Support Our Troops with a Patriotic Fabric Photo Postcard- SewUseful Contest Entry

This is a quick and easy way to create a small; but, meaningful craft that is simple to mail to our troops. Check out my etsy listing for this item. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6238362

It is innovative because it uses computerized digital technology combined with fabric and quilting to create a one of a kind personalized art postcard to show appreciation for our troops and help them maintain morale during a difficult mission. It is so simple to do that it would be very easy to use as a service project for a scout, church or community group.

MOTIVATION:
I was motivated to come up with the idea because my husband is an Army veteran who works on a military base where troops are constantly being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Husbands of several of my friends will be, have been or are about to be deployed many for the third time. I am in the process of making photo postcards for them using pictures of their children that I took during play dates. This project will make a difference in their life. These photo postcards, because they are made of fabric and not paper, should stand up well to the harsh desert conditions. They take a very small amount of time to create; but, they will be treasured and deeply appreciated by the recipient especially because of the use of a personal photograph image on fabric.

Step 1: Gather Materials, Supplies and Tools

Sewing Machine with a heavy duty needle
Digital Camera or Scanner and Photographs
Ink Jet Printer and Computer
Iron
Colorfast Fusible Fabric (I use June Tailor brand, White Quick Fuse Inkjet Fabric Sheets, JT-930, 8 1/2inches x 11inches) http://www.junetailor.com/Products_PrinterCopierTransferPaper.htm
Patriotic Fabric for front of card (one piece of 100% cotton a little larger than 4in. x 6in.)
Light colored fabric for back of card (one piece of 100% cotton a little larger than 4in.x 6in.)
Stiff heavy interfacing double sided with fusible adhesive (4 in. x 6in.piece) (I use Peltex by Pellon; but, there are many brands out there such as Timtex, Fast2Fuse, InnerFuse)
http://store.quilting-warehouse.com/batting---interfacing-interfacing-other.html
Other sources are JoAnn Fabrics www.joann.com and Hancock Fabrics www.hancockfabrics.com
Thread- white and colors to coordinate with fabrics (100% cotton)
Fabric scissors (pinking shears, optional) http://www.gingher.com/
Fabric Pens (I prefer Pigma Micron because they come in a very fine tip and a wide variety of colors http://www.gellyroll.com/products/pens/pigmamicron/pigmamicron.html )

Comments

[pebbles1]

i think you should be commended on thinking about others and ignore the above comments about your project anything given from the heart gets my vote....

[Snickerdoodle410]

What a great idea! Either as a morale booster or in celebration of a birthday, or just thinking of you protecting our freedom there in iraq. Thanks for the simple and creative way to show our thanks to our troops overseas. I am going through my fabric stash tonite!

[bybethstudio]

So glad you liked the idea! Have fun being Sew Helpful to our troops! :)

[sue39576]

These are awesome! Any AMERICAN would be proud to own one and give one as a gift. Thanks Sue39576

[bybethstudio]

Thanks Sue! I hope you scoop up some red, white and blue fabric then grab your digital camera and give it a try. It really is fast and easy. Thanks again for the comment. :)