Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Cicada Song

At my dye retreat in 2011 we experimented with some deconstructed silk screen 
prints. I have been looking for a way to use my prints. I started hand 
stitching around the colors with a single strand of embroidery floss.


Then I experimented with several direct transfer methods.


The most successful was a laser print – the kind with heated powder ink –
on high rag content letterhead paper. I transfered the print by applying Golden 
Soft Gel to the surface of the fabric. While the gel was still wet, I put the laser 
image face down on the fabric and rubbed to smooth out the air bubbles. 
After drying overnight, I wet the paper with water and when saturated, 
I rubbed the paper pulp from the print leaving the ink in the gel.

Here is a Website with video and instructions on 
“Direct Image Transfer” by Golden.

The cicada was a favorite of an old friend so I chose this vintage drawing.
I was inspired to try some freehand journaling by Deborah Boschert's 
blog here and here. Unlike Deborah, my writing is readable, 
at least to me. I wanted to explain my reason for the cicada.




"Cicada Song" 16 x 18"

I colored the cicada with Sharpie and added the organza 
leaf blades to pick up the red in the silk screen.


I'm still thinking about what to do next time.
I have lots more deconstructed silk screen prints.


2 comments:

Deborah Boschert said...

I just love this quilt. So many elements tied together so beautifully. That hand stitching is just lovely!

Carol C said...

How timely! I have a friend coming out tomorrow to learn to do image transfers, but I haven't tried on fabric! You continue to inspire me!