Abstract Art Quilt Collage Workshop

Create an abstract art quilt collage using raw edge fused appliqué, embellished with original mark making, hand embroidery and machine stitching. Look at examples from the world of abstract art and learn how to apply ideas to your own original designs. Explore different ways to create details and add texture.

Supplies

Bring Your Own Fabric/Supplies

five pieces of fabrics approximately 14 x 17” (fat quarters are fine) Watch this video for guidance in selecting fabrics. All fabric should have fusible webbing applied to the back, Fuse your fabrics ahead of time following the instructions in this video.

  1. commercial print fabric with an abstract all-over pattern in colors you love

  2. solid fabric in a color that is included in the abstract all-over pattern fabric

  3. tone-on-tone small scale print that matches the solid fabric

  4. another tone-on-tone that coordinates with the abstract all-over pattern

  5. a pop of color, small tone-on-tone or something else that works with the rest of your selections

two pieces of fabric approximately 8x8”
Round out your fabric palette with two additional pieces that will give you a pop of color, more options for contrast and value or another solid fabric to balance out the prints

Optional extra fabric: If you have small pieces of fabric with interesting surface design techniques or pieces of pre-fused fabrics from other projects, you may wish to bring those. (A freezer size plastic bag full would be plenty.)

1 or 2 spouncers or stencil sponges
I like this one. https://amzn.to/3lCnLxF But any sponge brush is fine.

sticky-backed fun foam
Single 8x12” sheet from a craft store is plenty, but it can be hard to find. Deborah will have some to sell in class.

Or Purchase a Kit

five pieces of pre-fused fabrics approximately 14 x 17” and two pieces of fabric approximately 8x8”
Deborah selects a fabric palette perfect for this project and all fabrics are pre-fused so you don’t have to worry about that step and can get right to designing!

sticky back fun foam and stamp mount

spouncer

For in person events, Deborah will have kits available for purchase on the day of the workshop. For virtual events, kits can be ordered and shipped.

New Zealand students: Sadly, I won’t have kits available for our workshops in October.

Plus Everyone Needs

iron and ironing surface (unless provided)

batting, approximately 17x21”

parchment paper, about 1 yard

2 or 3 small bottles acrylic paint
Choose both lights and darks that coordinate with your fabric. Craft store paint is fine. I like Folk Art Brand from Michaels. If you’re purchasing a kit, bring 5 or 6 bottles in colors you love. We’ll make it work.

2 or 3 pieces of foam core approximately 4x4”
These will be used as mounts for foam stamps. Recycled styrofoam or heavy cardboard are also fine. Don’t buy anything. I’ll have some extra options.

3 or 4 skeins of embroidery floss and/or perle cotton
Chose both darks and lights that coordinate with your fabrics. If you’re purchasing a kit, bring 5 or 6 skeins in colors you love. We’ll make it work.

embroidery needle

scissors, large and small, both fabric and more utilitarian scissors

rotary cutter, mat and ruler

paper plate or similar to use as a paint palette

plastic trash bag to cover your work surface
The surface design techniques are not particularly messy. You’ll decide what works best for your space.

optional: sewing machine

optional:sketch book and pen or pencil

optional: apron, rubber gloves

optional: Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Journey in Fabric, Paint and Stitch by Deborah Boschert