Surface Design Technique: Polyester Film Transfers

Polyester film transfer on cotton, "Century Plant

I am doing some transfers of photos using polyester film (it's a wet media product made for graphic artists) with my ink-jet printer and then adding gel medium or fabric medium to melt and blend the photographic images-- which also makes them permanent (if a bit stiff). This spiral piece also has a thermofax screen print ontop (the charcoal dotty stuff).

 

This is a logical progression from some of the screened water-soluble medium work that I also have been doing lately.

And what is it with the nature imagery. I hope I am not turning into the quilt art equivalent of a boring bluebonnet painter....

Let me know what you think. Should I quilt these as whole cloth quilts?

Comments

[Kristin L]

There's so much wonderful layering going on in these that I think they'd make beautiful whole cloth pieces. But if you're wondering, then why not chop one up and rearrange it? Or add even more layers?

[Margaret]

I agree with Kristin; I like this. The first image, the transfer piece, would be terrific both as a whole cloth piece, or with some applique, maybe raw edge, some free motion embroidery/quilting to attach the extra layer(s) to the base.... Mixed media people or beaders could also feast their little hearts on that base.
Too much nature in your work? There are so many species of plants, insects or animals to choose from that you could do nature pieces for several lifetimes without repeating yourself. Throw in a paramecium or amoeba for a more abstract effect, and you will need another lifetime. You can do all the nature pieces your heart desires without falling into the bluebonnet painting trap. Humble opinion of someone who thinks there are not enough leaves in the world ;)

[Jill]

I think these would be fabulous as whole cloth pieces. Less is more....give us something that we can fill in with our imagination.

[Susie Monday]

Thanks for the advice and comments. I love the conversations that can happen about work this way since I am out here off the beaten path and most of the folks who see my work are too-kind relatives! (not that you aren't all too kind too!)