I have been in the midst of organizing and cleaning my studio (its been a while and desperately needs to be done!) and after lots of work I ended up with a GIGANTIC pile of fabric scraps. While I am pretty organized with all of my scraps- I tend to keep just about everything that is fabric and it was time to scale it down a little. I had the idea to use all those scraps to create wall art inspired by the vibe of my new book- Sew Wild so I made a BIG painting full of all my leftover scraps that had the look of a quilt but without the sewing.
I painted over an old painting that I had created a while ago on a huge piece of wood. Side note- I love painting on wood almost as much as I love painting on canvas.
Instead of using glue or gel medium (which definitely could be used) I actually used paint as my binder. This is something that I have been doing since college when I wanted to add collage elements to my paintings.
If you don't sew or don't have the time to sew this is a great way to create quilt inspired art without pulling the sewing machine out.
I used all kinds of scraps in different colors and patterns, scraps of my handmade fabric, leftover scraps from my latest book project, scraps of painted canvas, scraps of recycled fabric...scraps, scraps, lots and lots of fabric scraps (at least they are not taking up space in my studio).
Once the surface was completely covered I add swipes of white paint and some drizzles and drips here and there.
Why? Just because I love to add a little element of messy and because it felt like the right thing to do :)
The end result is a huge piece of art that looks like fiber.
Of course, once again this guy just couldn't stay out of a photo!
56 comments:
This is so beautiful, I would never think to do something like this.
I LOVE this piece!
Wow, that is freakin' amazing!
its like a sentimental wall quilt!
i love the first week of class btw !
Its so interesting to see what patterns make you happy... I am so drawn so color and shapes..they make my heart skip a beat when I see a pattern I love!
Have a great weekend!! I just KNOW you are going to have the coolest kid ever!!
xxoo
Vanessa Karin Johanning
gorgeous work, I love it.
Alisa,
What a fab thing to do, think it looks stunning thanks for sharing your technique.
Great idea!
Very nice! Great idea too.
I love this! I just bought that fabric in chartreuse for my living room pillows! I love that print!
http://alwaysamrsforeverakidd.blogspot.com
Fabulous idea! one day I might have that many fabric scraps, lol!
This is beautiful and such a cool idea. I may give it a go with LOADS of leftover, gorgeous papers I have.
Great tip to use paint for the base for adding inclusions to the collage.
The white drizzling and dripping just brings the whole piece together.
This is so BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
Ruth xo
Wow, this is stunning. And I really like the way you just used paint and didn't need to do all that stitching: great 'thinking out of the box'! and very inspirational.
I've just been sorting out my fabric scraps wondering what to do with some of them, this is a great idea!
Now that I could do, seeing as I just don't enjoy sewing! Thanks for the inspiration
So fantastic!!! <3
You are so clever. and it's beautiful, too.
Wow. I like your creative ways to think and do.
OMGosh Alisa...this is so fabulous!!!!
I am also in the process of cleaning out my studio and have so many fabric scraps..and I love them all. I hate to part with them and many are too small to really use.
This is PERFECT!!!!
Thank you..thank you
Janet xox
PS...If I do one and feature it on my blog (linking and crediting you of course) would you mind?
oooh- great idea!
wow... cool! Thanks!
oh my goodness. another cool, gorgeous project! you know, besides being incredibly talented, girlfriend, you really know how to use white in your work. very nice!
I couldn't even read to the bottom of your post before I started digging in my scrap bin! My heart is still racing...oh, yes, I finally read 'the rest of your story' and love your original art!
I am in love with this piece! It's so awesome and crafty!
Awesome idea!
xo
Cortnie
Fabulous!! BRilliant!! Wonderful INspired and so inspiring!!!!!
How is the baby bump???? Thinking of you!!!
Can't wait to get your new book!!!
Love the artwork! Thank you for sharing this technique.
I love how show us how to bring art into our homes!
Wow, this is so fantastic!
I'm gonna grab me some house paint and start working. Wonderful piece.
I absolutely love this and have never thought of making a quilt type canvas with my scraps. Your amazing. What a creative mind.
Hi there Alisa, wow this is brilliant. I love the idea that paint is used to bind the fabric to the canvas. I must remember to try this idea, some rooms need a pick me up. Thanks for sharing once again, Lesley
Hi! Your painting looks great! I love it.
Wow, I LOVE this! Never knew you could use housepaint as a binder. Will try that in a home project one day. Thanks for the tip!
Aw, your kitty looks like mine! Beautiful work.
Amazing! I love it!
I love painting/collage. I am finally getting up the nerve to actually do something on a canvas. I can't wait.
What a great project. I've been wanting to attempt something similar for awhile now.
oh what beautiful paintings!!!
wow!
xoxo
http://miss-philo.blogspot.com/
Thought id stop by and say hello. Richard from the Amish community of Lebanon,pa.
Love the big scrappy painting - great idea - I want to do one to.
Listen, love your blog and as a result I would like to provide a link to your post/site on crescendoh.com during my week as Guest Curator and wanted to check with you if that's okay. Please let me know. Thanks!
ow wow. i love it you are so talented its amazing xxx
wow I'm in LOVE with your blog
http://maffionista.blogspot.com/
This is beautiful. If I tried to do it it would look a mess. You certainly can put fabrics together. I love it!
I love it way to recycle!
I love it! Would be a great keepsake made with scraps of baby clothes! Thanks for sharing! Your site is a favorite! Kelly
I love it! Would be a great keepsake made with scraps of baby clothes! Thanks for sharing! Your site is a favorite! Kelly
OMG!!! I think this is the greatest idea...I lost my Dad 12 yrs. ago from a sudden massive heart attack...Mom still has everything left as he left it...and I took the last yr off from my professional art and life...to move into my Daddy's bedroom to help my Mom who was fighting cancers for 20 yrs. She and I were closer than anyone could ever get...and when she needed me to be here 24/7, I dropped everything and was her nurse for over a year watching her waste away and die a slow and painful death at home with me. We had Hospice, but no Critical Care nurses were availableand they set up a hospital room in our living room...it was the worst yr of my life yet the best gift I was ever given...we loved and said everything we ever needed to say and she told me what she wanted done with her funeral and I actually did her make-up...she was 60lbs when she passed. I will never be the same person, but hopefully a better person...in many ways. But anyhoo, I wanted to have someone make some quilts and coverlets out of their clothing for me and my brother...And this idea ..I could do myself..and still have the pieces made. What a wonderful feeling...I lost her on June 3rd...this will be a wonderful therapy for me!!! God Bless...Suzi
goodness, i just love all your big canvas pieces. definitely going to have to try this one.
Wow, there is really much useful info here!
Thanks for putting together this beautiful big tutorial!
I have included it in a list of 22 things to make for men and anyone!!
You can see the list here....
http://allysonadeney.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/22-handmade-gifts-for-men-or-anyone-really-with-tutorials/
... if you like.
Thanks again.
Ally on harrysdesk.
Great blog article about this topic, I have been lately in your blog once or twice now. I just wanted to say my thanks for the information provided here.
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but no Critical Care nurses were availableand they set up a hospital room in our living room...it was the worst yr of my life yet the best gift I was ever given.
I am just catching up but holy crapoly, that sounds like an awesome tailgate! I have to say - they aren't all that amazing. Deep fried Prime Rib? My god. Thank you for providing this information.
I have been lately in your blog once or twice now. I just wanted to say my thanks for the information provided here.
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