Wednesday, June 13, 2012

How To Make Fabric Artist Trading Cards, Part II

We left off yesterday ironing the cut collage piece to the batik substrate:


Continue cutting 3 more small pieces from you fusible-backed collage piece.


And give the edges a wave effect . . .


. . . finishing up by ironing the fusible-backed collage pieces to your batik substrates. If you so desire, add a decorative stitch along the wavy edge of the collage pieces. If you like a more textured look to your piece, I'd like to suggest the look of AURIfil's Lana Wool 12 wt. Thread. There are many colors to choose from, and the wool will lend an artistic texture to your finished pieces!


All ATC's should include the name of your piece and your signature, plus any other information you wish to include, such as the date or a dedication of your design. You can sign them when you complete the project, but will need to include a backing for this purpose.

Prepare your backing by selecting a neutral fabric, then cut a strip from it that measures at least 3 1/2" x 10". Additionally, cut a piece of Heat 'n Bond this same size and iron to the back of the fabric strip.


Cut your fusible-backed fabric strip into 4 pieces, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and set aside.


 In order to give your ATC's stability, you'll want to add a light weight stabilizer between your top and the backing fabric, making a sandwich similar to how we sandwich a quilt.

Cut a strip of your light-weight stabilizer and a strip of Heat 'n Bond that measures 3 1/2" x 10". 


Iron the Heat 'n Bond to the stabilizer.


Cut your Heat 'n Bond/stabilizer strip into 4 pieces, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".


 Remove Heat 'n Bond paper from your stabilizer pieces to expose glue and place your collage on top; iron to bond together. Do this to each collage.


Now add the fusible-backed fabric strips: Remove Heat 'n Bond paper from the fusible-backed fabric strips you made earlier and iron the glue-side to the back of the stabilizer. Do this to each collage and trim, if needed.


Using a zig-zag or satin stitch, finish off the edges of your ATC's and sign the backs.


That's it! You've made your first set of Artist Trading Cards!

Everyday blessings,

Susan

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