Working With Paper

Before my surgery, I started a project using a technique from the June/July 2009 issue of Quilting Arts. Jill Kennedy described her process for creating an embellished and embroidered patchwork paper collage from construction paper, crayons, inks, iron on interfacing and Wonder-Under. she also created embellishments using a sewing machine. I just loved her finished pieces so had to try a few myself. I created the background, started embroidering and planning and sort of hit a wall. Then my friend Colleen gave me Stitch with the Embroiders' Guild June/July 2009 (this is the magazine from the UK) and on the cover was a lovely piece that used collage fabric for the background and had lots of dyed lace and freemotion embroidery. I have sooooo much dyed lace, I thought the paper fabric would make a great background for a purse. I don't know how sturdy it is, but I really love the way it turned out. Embellishments include dyed lace, sequins, machine made lace and flowers, beads, charms, and a dragonfly pin. the top edge and handle were made from pony beads threaded with tulle with thread scraps stuffing. I also added ribbon to the strap to give it strength. I just love it. Infact, I loved it so much, I made some more background "fabric" in green and constructed a "Casket". It is embellished with lace, sequins and beads. It is lined with hand painted and dyed fabric that I treated with Paverpol to stiffen it and give it body. The "handle" on top is also stiffened with Paverpol. All the lace was hand-dyed and guilded. Much of it was vintage - like the pink tatting on the front. The background fabric was machine embellished with lots of bobbin work. the hinge holding the top on is made with beads.



I loved making the background so much, I have started some that will look like metal - hopefully! - when it is completed. I think I will be using it for a mosaic type collage quilt.