So glad to hear from people far and near who are interested in stitching/beading/following along with the leaves.
For mine I have decided to make 2 blocks of each leaf to eventually piece into a quilt. Representing each in green as well as their fall coloring and also common name and scientific name. Kinda nerdy but I like it. I painted my green leaf with a wash of Pebeo Setacolor Transparent fabric paint. I used that same green and also a bit of turmeric! in water for the yellow leaf. ( I have a hot iron handy to quick set the wet paint (or turmeric) so it doesn't bleed too much. Keep the iron moving or you will get steam marks in the color. Be warned this may transfer some color to your iron. ) For light colored paintable fabric your own repurposed (or thrifted) all cotton sheets make for some quality yardage and that's what I have used here.
This is the back of the green leaf showing the piece of flannel backing for stability. I like to just use a simple backstitch to embroider the line work.
I finished up the yellow leaf in between other things today. My back doesn't do well with lots of sitting so I have one of those sort of kneeling office chairs for computer work. This makes my lap not at all horizontal but Eva still insists on sitting on it sometimes - claws out of course to secure herself against the slope.
I am so excited to have some Indiana friends and neighbors along for the leaves. Please let me know if there's anything I can share or show you. I have everything on hand to get you started. Also, thanks to all who shared their links in the comments of the last post. It's very inspiring to see what everyone is working on.
Using Setacolor for your leaves worked out nicely! And no run off!! I'm impressed!!!
ReplyDeleteI painted these after I stitched them and the dk brown thread doesn't show the paint. The stitching definitely helped contain the paint. Also the hot iron right away to dry and set it before before it can move around too much. Thanks!
DeleteI love how you make your marks with such considered intent Susan
DeleteThank you, Mo! It's nice to really get to know each leaf this way.
Deletei will start with ivy i think.
ReplyDeleteHi Jude. So glad you are along too! Ivy sounds perfect, some wonderful possibilities with the vines.
DeleteLovely! I'm so inspired to try transparent paints. Have you ever tried thickeners to contain the paint?
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the thickener. Using less water gives more control and darker color but stiffens the fabric, so I just stick with the watercolor look.
DeleteHi Susan- I just thought I'd let you know something I discovered about Pebeo Setacolor paints...they will passively set on your fabric (no heat required) after sitting for a week. You can also set the fabric in a dryer (hot timed setting) for 50 minutes. Just make sure that the paint is completely dry on the fabric. If you do continue to iron to set, I suggest using another piece of cotton as a pressing cloth. I love your leaves!-Julie
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, thank you. I have done fun things with letting it sit as the paint then tends to migrate to the highest points of the fabric. The dryer option is nice too.
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