There’s nothing quite like a little nature walk to wake me up. Getting outside, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the beauty of the scenery energises me in a way that coffee just can’t. Over the Christmas break, I had the pleasure of visiting the NSW Mid Coast, where I discovered a gem of a spot called Diamond Head Beach. We hiked the headland trail, and by the end of the day, my camera roll was brimming with stunning landscape shots.
Here’s how I transformed my favourite nature snapshot into a beautiful piece of handmade décor. I hope this inspires you to turn your own photo memories into unique home accents!
What You’ll Need
- Fabric (variety of colours/textures/patterns for your design)
- Spray-on fabric/basting glue
- Dowel (for hanging your quilt)
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Paper (for creating your pattern)
- Pen
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Inspiration
Pick a photo from your collection that speaks to you. It could be a holiday beach scene, a lush forest, or even a vibrant sunset.
Step 2: Sketch Your Design
Make a simple sketch of the image, focusing on the key elements you want to include. This will serve as the blueprint for your wall hanging.
Step 3: Select Your Fabrics
Choose fabrics that match the colours and textures of the landscape in your photo. Don’t be afraid to get creative with patterns and materials! I included one of my own fabric designs, which added an extra special touch to this project.
Step 4: Enlarge Your Pattern
Blow up your sketch to the desired size for your quilt. This will help you cut fabric pieces that fit perfectly.
Step 5: Cut Your Shapes
Cut out each element of your landscape from the fabric, adding a 1cm seam allowance around each piece.
Step 6: Arrange and Glue
Lay out the fabric shapes on your backing fabric, arranging them to recreate your landscape. Use spray-on fabric glue to lightly secure them in place.
Step 7: Stitch the Elements
Using your sewing machine, stitch around the edges of each fabric piece to secure them. I opted for a buttonhole stitch, but feel free to choose what works best for your design.
Step 8: Quilt the Entire Piece
Quilt over the entire design to add texture and cohesion. I went with a diamond pattern, but you can experiment with other quilting styles.
Step 9: Finish and Hang
Hem the edges of your quilt and sew a loop at the top for the dowel. Slide the dowel through and hang your quilt proudly on the wall.
Final Thoughts
This project was not only a joy to create but also a meaningful way to bring a piece of my travels into my home. Each time I see it, I’m transported back to that sunny day at Diamond Head Beach. If you’ve got a bare wall and a photo that makes your heart happy, why not give this a try? Your own handmade landscape quilt awaits!
If you make your own quilt, tag me @emilieott0, I'd love to see your special creation.
Happy making,
Em xo