r this week! I've lost count of the number of times I've tried to leave comments without success.

Jules the card is absolutely stunning and although I do know how to do french knots I know lots of people don't ............. not until they've seen your brilliant tutorial that is. It's beautifully explained and well photographed so very easy to follow. Well done you!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Sarn said...

Fabulous idea and thanks for the tutorial.
Hugs, Sandra

Louise said...

Love the colours on this card Jules and thanks for the tutorial may have to give this a go looks great.
Louise xx

Juls said...

just gorgeous!!! Love the rich colours and the script detail! Hugs Juls

Juls said...

P.S ..... I have used French knots countless times on cross stiches e.c.t, I never once thought of using it on a card .... I think I can feel a new phase coming on! thanks for the inspiration! Hugs Juls

Stella said...

Hi Jules!

Your cardtook my breath away. Soooo beautiful. Subtle colors, fabulous stamping technique and design are a guarantee for a stunning card. Love it!

Thanks for the tutorial; I have to give it a try...

Enjoy you day!

Love,
Stella
XXX