Have you ever had a moment where you question yourself in whether or not to use paper or piece of fabric for a project that you are making? I know I have, but those times are very few now that I have discovered Smart-Fab. This miracle fabric is exactly what you want and need to use, and best of all, this Smart Fab is extremely economical. The Smart Fab is more durable and flexible than paper, yet it is soft to the touch like material.
As you can see from the picture, I was provided with a roll of dark blue, yellow, green and sky blue Smart-Fab to test for the purpose of this review.
What is Smart-Fab you ask? I know you have seen this product before, but could not put a name to the “material” itself. I don’t immediately recognize where I have seen this before, but know that I have – not knowing the specific name. Perhaps it was in a surgical facility, medical clinic, by a beauty care professional, or in use as a disposable tablecloth.
Smart-Fab is an innovative product with remarkable uses. Smart-Fab is strong, yet flexible. It won’t fray, rip or wear out so it is durable enough for outdoor use. It is water and wear resistant. Smart-Fab is available in a variety of non-fading colors. Since the fabric is cloth like, you can wash Smart-Fab, but the fabric may wrinkle. You can remove the wrinkles by either stretching it out or you can even iron Smart-Fab; however, be extra careful to keep the iron on a very low temperature. To eliminate wrinkles, store your Smart-Fab either rolled or folded.
Educators love working with Smart-Fab as it is perfect for bulletin boards, banners, arts & crafts projects and scenic design. Crafters, as well, love Smart-Fab as it is so versatile. Smart-Fab can be cut with almost any cutting instrument: scissors, handicraft knives, utility knives, and paper cutters and trimmers. You can even use a paper punch on your Smart-Fab, but it is recommended that you place a sheet of construction paper beneath the fabric before doing so. You can even cut between 10 and 15 layers of Smart-Fab simultaneously, but keep the fabric taut while doing so. You can also use this fabric with your die cutting machines. Use Smart-Fab in your 3D projects as it is durable enough to stand up. The possibilities are almost endless. For those crafters who love to create, but are limited in the imagination area, the web site has some projects, as well as lesson plans to get you started.
I had hoped to make the Flower Petal Gift Basket that is listed on the web site; however, I didn’t have a round basket on hand so I merely used what I had.
I wrapped the Smart Fab around a basket that I had on hand, gluing the end pieces after turning them under and making sure that the fabric fit snugly on the inside of the basket.
Following the gluing process of the green Smart Fab, I then took a strip of the yellow Smart Fab and tied it around the basket and then placed some stickers on the tails of the bow. The yellow fabric helps to secure the end pieces of the basket where I glued it. The Smart Fab is safe enough to store food items, so I simply popped in some hard candies for easy access for my family. My basket isn’t nearly as cute as the one on the web site, but I think it turned out pretty nice. I believe that when I use the fabric to decorate another basket, I will either use a double layer of the same color, or use an alternate color as you can see through this basket.
With school beginning soon for most students, the Smart-Fab product is great for making book covers.
I simply cut the fabric in a length long enough to cover both the inside of the front and back sides¸ as well as the outside of the book. I folded over the fabric taking the bottom of the fabric folding it in towards the middle and repeated the process so that the top portion of the fabric met the middle fold. I then draped the fabric around the entire book including the inside of the front and back cover to make somewhat of a pocket. I glued the pieces together where the folds came together. Once dried, I slipped the front and back covers into the pocket. Then I added some lettering (“MATH”) to the front of the book. The entire process took approximately 5 to 10 minutes in total. While my abilities as a crafter leave something to be desired, the book cover is for my personal use, and will not be entered into any type of contest or fair, so it serves my purpose sufficiently.
The uses for Smart-Fab are only limited to your imagination: you can paste it; draw on it with most art media, as well as glue it. There is one limitation that I found with the Smart-Fab and that is the fact that it is not fire proof, so if you use the fabric in making those Halloween costumes, be extra careful.
Smart-Fab is easy to store, in rolls 48 inches wide and 40 foot long. However, the Smart-Fab fabric is also available in other lengths¸ as well as in conveniently cut sheets for those special projects.
Smart-Fab products can be purchased throughout the U.S. and Canada through educational dealers, parent/ teacher stores and online retailers. For a listing of the various locations where you can purchase these products, visit the Smart-Fab website under the “Where to Buy” tab.
