Fun and Fast Fabric Book
Date: Friday, August 27, 2004
Time: 6pm - 10pm
Instructor: Lisa Engelbrecht
Cost: $45

In this class the artist will create a fabric book that will introduce lettering on fabric. There is no sewing required!

Writing on fabric is easier than writing on paper and affords many creative opportunities. Texture and color will present many possibilities for the lettering artist.

Backgrounds will be created using various techniques, including washes, tie dye and stencil. Combining these washes and fabric textures with lettering will be the next step. Various permanent and acrylic media will be tested for lettering using traditional and non-traditional calligraphic tools.

Simultaneously a theme will be developed for the text of the book using color, texture and lettering. Fabric textures could be introduced including lace, crushed velvet and lame. Constant emphasis will be placed on design of the pages individually and as a whole and writing from the heart.

The pages of the book will be ‘sewn' together using fusible bond all the while mindful of the flow of color and texture as the book pages are developed the lettering artist will ‘bind' the book with beads and buttons. (This is the only sewing!)

If time permits the artist will adorn and embellish the book if warranted with beads , stitchery and trim.

The student will be most successful if he or she has basic knowledge of one or two styles of writing, although all levels would enjoy this class.

There will be a $6 materials fee payable to the instructor at class time to include inks to try, pen nibs, metallic powders and misc. supplies.

Supply List:

- Muslin or Canvas - For your book pages I would suggest a bit heavier muslin or lightweight canvas (100% cotton). You will need 6-12 pieces cut the same size that are around 6” X 8” to 12” X 12”, depending on how big you want your book to be(this will be about a yard). You will also need 2 pieces cut a little larger than two times the width of your pages and just a little taller to cover the pages when finished. These two pieces will be the cover and the inside cover of the book, so they could be different from each other.

- Scraps of different textures of materials for collage.

- Floss, Cord, ribbon or heavy thread to bind your book.

- Needle big enough to accommodate your binding thread.

- Charms, Beads, amulets that go with the theme of your book (anything relatively flat can be included in your book).

- Zig Calligraphy pen, a couple of colors -I will demo simple calligraphy letters for your book.

- Micron or Sharpie monoline marker (single point)

- Disappearing Ink Fabric marker - fabric stores have this.

- Ruler

- Metallic thread

- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter (cutting mat if bringing rotary cutter).

- Straight pins

- Optional - buttons and/or beads - 4-10.

Think about a theme for your book - perhaps gather some quotes, photos

or memories you may include inside with your lettering. I will demonstrate photo transfer to fabric and lettering with acrylic inks. Be outrageous when you think of what you want this book to be about. Make it your own - what do you love? Perhaps a book about a trip to France, Elvis, favorite 70's songs, your ancestors (you could make up a colorful history and use pictures from the antique mall). Picking a theme will help you choose colors, textures and quotes. If you live nearby please bring an iron and press cloth.

Think about a theme for your book - perhaps gather some quotes, photos or memories you may include inside with your lettering. I will demonstrate photo transfer to fabric. Be outrageous when you think of what you want this book to be about - Make it your own - what do you love? A book about a trip to France, Elvis, Favorite 70's songs, Your ancestors ( you could make up a colorful history and use pictures from the antique mall). Picking a theme will help you choose colors, textures and quotes.

If you live nearby please bring an iron and press cloth

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