DIRECTIONS
Paint the fi bers
- Create a painting board by covering the cardboard with
plastic. Tape the plastic fi rmly to the back of the board. - Wet the cheesecloth, ribbon, and lace. With masking
tape, tape the cheesecloth, silk ribbon, and lace onto the
painting board, spreading the fi bers fl at. - Using the transparent fabric paints, apply gradations of
color to the fi bers. Allow the fi bers to dry.
NOTE:I usually paint the cheesecloth a contrasting color
so it will stand out in the fi nal composition.
- Apply fabric stiffener to the lace using a brush. After it
dries, the painted lace can be trimmed to size, gathered
along the bottom edge, and shaped into coral or a sea fan.
Paint dimensional fi sh
- Trace or draw small fi sh onto a piece of PFD fabric.
Allow 2" or so between each fi sh. Vary the size and
shape of the fi sh, keeping the scale of the fi nished quilt
in mind. Apply fusible web to the back of the fabric to
stabilize it. - Paint the fi sh in a variety of colors. Allow to dry.
- Cut around one fi sh—with the painted fi sh centered in a
square and a portion of white fabric around it. Cut a piece
of moldable batting the same size. Repeat for more fi sh. - Fold the pressing sheet, book style, and place the fi sh
and moldable batting between the layers, and fuse.
While still warm, mold and shape the fi sh to add
dimension. After cooling, cut the fi sh more precisely
and then touch up the edges with fabric markers or
paint.
“Dreamy Reef” • 4½“Dreamy Reef” • 4½" x 6½"“D R f” 4½" " x 6½ "6½"