Stop by Smart-Fab’s Facebook page to say hello and their Pinterest page for creative ideas for using their products.
This fabric is a “must-have” item for all educators and crafters as well, and for any other persons who love a good bargain. I am so happy with the durability and practicality of this fabric and happy with all the other features that it carries, as well. Available in a rainbow of colors, you won’t have any problems finding the right color you need for your project. Be sure to stop by Smart Fab today.
44 comments
wow you can use this so many ways, I like it
NICE ABRIC!!!
This is very interesting. I know of several crafts this could be used for instead of expensive fabric! Your basket is just adorable! It gave me an idea of using it on Easter baskets so they aren’t so plain looking. TY
I love that you can use this stuff like fabric for a costume – very smart and perfect for kids’ shows in school.
This would make a great re-usable gift-wrap – I am going to see if they have any near me and try it out for Christmas.
wow ilike that kind of stuff havekid come over all the time and then craft are treat to do
This could definitely come in handy!!!
Not quite sure what I would do with this but I’m sure me and my granddaughters would figure something out .would love to try this product. I like trying new things.
I like the idea of a material-like paper (paper-like material?), as the potential seems limitless. I think the bright, solid colors are pretty, providing a great backdrop and allowing for the Smart-Fab to be dressed up according to the project and personal style.
nice review –happy sunday
The possibilities for craft and gift ideas are endless.I’ll bet you can make some great holiday items.
these are nice !!!
Good ideas. Especially lining the basket. It kind of dresses it up and you can leave it out to serve candy, as you show or whatever.
I would love to use it in my gift bags it is so bright and looks nice for gift wrap too.
i would try it for sure..
Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful material! I can think of a thousand uses since I decorate for parties all the time. It’s probably cheaper than fabric but more durable than paper!!
I’m not a crafty person but I can see that this can be used for several things. I like the book cover idea.
Wow, this is perfect. I can’t wait to try this with one of our projects.
I would love to try this out with some of my art activities, it sound fascinating.
That sounds amazing. I do alot of crafts and I can think of lots of uses right now. That’s an awesome product!
I would use these as gift wrap for things like weddings and anniversaries.
oh yes – I would love to try this material – I think there are all kinds of wonderful projects that it would be used for. Hope to try it out.
This sounds like a great product. I’m always looking for new gifts for my mother; she is so hard to shop for. Does glue seep through like it does on regular fabric or does it act more like paper in those instances?
So cool…still trying to look for where I can buy it in this small town =(
i love crafting but i have never heard of this before. sounds like a wonderful product but i didnt notice how much it sells for is it reasonably priced.
I am not an artsy type person but this sounds like it would work great for banners. Honestly, I wish I was more creative so am going to add Smart Fab to my pinterest board for future ideas! We have a lot of family coming for Thanksgiving (YEAH!) and I would love to make table decorations!
I love the creativity and the craft!
I can’t wait to try this stuff out! I’ve got a lot of ideas =)
I definitely would love to try this fabric for many different craft projects
Im glad they invited this in between product, that gives you the look and feel of both at the same time.
OMG! How cool is that!?! I’m gonna have to check that out….track it down & buy some!
this is great thanks for all the information
This is really sweet and fun DIY
thatsa awesome very similiar to what im working on with my kiddos always nice to have some collaborating ideas!
Wow! I love the book cover idea! I am going to do this to all of my son’s books! Great idea to use such a durable material.
That could come in soooo handy on projects. Amazing its water resistant and can paper punch it without any problems
Looking at the pictures, I wonder about the texture. I have an issue with some textures, can’t stand to touch polyester for example. Otherwise, it sounds interesting to use.
I have to check this out – I am looking for something almost exactly as you describe -papery, but feels like fabric, for a project I’m working on. And reasonable priced, too! THANKS!!!
Sandy: I think this Smart Fab is exactly what you are looking for. Check the web site for a location closest to you.
willing to give it A TRY
Wow as well! This looks like great stuff! I may get some for my step-daughter who is an elementary school teacher for her to use with her students.
Wow – this is an amazing fabric. You can use it like paper or fabric and it is durable. I shall have to go find some of this item.
Jo-Ann: Yes, you need to check this stuff out. It is super and very reasonable. For a roll 48″ wide and 40′ long, it is only like $17.00. I don’t remember how much the cut sheets are though. Thanks for stopping by.