Let’s Paint Fabric!

Have you ever had a day when your plans fly right out the window? That's what happened for this LIVE stream! I was prepared to create some pretty snowflakes and the closer I got to 2pm Eastern, the less I was feeling it. I've learned when that happens, I need to listen to my MUSE and follow her lead.

So, I scrapped my intended project and pulled out some fabric to paint. I love having my own painted fabrics ready for all kinds of projects. 

I began with heavy weight muslin that I purchased at a local craft store. It's smooth off white muslin labeled “heavy weight.” I love it so much that I always buy at least 5 yards at a time! I usually tear it down to smaller and more manageable pieces that fit easily on my table.

I love using Cedar Canyon Rubbing Plates for lots of creative purposes. I started the first layer by placing a couple of the Leaves Rubbing Plates under the muslin and rubbed over them with inexpensive Oil Pastels. I also used the Op Art Rubbing Plates, too. Next, I used an old plastic card to scrape thin layers of Dylusions Paints around the fabric. The wide mouth Dylusions containers make it so easy to use a card!

I love using my Dots and Stripes Brayers with acrylic paint to add some visual texture.

To fill in the background, I thinned 3 different colors of Lumiere Paint (which has a beautiful shimmer!) and painted the entire fabric and allowed it to dry.

The second fabric had a head start from a previous monoprinting session. I used some print plates that I created with foam shapes onto which I brayered acrylic paint and stamped the fabric. (I always look for commercially made foam stamps at thrift stores and garage sales, too. Some of my favorites have come from the strangest places!)

Found objects make great stamping tools, too. I like using old cardboard tubes and any plastic tube that has interesting shapes on the ends.

It's easy to add large patterns (like spirals) around the fabric by using either Sharpie Stained Markers or FineLine Bottles filled with fluid paints. Remember to vary the scale of your designs when creating your own fabric.

It's fun having a couple of new fabric designs to add to my stash!

Click the images below to see some of the details.

If you create your own fabrics and would like to share them, tweet photos @BarbOwenDesigns. I love to share what you do with my followers!

I'll see you again LIVE! next Friday at 2pm Eastern for more creative fun.

Until then ~ 

Remember to Get Creative today! It's Easy!

Barb