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 .
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.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your "know how". Your "eye" and skill are so well developed and you create wonderful art.
ReplyDelete