Creating Heavily Embellished Fabric Art

I’d mainly thought of using buttons, bows and beads as decorative embellishments, scattered across a quilt or hanging, even a postcard, in light array. However, a major attraction in quilt art these days is heavily embellished or encrusted fabric art.

Image: sxc.hu

In these cases, the fabric may be patched or appliquéd. Or it might be a while cloth piece. These items, then, are heavily decorated with buttons, beads, bows, soda can rings, charms, keys, even small toys until no fabric is visible.

To become recognized in this field, the fabric/fiber artist usually develops a distinctive style or is noted for a particular type of embellishment. She may gravitate toward specific colors, use traditional or original designs, utilize certain types of buttons or beads. As you experiment with embellishing your art, you’ll gradually find your own style.

Frances Holliday Alford is one of the recognized experts in this field and her work is featured in the recent Quilting Arts Embellishments e-mail newsletter.