How To Make Fun Dictionary Art

4 Materials
$2
2 Hours
Easy

I can't remember the last time I used a manual dictionary. In fact, I can't remember the last time I wrote something substantial by hand.


All my writing is done on a computer these days and I use an online dictionary. I now use my old dictionaries for crafting. I make l ovely paper flowers bouquets with them.


This time I decided I wanted to do something a bit more fun with the dictionary pages and create some fun dictionary art by stitching onto the paper.

The only problem is that dictionary paper is very thin so stitching on the pages can be difficult.


The paper will tear very easily. However, I found a way to strengthen the paper which makes the embroidery easier.


For the dictionary art, first I picked a page in the dictionary that had the word on it that was related to what I wanted to stitch.

For example, print a leaf on the page with the word leaf on it, or the word balloon with a picture of a hot air balloon.

I then tore the page out of the dictionary. Taped it to computer paper and printed a picture on the dictionary paper that related to the word.


On the blog (link in bio), I have loads of free clip art images that you can use for this dictionary art for free.

Next, lay the printed page face down onto some plastic wrap and then paste the back of the page with Mod Podge or white craft glue.

Then lay a piece of muslin cloth on top of the pasted paper. Press it down to make sure the fabric sticks to the page.

When the glue has dried turn the paper over and then remove the cling film.

The paper will now be a lot stronger and a bit like a stiff fabric. This means it can now be embroidered to create dictionary art.

It's fun to add texture to the printed images by embroidering the outline or selected bits, like the stripes on the shell and hot air balloon. Or just the crest on the cockatoo, and veins on a leaf.

This fun stitched paper art can be framed or used to make personalized cards. The pages look great on a gallery wall. I keeping on looking through the dictionary for more words to pick and use for this dictionary art.

You can find more details on how to stitch paper both by hand or on the machine with lots more craft stitched paper ideas here.

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Claire at Pillarboxblue
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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