I have this collection of fabrics with a French theme that are begging to be made into something. My thought is to make them into a pieced background, and then add a collage applique. I haven’t yet decided how to cut them up, what size to make the squares, or rectangles, or maybe use a variety of sizes and shapes to make it more interesting.
With all the pink in one of the prints, it seemed logical to select pinks as the collage color for the applique. In watching some videos on how to do this, I learned that one of the first things for beginners is to find a photo of what you want to make. The point was made that the photo must be one copyright free, or one that the artist owns. I have a photo I took of a rose that I wanted to use, so I printed it out and began working on a pattern.
I drew it by tracing onto freezer paper to make templates for cutting fabric. The green fabric was easy to find in the stash.
Parchment paper was put on another freezer paper drawn pattern. Then I arranged the rest of the petal templates on the top to help decide what the colors should be. I marked some lines for dark areas.
A trip to the fabric store was needed to find the shading colors. I was looking for an ombre fabric, but no one had any in red to pink. I did find this, and thought it would work well. It has light and dark areas, and I thought by arranging the templates carefully, I could get the shading I wanted like the photo shows.
Referring to the photo, I placed templates on the fabric.
Originally, I thought to make the rose white. But auditioning what I had wasn’t producing a good result. The white fabrics just stick out. If I make all the petals white, there is no definition.
I tried making more of them white, but that didn’t look good either.
I cut more pink/red, and substituted this in for the larger white pieces. Now the white is just a highlight. But, I lost the definition between some of the petals.
So, the highlight white is replaced with a dark red for shadowing.
The white in the very center now looks out of place, so it got a pink bit.
All these videos make this look so easy, and it is NOT. The hosts just say, put a piece here or there, put a lighter one where your light is reflecting, put a darker one where you have a shadow. I finally found one where the host went into more detail on analyzing your photo for these areas, and drawing a simplified pattern. What I am showing you today took me days to do, playing with light and shadow, cutting and re-cutting petal pieces, making a change then standing back to see if it worked, getting frustrated and setting it aside for a while. From a bit of distance, it is looking better, but I see I still need more shadowing around the petals at the top of the flower to define those petal shapes. At least it is recognizable as a flower, although it doesn’t really read as a rose.
Yesterday, I cut more deep red and added some extra bits between the petals. I will let it marinate for a bit, and decide if I need any more shadowing.
It is a first attempt, so I’m not expecting it to be perfect. I like this technique, and I’ve ordered some Steam A Seam as it will hold with a bit of pressure before pressing it for a more permanent bond. Next is to figure out what to do with the French fabrics and sew the base.
Have you done fabric collage?
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From My Carolina Home 
You have a lot of patience! AIN’T NO WAY I would mess with something like that! It looks good and I think it definitely looks like a rose! Mary Anne
You’re moving in the right direction, using smaller pieces for shading. I’ve got a pattern to tackle myself and I noticed the entire thing is predominantly small pieces, i.e., even one lower petal was comprised of more than one piece.
You may have already done this, but I noticed that people who build collages from their dog’s photo always change the photo to black and white to note subtle shading.
I do the same with arranging quilt blocks to avoid pooling of shades.
It’s going to be beautiful when you’re finished!
My only attempt was in a class that used a kit with a pattern & pre-fused fabric so it was like doing paint by number. After a whole day I had completed about a 3″ section that looked nothing like the photo. You’re starting at ground zero & have accomplished a lot! The ‘time-lapse’ auditioning process was interesting to see.
Fabric collage is challenging but you’re on the right path. I use free motion embroidery for shading details and definition. I’m experimenting with glue stick. Steam a seam makes the piece very stiff.
You truly are a brave soul. But if anyone can pull it off I’ll have my bets on you..Good luck..Can’t wait to see how it comes out.
What a fantastic project. This is going to be lovely when you get it set the way you like it best. What a learning experience and an artistic experience. I have a friend who showed a project recently that she kept modifying because it felt too flat. She ended up using some paint sticks, some nicely applied beading to highlight areas. The background I might be inclined to create using a patchwork style; larger pieces, 2×3, up to 4×6 rectangles to contrast with the curves of the rose. Big enough pieces to “see Paris” in the fabric. Like brick pavers. Man, that was as artsy as I get on 1 cup of coffee. 🙂 I can’t wait to see where your special creativity takes you.
Good for you for trying something new that isn’t an easy technique! That fabric you chose is really pretty – I like the varigations that turn up in the flower. I agree about letting it marinate for awhile and then come back to see how you feel about it. I haven’t done any collage work, but have seen some amazing ones. It’s definitely worth a try!
Carole,
I can see where getting the mix of colors just right is challenging.
I saw a trunk show this last year of a quilter that specializes in collages. She did extensive thread painting on her collages.
Sending creative energy your way!
Jo Anne
Carole, that’s amazingly beautiful. I recently broke my arm so no sewing right now. However, I want to try this. Thanks for being so inspiring.
You’re doing a great job! I took a class with Susan Carlson and did a portrait of my son when he was about 5 or 6. She has a lot of information on her website about her technique. I also taught a class using Laura Heine’s patterns. There are so many different and interesting ways to do fabric collage.
I always enjoy hearing about the process!
I’ve never done this. Your rose is lovely but I think this would drive me nuts!
Carole. That looks like a ton of work. I think it will be great when you finish, but too much work for me. I want to have fun while I quilt! Keep us updated on progress.
Niki
It’s absolutely perfect! I think you should call Jackson Perkins and see if they will propagate one like this!!!!!!
You do like a challenge Carole and I think you are heading in the right direction. Keep playing and you will get to where you are happy with the result. There is the stitching to come which will enhance your piece too. Keeps things interesting when you try out new-to-you techniques. But you don’t know till you have a go!
Looking forward to the next update
Mary :))
I have never done a fabric collage before myself, and I appreciate that you are sharing your process of evaluating how it works. I can see such an improvement in where you started and where you are letting it marinate for a few days!
You did well for first try. I think these are beautiful especially the one with the cardinal. However too many little pieces for me.
Beverly
Hi Carole, well done on your persistence in creating your rose. It is shaping up well. I fancy trying some collage work along the way but have so much else going on with trying to use up my stash. Much of this has been donated to me for my charity comfort quilts so I feel duty bound to make good use of it. There is plenty of fun and creativity to be enjoyed in this work too. Thankyou for sharing your work, best wishes Judy
Wow, Carole! You did amazing especially for your first attempt. It looks wonderful!
Hmmmm……I’m mulling over options that I will love….
Louise
That is an amazing first attempt, with what I think is a difficult fabric because of the contrast, but maybe that actually makes it easier?
Fabric collage is way beyond my skills! I admire you jumping in!