There’s something rather lovely about a handmade decoration, especially one that looks as though it might have been treasured for generations.
Inspired by antique portrait miniatures, these little fabric decorations are a simple, no-sew project using our Mini Vintage Art Fabric Prints.
For this project, I've used our Curiosity Cabinet Set — a collection of nine miniature artworks, from romantic portraits and atmospheric landscapes to an unexpected falcon. Each one becomes its own tiny framed painting, ready to hang.
They're wonderfully simple to make, and a lovely way to spend a cosy afternoon getting creative.
What you'll need
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Mini Vintage Art Fabric Prints — here I've used our Curiosity Cabinet Set
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Oval wooden blanks (approximately 7.5 × 5 cm/ 2 x 3 inches)
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Fabric glue
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Black felt for the backing
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Thin fleece (2 mm/ approx. 1/8 inch)
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Antique-gold soutache trim (3 mm/ approx. 1/8 inch)
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Black velvet ribbon
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Scissors
How to make your decorations
1. Choose your Mini Prints
Choose your favourite Mini Vintage Art Fabric Prints and cut them out. Here I've used our Curiosity Cabinet Set, with its mix of portraits, landscapes and a rather magnificent falcon.
2. Prepare your wooden blanks
Using a wooden blank as a template, draw around it onto your fleece and cut out an oval. Glue the fleece onto the wooden blank, smoothing it gently into place.
This creates a softly padded surface for your miniature artwork.
3. Position your Mini Print
Apply fabric glue to the fleece-covered blank and carefully position your Mini Print on top.
Take your time with the placement of the artwork, making sure your chosen subject sits beautifully within the oval.
4. Wrap the fabric and add your ribbon
Gently stretch the fabric around the wooden blank, pulling it taut and gluing it securely onto the back. Work your way around the curves, making small folds where necessary, then trim away any excess fabric.
Fold a 20 cm/8 inch length of velvet ribbon in half to create a hanging loop and glue the two ends securely to the top of the reverse.
5. Finish the back
Using your wooden blank as a template once again, cut an oval from your felt.
Glue it neatly onto the back of your decoration, covering the folded fabric and ribbon ends for a lovely, clean finish.
6. Add the finishing touch
Finally, glue a length of antique-gold soutache trim around the edge of your decoration.
The delicate braid creates the appearance of a tiny gilt picture frame, giving your miniature artwork that beautiful antique feel.
Allow the glue to dry completely before hanging.
A little heirloom for Christmas
And there you have it — your very own miniature work of art, ready for the Christmas tree and perfect for gifting!
Make just one, or create a whole little gallery using all nine prints from our Curiosity Cabinet Set. Explore our other Mini Vintage Art Fabric Prints to add even more to your collection, mixing and matching your favourite artworks and trimmings to create a beautiful assortment of handmade heirlooms, each with its own character.
Little pieces of art to bring out and treasure, for Christmas and beyond.
Happy making
Rachel x
