Treasured transfers

MATERIALS

Framed Image

photograph or

paper artwork

scissors

cotton duck fabric

iron

rubber band

4 stretcher strips

staple gun and staples

acrylic gel medium

1-inch paintbrush

picture-hanging

hardware (optional)

Pillow

pillow form

linen or cotton fabric

scissors

photograph or

paper artwork

iron

rubber band

trim or ribbon

glue gun

large piece of cardboard

sewing machine

thread to match fabric

Family photographs, artwork, poetry, antique cards-your own collected treasures contain endless ideas for making fabric art. Transforming paper images into woven ones offers a tactile pleasure too. Being able to run your fingers across the soft portraits of loved ones subtly brings them into the room with you, again and again.

A drawing or photograph transferred to fabric takes on a gentle focus and plays with light like fine art. You can stretch the transfers on a wooden frame for a simple effect, or sew them into accent pillows. (For a framed image, you can attach picture-hanging hardware, if desired, once the frame is prepared.) Other ideas include designing pockets for shirts or sweatshirts, incorporating the transfers into place mats or afghans, adding them to curtains or aprons.

To start, take your photos, cards, or artwork to a photocopy store. For under $20 (depending on the size) they will transfer your image in the size you request (up to 11 x 17 inches) onto the fabric you supply. Natural fabrics, such as cottons and linens, work best.

Whether you choose one project or several, your memento makeovers will add distinctive personal touches to your home, becoming not only the fruits of your (quick-and-easy) labor but also the fruits of your imagination.

Sandra Allen Lynn and Isie V Hanson

FOR FRAMED IMAGE

Step 1: CHOOSE a photo or paper artwork and determine what size you want the finished image to be. Cut a piece of cotton duck 18 inches wider and 18 inches deeper than the desired image size. Press and roll the fabric (to prevent wrinkling), securing with a rubber band for transporting. Instruct the photocopy store to color-copy the image at the size you desire onto the center of the fabric.

Step 2: USING stretcher strips, assemble a frame approximately 8 inches larger than the image size. Lay fabric, image side down, on a clean, flat surface. Center the frame over the image area. Stretch fabric over strips, and staple into place, beginning with one staple in the center of each side. Continue stretching and stapling the remaining fabric, tucking folds neatly at the corners.

Step 3: BRUSH acrylic gel medium on the front and sides of framed image. Allow gel medium to dry, and apply a second coat. This will protect the image and give the piece the look of a painting.

FOR PILLOW

Step 1: CHOOSE a pillow form and purchase enough linen or cotton fabric to cover the form plus 1/3 yard. Cut a piece of fabric 12 inches larger than the form for the front of the pillow. Press and roll the fabric, securing it with a rubber band for transporting. Instruct the photocopy store to color-copy your image at the size you desire onto the center of the fabric.

Step 2: CENTER the fabric with the transfer on the pillow form; cut fabric to fit the form plus /-inch seam allowance.

Step 3: LAY fabric flat, taping it to a cardboard surface, and hot-glue trim around the edges of the image.

Step 4: CUT a piece of fabric the same size as the front piece for the back of the pillow. (This includes 1/2-inch seam allowance.) Placing right sides together, sew front to back, leaving a 6-inch opening in the middle of one side. Insert pillow form, and stitch opening closed.

Note: Special permission is required to reproduce published material.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 1999
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved