Serenity

This is a new piece, very small that uses a wonderful technique created by Wen Redmond.

Basically, it uses 2 prints of the same photo - one on an opaque fabric and the other on a sheer fabric such as silk organza. The idea is to layer the 2 images with 3/4" of space between them....That is 

accomplished by using a pre-stretched canvas, cutting away the canvas part.  The outer wooden frame is covered with black felt or batting and the opaque print is attached to the back of the frame. But before it is attached, stitching or further embellishment can be done. I used a metallic thread which creates a pretty little sparkle underneath the top layer of organza. A staple gun was used to attach the opaque fabric to the back.

Next, the sheer fabric of the same print is applied to the front where the canvas was cut away. 

This is the tricky and perhaps most time consuming part. 4 strips of fabric are sewn around the edge of the sheer print, sewing in a little closer than the opening. Any fabric can be used for this; I used a black silk noil which has some body and a slight nubby texture. I used 1'2" seam allowance and treated the seams with Fray Check as organza frays easily.

The opening with the organza should be perfectly even when it is stretched over the top. The fabric frame should also be even all around from side to side and top to bottom. This part was tedious also as I used T-pins to hold the fabric in place and worked from top to bottom and side to side, alternating sides with each pin added. You can understand why working with a small frame is so advantageous. 

I also used safety pins as they didn't go as far down into the frame area but I had to find a way to lay this piece down (to flip it to the back) without disturbing the pins.

I found an empty bin I could lay the piece on top of, which imitated a flat surface and easy to maneuver around.

A tedious process....Once the fabric is wrapped round to the back and secured in place with an electric stapler, trim the edges of the frame fabric to within 1/2" of the staples. Cover the back (forgot to take a picture of this) with a pretty backing fabric

But the results...so interesting..It almost has a blurred effect. This is because of the double image and being able to see through the sheer image to the opaque one. This is an 8x10" piece.

And here a view from the side in hopes of being able to see the layers. If you are interested in learning more about this technique....google Wen Redmond...she has a website, several books and probably some videos on You Tube...She's very talented and does a good job explaining how and showing the technique.