Monday, January 06, 2014

Making the Trees

To make the trees I first trace the tree drawing onto the release paper from the Wonder-Under, which is so wonderfully all-purpose. Then the tree shape is cut out. Next I apply bits of fused fabric to the cut-out, fusing and trimming them to fit. 

The tree shape is placed on the pattern again, since I need more 'trunk' and need another scrap of release paper to trace that part.

The trunk shape will be cut out, covered with more fabric bits and trimmed, then fused to the rest of the tree.
 I am using scraps for the trees, and this is the back side, fused side up, showing how the excess will be cut away from the trunk shape.
The tree is then positioned on the background and fused lightly in place. The limbs are 'stubby' and will have more slender extensions added. Those will be cut directly, no tracing needed.
Here the thinner branches are added. Some trimming will be done before the final fusing. Care is taken to ensure proper contrast with the background, so the tree doesn't disappear!
This is all very fiddly, cutting and trimming skinny little bits, so a tweezer is used to handle and place the fine pieces in just the right spot. Reminder: the whole background is fused to a large teflon sheet, so I can fuse away without anything sticking to my worktable.


10 comments:

  1. This is fabulous, Mel! I love the process, and your design/colors are beautiful! It's been awhile since I did a fused project... I'm starting to get inspiration to see what I can come up with... thanks! And stay warm...

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  2. Nice tutorial! Love your trees.

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  3. Great tutorial and I just adore your colours

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  4. I am making trees too
    I call them elbow trees and will share the link when i am farther along

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  5. This quilt is radiant! I can't wait to see how you finish the quilt. I know I am going to love it!

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  6. thanks for sharing your process. Your quilts are fabulous and really enjoy reading your blog.

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  7. This is looking good!

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  8. Your work is so amazing! The colors are incredibly vibrant. Thanks so much for showing / explaining the process in such a clear fashion.

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  9. Wonderful trees, wonderful colors.

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