Instead of searching high and low for perfect landscape fabrics, make them yourself! Landscape quilter Mickey Lawler has painted over 45 thousand yards of fabric and she shares her tips and tricks for success in this fun class. Begin by learning to mix the paints and move right into painting beautiful skies and water. Make texture-rich sun and sand prints and manipulate fabric to create interesting one-of-a-kind backgrounds for your projects. Mickey shows how to make bricks and then provides a bonus piece that combines many of the techniques presented in the class. You can begin with a minimal number of supplies and make your own landscape fabrics like a pro—even if you’ve never painted before!
Course Curriculum
LIST PDF
Fabric
- 2-3 yd. white prepared for dyeing (PFD) 100% cotton
Paint
- Note: Use transparent fabric paint in the following colors: (I recommend Jacquard or Pro Chemical and Dye transparent paints.)
- - cool blue, warm blue, yellow, orange, cool red, violet, green, black, pearlescent gold, and pearlescent white
Brushes
- (4) 2" natural bristle brushes
- (2) 1" sponge brushes
Other Supplies
- 3"-5" natural sponge
- Coarse kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- Contact paper or plastic sheeting
- (3-4) 20" x 30", 3/16" to 1/4" thick foam core boards
- (10-15) paint containers, half-pint size
- (2) paint containers large enough to accommodate the natural sponge
- (10) plastic cosmetic bottles with twist tops
- Plastic plant mister or spray bottle, holds at least 16 ounces of water
Optional
- Hair dryer with diffuser
- High wattage light or grow light
- Rubber gloves
- Ironing Surface
- Purchase a Complete Fabric Painting Starter Kit and eliminate shopping for many of the items listed above. Found at www.skydyes.com. Each kit includes:
- (4) bristle brushes
- (1) natural sponge
- (10) paints in twist-top bottles
- (2) sponge brushes
- (2) yd. cotton broadcloth ready for painting
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What can I do with these fabrics once they’re painted?They can be used for all sorts of landscapes or you can focus on one area and use only that part in a project. Also, they can be cut up and pieced back together for an entirely different look. Mickey shows numerous techniques in the class and then offers a bonus lesson on painting a seascape. Once you’ve painted your own fabulous landscape pieces, you’ll be inspired to use them in many creative ways!
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Will I need to invest in a lot of supplies?You can start with as few as eight to eleven colors of paint. Use prepared for dyeing (PFD) fabric, some wide brushes, a few other necessities, and that’s it! You’ll enjoy the creativity of this class so much that the investment in supplies will pay for itself because you’ll use them again and again once you’ve learned the technique.
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What is the difference between this method and dyeing my own fabric?Dyes form a chemical bond with the fabric so you’ll see color on both sides of the finished product. Paints sit on the surface of the fibers with less bleeding to the back of the piece. Mickey’s painting method produces the painted front surface and also the back with softer hues. You can use either the front or the back depending on your project needs.
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What if I have questions?We recommend that you watch the class in its entirety and become familiar with the downloadable materials. At that point, if something is unclear, go to the tab that allows you to ask a question and Mickey will get back with you via email. Please do not contact iquilt instructors by telephone.
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When can I start the class?We know you are excited to get started. After you have purchased the class, you can enjoy it anywhere and anytime you have the Internet. The class belongs to you, so watch it as many times as you like!
Instructor Gallery
Student Gallery
Elaine Skinner – :
Linda Dowd – :
Sue Fyfe – :
Diana Schimmenti – :
Trish Hodge – :
Vicki Knepp – :
Elaine Armenta – :