The Printed Fabric Bee: My Old World Map Fabric

Finally, my Old World Map fabric is complete. This month's theme from Queen Bee, Lisa Chin, was a tough one but that's part of the fun of being a member of The Printed Fabric Bee! Challenges str..et..ch you!

Since Lisa had requested the colors of old maps, I knew that my color palette would be a toned-down one. I started with some tea-dyed fabric. For my first layer I decided to do a flour paste resist. I knew that the crackle designs would age the fabric and make an interesting background texture.

I spread a layer of flour paste across the fabric.

After the paste dried, I manipulated the fabric to form small cracks and then painted over the resist. The paint seeped into the cracks.

After setting the paint and removing the resist, this is what the background looked like.

For the next layer, I wanted to give the impression of land and water. I tore freezer paper masks and ironed them to the fabric.

I applied two different colors of diluted transparent fabric paint over the masks and let them dry. The painted mixed under the paper for some color gradations.

I decided to design and carve a Speedball Speedy Carve print block based on a compass rose design.

I like how the design forms a grid (like a map) and you can still see through to the layers below.

To give the compass rose design a little more definition, I created a stencil out of packing tape (you can read more about how to make one of these stencils in this issue of my online newsletter, Julie B Booth Surface Design News).

Here is the 6" square that is part of the fabric giveaway.

Here again in the mosaic of designs by other members of The Printed Fabric Bee.

To join in on the giveaway, leave a comment at The Printed Fabric Bee blog or Lisa Chin's blog. Lisa will be announcing the winner on January 16th. Good luck!!