Creating Layers, Creating Abstract Art

I am often asked how I create designs for my more abstract work.  We all design differently, yet I have found that I have a preferred method.  I usually start with a concept, that can be a technique I want to try or an image I'd like to make.  So I move from an idea (the large overview) to details (the parts that go together). To kick the brain into over drive, I sometimes choose to work opposite my norm and start with the details then move to the larger idea.

My love for experimenting, adding different materials, and using different techniques can be seen in the majority of my fiber art work. I love to create depth and interest with layers when constructing and designing. 

Keep reading and you will find a mini tutorial about creating layers in an abstract piece.  Included are some experimentation with materials, and construction instructions, and a few design tips.  I hope you enjoy the mini tutorial, Creating Layers, Creating Abstract Art.

Materials
Shear silk, 5 by 7 inches
Batting 5 by 7 inches
Backing, cotton approximately 7 by 9 inches
Wine bottle tin tops, two or more
Thread, various colors and types
Nickle plated sequin pins
Fiber board, 5 x 7 inches
Fabric (any type), 8.5 by 11 inches
Misty fuse, 8.5 by 11 inches

Tools
Sewing machine, straight stitch
Straight pins
Ruler
Rotary Cutter
Scissors
Seam Riper
Iron
Teflon sheet or parchment paper

Layering Instructions

1. Remove the tin wrapping found on most wine bottles.  The tin adds color, texture and is easy to sewing through.  The sewn stitches create beautiful textures and movement.

# 1 & 2

2. Make a semi quilt sandwich by placing the batting on top of the backing material. Place the collected tin pieces on top of the batting in an interesting design.  The shapes I used were randomly torn pieces of tin.  I choose different colors of tin to create contrast between each shape. Once you have a pleasing design pin down the tin.  To hold the tin in place, I pin from one side to the other side.

# 3

3. Sew each tin shape down.  The larger the needle and the larger the stitch the more visible the created texture.  Once the shapes are secured onto the batting, create an other layer of texture by free motion sewing secondary lines.  In this piece, I stitched free flowing lines radiating from the tin circle shape to create a sense of movement.

# 4

4. Next, select a piece of shear silk and place it on top of your base layer of stitched tin and batting, creating a three layer quilt sandwich (backing, batting, and silk top).  For the top layer I choose silk organza which allowed the tin shapes to shadow through.  Then I echo stitched the radiating lines which were added at the third step in construction.  I also stitched around the tin shapes to enhance the shape and repeat the pattern.

# 5

5.  Use a seam riper to cut out sections of the stitched silk. This simple step creates an other visual layer and can be utilized to repeat shapes used in the design. Repetition in a piece is an important element which often helps to solidify the design.  You can create repetition through color, texture, shape and line. I am a switcher at heart and find this to be one of the most satisfying aspects of creating a piece.  Incorporating stitch into a design creates a subtle layer of texture, color and line.  While top stitching (quilting) may not pop as a design element, it is the thing that pulls a piece together artistically.  Details create interest. 

6. After you are satisfied with stitching, mount the completed work onto a 5 by 7 piece of fiber board. I cut the board to size and pin the complete piece starting from the center of the four parameters.

# 6 & 7

7. I finished my piece by attaching it to a background fabric which was fused onto a fabric wrapped artist canvas.  

Last Words
I am a stitcher at heart and find this to be one of the most satisfying aspects of creating a piece of work.  Incorporating stitch into a design creates a subtle layer of texture, color and line.  While top stitching (quilting) may not pop as a design element from a distance, it is the thing that pulls a piece together artistically.  Details create interest.   And the eye enjoys seeing something more as it moves in to have a closer look.

Keep layering, experimenting, creating and having fun!
If you have any questions, email them to rickieseifried@yahoo.com.