Cut and Paste - the Zakka Way

It is week 21 on the Zakka sew-along trail from the book "Zakka Style".  This week's project is the Sweet Memories Photo Frame by Ayumi Takahashi and it is more Blue Peter than Debbie Mumm.   However, if you are into woodwork and paper-craft then you are going to love it.

First though, let us get the inevitable out of the way – a suggestion for the cutting measurements section.  Under ‘Natural Linen’ it states “Cut 2 strips 1½” x 4½” for frame top and bottom”.   I believe this should read “Cut 2 strips 2” x 4½” for frame top and bottom”.  When you ‘sashiko thread’ the frame sides you use 2” strips on a 1” board but if you try to ‘sashiko thread’ a 1½” width onto a 1” board (as per step 4 of the instructions on page 98) you will end up with a piece of chipboard, a piece of wadding and a piece of frayed linen.  Trust me, I tried it.

So back to the project.  The only real sewing is in patching the two sides of the frame.  This will take you no longer than 5 minutes.  (I used scraps from Moda’s Flora charm pack.)  The rest of this project involves chipboard, paper, glue and cardboard - oh and a little sashiko threading.    I am not the most dexterous when it comes to sawing and cutting chipboard and I did think about going to the local DIY shop where they cut it for you.  But for that to work I would need to buy a piece of chipboard one yard x two yards.  I am not even sure they would cut such small pieces for me.  So I went into make-do-and-mend mode and used an old Ikea photo frame back. 

Armed with a Stanley knife I cut the frame down to size.  You should’ve heard the commotion downstairs at this time as my daughter and friend discussed the risk of me being let loose with a sharp blade in my hand. 
(They were remembering the time when I broke my elbow whilst undertaking a craft project – in all honesty it had nothing to do with tools – it was caused when I caught my right foot in the left leg of my cut-off trousers and then tried to move!!!)

But they were not wrong this time.  It just so happened that I dropped the Stanley knife, it hit my foot and I now have a very nasty gash on my middle toe.  I should’ve known better - next time I will wear steel-toed shoes before undertaking the Zakka project!

But I digress .......the Ikea frame worked out really well because it means I can stand the photo frame up on my shelf – rather than hanging it.  I can have it either way, horizontally or vertically.  I love the fresh spring colours and I think the finished project looks good.  The blog host, Noodlehead, managed to complete this project in an hour - it took me nearer two.  

But I can’t stop and chat – I’ve got to go and clear up blood splatter in the workroom!

p.s. If you haven’t checked out my PDF patterns then please do so if you get a chance.  Just click one of the pictures on the left-hand side and you will be taken through to my Craftsy shop.  Each pattern costs just $2 (£1.40 approx).  It is my first foray into digital downloads so your support and feedback would be appreciated.