Fabric Masterpiece

Your collage can be as big or small as you want. However, make sure that the aspect ratio remains constant so your picture looks right. For instance, the digital image of my Vardi painting was 507 pixels wide by 337 pixels high, making the aspect ratio 507/337 = approximately 1.5. Since I wanted my “painting” to be 45″ wide to fit on my wall, my canvas needed to be 45″ wide by 30″ high, to keep the aspect ratio the same (45/30 = 1.5).

Once you’ve calculated your dimensions, measure them out on the foamboard and posterboard with a ruler, then cut them to size using the X-Acto knife. If the posterboard is not big enough, use the masking tape to tape 2 or 3 pieces together. I wanted to create 3 layers — the background, the yellow halo background, and the musicians themselves — so I repeated the posterboard sizing 3 times. The decision to use layers is up to you.

Using masking or duct tape, tape your posterboard “canvas” to a wall. Then connect your computer to the projector, and project your digital image onto the posterboard. You will need to adjust the distance of the projector to ensure that your image fits perfectly onto the posterboard. In addition, be sure the projector is not tilted, or the image will be distorted.

Using a Sharpie, trace the projected painting image onto the posterboard. Your tracing marks will be used as a guide for cutting out shapes, and later for yarn placement in details such as the violin and cello on my Vardi piece.

Because I used 3 layers, I traced only the background on the first posterboard piece, then the halo backgrounds on the second piece, and finally, the musicians themselves on the third. Use your own stylistic judgment in places that seem ambiguous. For example, on the background layer, I connected lines that were covered up by the musicians, and I left out some of the lines that were not necessary on the cello. After all, this is your rendition.

Using scissors, cut along your trace lines to create patterns for your fabric. Because you’ll be using each pattern piece for a different fabric, take care not to create pieces too small for the fabric to wrap around. For smaller details, such as those on the musicians’ eyes, leave them intact for yarn detailing later.

For each cutout pattern, choose your desired color/texture of fabric, place it upside-down on your work surface, then place the pattern face down on the fabric, using double-stick tape to keep it in place. Trace a border on the fabric approximately 1⁄2″ inch beyond the pattern on all sides and cut out the fabric piece.

Note: to prevent confusion, you may want to make a note of which color fabric you’ll use on the back of each piece.

Place the fabric-covered pattern pieces on the foamboard canvas to assemble your painting. Because the fabrics have different thicknesses, there may be small gaps or slight overlapping when you put the pieces back together. Don’t worry! The small flaws will be covered when you border the pieces with yarn, etc. Just be sure that the outside edges of the painting pieces are in line with the foamboard as much as possible.

When you’re satisfied with how your pieces fit together, use the fabric/craft glue to attach the pieces to the foamboard. Once they are glued down, place something heavy on each piece to keep it flat as the glue dries. If there are layers to your picture, be sure the bottom layer is completely dry before gluing the next layer on. Let the whole thing dry for at least 24 hours before continuing.

For the borders of your fabric pieces, use the small paintbrush to paint a tiny line of fabric glue around the edges of your patterns. Then, carefully place the yarn or other border along the glue line to secure it in place. I used regular black yarn for the musicians and instruments, and a fancier black cable border for the background pieces.

Note: you can buy cable, lace, and other fabric borders by the yard at any fabric store.

For the details, first examine the piece for any black marker lines that can be seen through the fabric. If you can see them, then use those lines as a guide to paint your fabric glue. If you can’t, you may need to project the digital image on your piece again to trace the details onto the fabric before you paint the glue line. Then place the yarn along the glue design, using the stick pins to help with placement as necessary. Once the glue has dried just enough for the yarn to stay in place, take out the stick pins and, if needed, place a heavy object on the designs to keep them flat as they dry.

A beautiful frame not only adds a stylish and professional touch to your fabric painting, it also keeps the foamboard from warping and provides an easy way to hang your piece. If you can find the correct size frame, simply mount the piece as you would any picture.

If this is not possible, as in my case, take it to a framing shop to have it custom framed. Price depends on size and type of frame. I had mine framed at Michaels for about $80.

Now it’s time to enjoy your results. Not only have you recreated your favorite painting into your own masterpiece, but you’ve also been able to customize the size, colors, and texture to fit perfectly, in both your home and your budget. And it was fun.