An inspiring look into the world of creative textile-making, illustrated with beautiful textile pieces. This inspiring book guides the reader through Deborah's creative and inventive textile work: from painting fabrics and building textures to embellishing with hand and machine stitching. This book contains a wealth of inspiration for any textile artist, showing them how to create gorgeous, textured pieces of art.

Piece dazzling diamond and gorgeous gemstone quilts Add dimension and luminosity to your quilts with gorgeous gemstone piecing! Learn the basics of abstraction and color theory as you piece stunning works of art with gem quilt expert MJ Kinman. After years of perfecting her technique, Kinman explains freezer paper piecing in brilliant detail with jewel quilting ideas to help you express your own creativity. Get helpful advice on fabric selection and quilting patterns to illuminate each cut. A sample gem quilt pattern helps you practice as you follow along step by step. Then find your own muse and bring any gemstone to life in exquisite detail. Just as gems can sparkle and glow in a million different ways, you’ll be inspired by the author’s work and a gallery of student quilts to help you let go of perfection and embrace the chaos of color and light. Shine on! Learn to create freezer-paper patterns for your own gemstone quilts Build skills as you sew a sample diamond quilt top, with step-by-step instructions See a gallery of ground-breaking jewel quilts from the author and her students

Begin an exhilarating journey into the world of drawing and painting with thread and your sewing machine. Thread sketching is a fascinating craft - but where do you begin? This fully revised and illustrated Second Edition of 'Creative Thread Sketching' guides you through everything you need to know. From equipment and tools, fabric selection and setting up your sewing machine, to free motion stitching techniques and problem-solving, this friendly guide shows you how to put all the pieces together. Learn how to create a wide variety of stunning stitched textile art for your home or friends. Popular textile artist, author and blogger Deborah Wirsu includes six free, illustrated projects to help get you started with this comprehensive introduction to creating stunning textile art using fabric, thread, and a domestic sewing machine.

How to get from "start" to "art" Make treasured art quilts from bits of cloth, stitched motifs, and painted details. Dip your toes into the world of art quilting with mixed-media techniques, practice exercises, checklists, and work-along projects presented using 8 design guides. This visual, step-by-step guide will help you unlock your own artistic vision as you quilt in a series, finish small art pieces, and incorporate meaningful symbols into your work. • Tap into your creative muse! Art quilt inspiration, techniques, and checklists presented in 8 easy-to-use design guides • Uncomplicated, visual guide to fabric collage with practice pieces to help you gain expertise • Tell your own artistic story with colors, materials, and beloved symbols

How do you "Quilt a Face?" How do you bring your favorite people to life with fabric? Fabric portrait artists and teachers, Phyllis Cullen and Cindy Richard, show you how to create amazing, true-to-life portraits! "It's All About the Face" was born when the authors realized there was little available instruction about how to quilt faces. Having taught the subject for years, they decided to collaborate. Capturing the essence of a subject is the goal. Phyllis and Cindy have applied the rules of fine art to quilting faces. The book offers in-depth direction - even if you cannot draw, have never taken an art class or even a sewing class. Using large, full color, detailed images as examples, the authors lead the reader step by step through the process of: - Composing a portrait so it tells a story and WOWS the viewer - Using digital technology to reveal the values in every face - Selecting fabrics - Creating a totally recognizable fabric collage - Quilting your masterpiece by following anatomical contours The authors offer tips about lighting, taking reference photos, and photographing your finished quilts. They make recommendations about needles, thread, surface design, and even how to please the judges! Finally, Phyllis, who is also a doctor, touches on ways to keep your hands healthy. Cindy and Phyllis want you to succeed! They offer classes and workshops to support the book and stand ready to answer your questions and help you with your projects. They feel confident that anyone who follows their instructions will get a great start on the fascinating journey that is "All About the Face!"

“Do away with patterns and embrace your creative spirit with this vibrant and fun book.” —Quilting Arts With simple design principles, you can create unique improvisational quilts. Without using patterns, learn five easy piecing techniques for your improvisational toolbox (including circles, blocks, and strips), and watch the art unfold before your eyes. Focus on color combos and negative space to discover your personal style—and then add dazzling texture with free-motion quilting. Also included is information on hanging finished art quilts without a sleeve, plus tried and true improv tips to encourage creative play.