Completed project (above).

Purpose

For the class to experience collective action in an expression of artwork, to emphasize the concept of working with a common vision towards a common goal using the class' creative power. This project is particulary suited to Unit 2, Lesson 1 in Book 3.

Materials

Fabric, Fabric Paint, Scissors, Stencils & Stamps, Paintbrush, Toothbrush, Needle & Thread, Ruler. A sewing machine is helpful but not necessary.

Time Period

Some prework needs to be done by the project leader. During the Study Circle session the artwork should take about 1 hour to decorate.

Steps

1. The first step is to select fabric and fabric paint with colours that are
pleasing and harmonious to the theme of Unity. Yellows and greens were
chosen in the sample.

2. Cut the fabric in lengths of approximatley 6 inches by 48 inches. To make it
easy, I cut 4 lengths of light-coloured fabric for the artwork and 4 pieces
of darker fabric for an outside border.

3. Next, sew the four lighter pieces together lengthwise. You now have a large
rectangle. Arrange the darker pieces of fabric around the edges and sew into
place as a border.

4. The paint selection for the artwork was lemon yellow, golden, forest green,
light green and sky blue. (DSCN0004)Fabric paints are available at most
craft stores or over the internet. As an alternative you can purchase fabric painting
medium and add it to acrylics according to directions on the container of
medium. Note: regular acrylics or paint will not work, as the artwork will
crack and peel.

5. We used the stamps and stencil shown, leaves and flowers, applying paint
with sponges, when using the stencil. The leaves were connected and decorated freehand, brushes shown (children's old paintbox brushes). The hands can be done by applying the paint to hands and using your hands as a stamp. The quote was done free hand with a brush from a children's watercolour paintbox. The sewed lines served as a guide for lettering.

6. Note the toothbrush in the above photo. This was used as the final step to
give the piece a 'meadow' affect. Dabbed lightly into paint and then with the use of the thumb on the bristles, and held about a foot away from the artwork, sky blue
and light green paint is flicked randomly over the entire area.

7. An inexpensive quilted backing is sewed on. This helped give the artwork
support and dimension. Small stripes of extra fabric were used to make loops for hanging and a curtain rod to support the finished artwork for display. Other notions could be used as loops, such as cording.