One of my favorite things about quilting is that there really are no rules when it comes to being creative. Over the years, I’ve found myself reaching beyond traditional fabric and thread and picking up something else I love—paint!
Painting on fabric has completely changed the way I look at quilting.
I love starting with a simple piece of fabric and watching it transform with watercolor, acrylics, fabric paints, Inktense, airbrushing, or whatever medium happens to inspire me that day. Sometimes I have a plan, and sometimes I just start painting and see where it takes me. Those are often my favorite projects!
What I especially love is what happens when the painting and quilting come together. Paint creates the color, shadows and little details, while thread adds another layer of texture and movement. Once the quilting begins, a painted piece of fabric can suddenly come alive.
And it doesn’t have to be perfect.
In fact, I think some of the most interesting art happens when we stop worrying about doing things the “right” way. A brushstroke that wanders outside the line, colors that blend unexpectedly, or stitching that takes an unplanned turn can become part of what makes the finished piece uniquely ours.
For me, painting on fabric is really about combining two things I love ~ art and quilting ~ and giving myself permission to experiment.
If you’ve never tried painting on fabric before, grab a scrap of fabric, a brush and a little paint and just play. You don't have to make a masterpiece. You don't even have to know what you're making when you start.
Sometimes the best part of creating is simply asking yourself…
“What happens if I try this?”
Happy creating!
Lisa Capen