Photo Inspired Art Quilt Collage Workshop

Use personal photos to create an original art quilt collage. (Rather than copying an image, learn to isolate color, pattern, shape and composition to use as inspiration.) We’ll use raw edge fused appliqué and explore a variety of techniques for creating pattern and marks on fabric using paint. Convert elements from your photos into stitched motifs. Abstract the layout of a photo into a dynamic composition. Deborah offers a set of steps with lots of freedom for creative expression within each step.

Supplies

  • 3 to 5 printed out copies of “inspirational images”
    Landscapes, architecture, or travel photos work best. Pick something with a variety of lines, colors, shapes, patterns or themes. They don’t have to be great photos or printed on photo paper — just good for using as inspiration.  Ideally, these come from your own collection of photos. Portraits of people or pets won’t work for this project.

  • 4 to 6 fat quarters or equivalent scraps of commercial prints
    Taking cues from the colors in one of your “inspiration images” choose fabrics you love that look great together. Include darks, mediums and lights in a variety of prints from large to small scale, tone-on-tone and one or two multi-color pieces. If you have pre-fused fabrics, feel free to bring them. If you have fabrics with original surface design, or surface design samples from other workshops, feel free to bring them too.

  • 2 fat quarters solid color cotton fabrics or similarly sized scraps (light or medium value)
    Pick colors that coordinate with your fabric palette. This is fabric for surface design explorations.

  • 2 or 3 yards fusible webbing
    I use and recommend Wonder Under by Pellon or Misty Fuse. If you have fabric that already has fusible webbing applied, that’s great.

  • batting approximately 18x18”

  • rotary cutter, ruler and mat

  • scissors
    It’s good to have large fabric scissors, regular paper scissors and small scissors for embroidery.

  • freezer paper, approximately 1 yard

  • parchment paper, approximately 1 yard

  • 1 or 2 spouncers or stencil sponges

  • brushes
    A few paint brushes for mixing paint and basic application of paint to fabric.

  • 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.

  • 3 to 5 small bottles acrylic paint
    Include darks and lights to coordinate with your fabric palette. Craft store paint is fine. I like Folk Art Brand from Michaels.

  • 2 or 3 paper plates or similar to use as a paint palette and for mixing paint

  • 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.

  • small container for water

  • plastic trash bag to cover your work area
    Also an apron if you have one you like to wear when using paint

  • embroidery floss, pearl cotton or other embroidery threads
    Coordinate with your fabric palette, some darks and some lights. (6 to 8 skeins)

  • embroidery needle and thimble if you use one regularly

  • sketchbook, pen and pencil

  • iron and ironing surface (unless provided)

Optional

  • Additional fabric, paint or embroidery floss
    Feel free to bring additional prints or solid fabrics if you want to have more choices to work with. A few more bottles of paint and floss may also be nice to have. (It’s a balance between bringing enough to feel creative but not so much that you’re paralyzed by too many options. Whatever you bring, we’ll have a great time exploring possibilities.)

  • sewing machine and thread

  • Fabric markers
    Black Micron Pigma 08 is my favorite.

  • Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Journey in Fabric, Paint and Stitching by Deborah Boschert