Jan 2, 2012

Layout and Leaves

 I chose my fabric for the stems and fused two large strips of both light and dark.  Then I free cut the stems adding little points here and there found on the sunflower stem.  I fuse the dark to the light giving the stem a light and dark side.

 Here is how it looks on the quilt before quilting.

 I trace over my sketches just roughly so I know how large the sunflowers will be.  Now I can fuse and quilt my stems.

 Once the stems are finished I choose fabric for the leaves.  Some dark and some lighter.  I also add shadows with a dark fabric.  All the leaves are free cut with no drawing on the fusible.  I find this makes my leaves more realistic looking and not a perfectly balanced leaf.

I place the leaves on in different locations on the stems tucking them behind the 
paper sunflowers so I know exactly how they will look.  Then I fuse them down, remove the paper flowers and quilt them.  I return the quilt to the design wall and put the paper flowers back on to decide if I am satisfied with the layout, especially around the flowers.  

Tomorrow I will begin creating the flowers .

5 comments:

WoolenSails said...

I really love seeing your progress on this, and how you work the design. I have never had any art training, so I tend to go with folk art or naive. I like how you used the back shades for the stems. I have some fabrics like that, great idea to experiment with on other items too.

Debbie

Libby Fife said...

Looking good and I do love the process shots. I am always amazed that you just sort of eyeball the stuff and cut it out. Can't wait to see the flowers.

Sally said...

Thank you for showing us your progress. I want to do a series of tree projects this year and you've inspired me to start. Anxious to see your flowers.

Susan Turney said...

I LOVE that you're showing us how you design. Everyone has their own technique and it's fun to watch. I can't wait to see the flowers.

Nellie's Needles said...

Thanks for sharing your "know how". Your "eye" and skill are so well developed and you create wonderful art.

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