Graphic Landscape Fabric Collage Workshop

Design an original landscape collage using graphic shapes. Learn composition tips and new ways to think about principles of design. Create detail and add texture with hand embroidery and machine stitching. Plus, we’ll look at lots of examples of how other artists have created unique landscapes.

Supplies

  • four pieces of fabric approximately 18x11” (fat eighths are fine)
    Tone-on-tone and small scale prints works best. The four fabrics should work well together and vary in value.

  • three to five additional fabrics approximately 8x8” or similar scraps
    Pick fabrics that coordinate with the other four fabrics, consider a pop of color contrast, fabrics with flowers or animals that could be fussy cut to include in the landscape. A stripe can be a great option.

    Ideally, all your fabrics have fusible webbing applied to the back before the workshop. Follow the instructions in this video for fusing your fabrics ahead of time.

  • fusible webbing, approximately 3 1/2 to 4 yards (if you haven’t fused your fabrics before the workshop)
    I only use and recommend Wonder Under and Misty Fuse. (Wonder Under is paper backed and easier to manage for new fusers.)

  • iron and ironing surface

  • parchment paper, about 1 yard

  • batting
    Approximately 18 x 18” (Optional: Bring two 18x18” pieces if you’d like to design two complementary landscapes.)

  • your favorite pen for marking fabric and/or chalk pencil

  • 3 to 4 skeins of embroidery floss and/or perle cotton
    Chose both darks and lights that coordinate with your fabrics. If you’re purchasing a kit, bring 5 or 6 skeins in colors you love. We’ll make it work.

  • embroidery needle

  • scissors, large and small

  • rotary cutter, mat and ruler

  • thimble, stitching glasses and needle threader if you normally use them

  • sketch book and pen or pencil

  • fabric and fusible for backing, 18x18” (or you can add this at home later)

Optional

  • sewing machine  

  • Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Journey in Fabric, Paint and Stitching by Deborah Boschert

  • Additional fabric and embroidery floss
    Feel free to bring additional fabric if you want to have more choices to work with — especially if you have a stashed a pre-fused fabric. This is a great workshop to use those pre-fused scrapes. Additional hand embroidery threads may also be nice to have. (It’s a balance between bringing enough to feel creative but not so much that you’re paralyzed by too many options. Whatever you bring, we’ll have a great time exploring possibilities.)