Your cherished pet remembered in fabric and thread

Your cherished pet remembered in fabric and thread
By commission . Tabby cat thread painted and quilted.

Tabby cat detail

Boxer - $250. Dyed & painted wool on quilted cotton, 17" x 13" © Martha Tabis 2010

Boston Terrier, $250. Painted wool, quilted cotton, ribbon, tissue lame, 15" x 12"

By commission, thread-painted and quilted, $475, 12" X 15" © Martha Tabis 2010

By commission $475, thread-painted & quilted, 12" X 15" © Martha Tabis 2010

Tabby Cat, painted wool on quilted fabrics, 12" X 15" © Martha Tabis 2010. Donated to Cat Guardians shelter.

By commission, painted wool on quilted fabric, $415, 12" X 15" © Martha Tabis 2010

By commission, painted wool on quilted fabric, $415, 12" X 15" © Martha Tabis 2010

Background ready to stitch

Create a Background - Step 4

Cutting out the portrait using photo as pattern - Step 3

Use your pet's photo to make a pattern - Step 2

How To Make A Pet Portrait - Step 1

Monday, March 22, 2010

How To Make A Pet Portrait - Step 1

Choose a photo of your pet that makes you happy. Wiley, the Boston terrier, looked up at me with a look that said, "Love me!" His expression was not a perfect "portrait" shot, but rather an expression of his intense, give-me-attention-now! presence. This photo ALWAYS made me laugh, hence my choice for a portrait.

Audition your photos on your design wall, a must for every art quilter. Crop and enlarge the photo to the size you plan to use in your art quilt. I crop closely to show the most facial detail on my 8.5x11" piece of real estate.

Pictured here are two photos of Rocky, my pug, on the right in a portrait-type shot, and on the left with his head cocked, bandana on, and one snaggle-tooth curling his lip..much more character in this shot, and IT MAKES ME LAUGH so I chose it for my art quilt.

You will see two sets of fabric pinned to the board for audition. On the right a print and a woven plaid, on the left are black and tan solids that match Rocky's fur. For a realistic, photographic look, you might choose the solids. For a whimsical look , take poetic license with your fabric choices. Ivy, the Boston terrier on pink background above, has a polka dot face, black floral print fur and a plaid collar. Batiks would also make a good choice.

1 comments:

Karen S said...

I love these portraits. Makes me want to do one of my sweet doggie!