Tips on choosing a photo
for this technique- Use a photo with no background clutter. A neutral background
is best. - Avoid fussy clothing, eye glasses, elaborate jewelry, and full,
toothy smiles—this helps keep the design simple. - In the photo, the facial features, body position, and hair are most
important. - Last but not least—always use a copyright-free photo or your
own image for your work. If you are using someone else’s photo,
get permission before you start.
DIRECTIONS
- Print a black-and-white copy
of the photo. Enlarge it to the
desired size of your fi nished
quilt. This will become the
working copy of the design. - Using a medium tip black
permanent marker, begin
outlining the shapes. Pay
particular attention to the hair/
hair strands (part, curls, etc.)
but ignore fussy details. Keep
it simple. Continue outlining
and defi ning facial features and
clothing. Vary the width of the
marker lines for interest. Facial
features/hair wisps can be as
narrow^1 ⁄ 8 ".
TIP: Consider leaving some areas
completely black such as the body/
clothing. If you do not do this, the
portrait will appear more coloring book-
like than Pop Art style. - When the photo is successfully
separated into a line drawing,
redraw the image on lightweight
paper using a lightbox and the
same black permanent marker.
This second image allows for
better visibility when creating
appliqué templates. Mark
the outer edge of the paper
“FRONT.” Flip the drawing over
and redraw the design in reverse
for raw-edge fused appliqué.
Mark “REVERSE” on the outer
edge on this side of the paper to
not mix up the mirror images for
the appliqué templates.
NOTE: The black drawn lines will
be the appliqué templates (positive
space) and the background, hair,
face, neck, and possible clothing
will utilize fun, colorful fabrics
(negative space).Laurie began
her quilt
design with
this photo of
Caleb.
Photo courtesy
of the artist
Ti h i h t