It's been under wraps for a while now, but I can finally share the exciting news that I have a 2nd book! I can frankly hardly believe it! It has started shipping this month and I'm so excited that its finally making its way into the world. This project would not have been possible without the AMAZING collaborators that I was able to work with.
When I set out to write this book and I began to consider the huge range of skills that should be featured in a book all about fabric embellishment, I immediately knew it was an opportunity to get to collaborate with some of my most favorite artists and crafters who could really show off their chops as specialists in their own unique techniques. Without their contributions and creativity, this book wouldn't be nearly as rich and visually lovely as it is.
So you ask... What's the book actually about? Its absolutely stock, chock full of detailed step-by-step instructions on a wide range of embellishment and surface design techniques and demonstrates those techniques in a modern way. Each chapter also includes interviews with the chapter author, where they offer their own personal advice around design and embellishment. Here's a high level run down of what you'll find.
The book starts with an overview of a wide variety of the tools and supplies that you might want to consider when embellishing fabric and I touch on the different types of most commonly available fabric and suggested approaches for embellishment.
Chapter 2, Designing Patterns, was written by Heather Dutton of
Hang Tight Studio who shares her techniques for creating hand rendered and computer rendered patterns. I met Heather through the Spoonflower community and just adore her designs. She shares some great tips and offers some great advice on designing digitally.
Part 1 of the Printing Patterns chapter was written by Amy Prior and Carly Schwerdt of
Umbrella Prints. These two talented ladies cover a broad number of wonderful techniques for screen printing using stencils, blocks, heat transfer and more.
Also in the Printing Patterns chapter, Christina McFall showcases cyanotype printing and toning. If you're not familiar with the technique, its a photographic printing process that will set your heart racing. Plus Christina shows off a few goodies she's made using her fabric that are simply phenomenal.
Dyeing and Bleaching techniques are tackled by Sara Harper of
Five O'Clock Crows. From using natural dyes, dip dyeing, over dyeing and batik, Sara has done a wonderful job of detailing the many different ways you can use dyes and bleach with your fabric projects.
Then the simply lovely and delightful Meghan Van Sipe of
Lilac Saloon showcases an enormous range of inspiring and totally awesome techniques for using beads, zips, studs, ribbons, buttons, felt and more. My own personal list of must-do projects has gotten a bit longer based on what I learned from Meghan.
Needlepoint and Applique are showcased by my dear, sweet and talented friend Rachel Hobson of
Average Jane Crafter. She's done an amazing job of demonstrating how to use hand work to add something extra to your designs. Rachel has long been my inspiration for ways to really use handwork to make a piece special and I was so thrilled to be able to work with her on this book.
Each chapter includes galleries of carefully curated images which feature the techniques from that chapter. When we were putting together the book, so many wonderfully talented and kind people agreed to let us showcase their work. Without their work, the book wouldn't be everything I dreamed it would be.
The final chapter features several supremely talented designers who have taken their craft to an entirely different plane. They have graciously shared their insights into developing collections, staying true to your style and and going pro with you designs. In this chapter I also share some tips on marketing your work.
There are two editions of the book. Although the book will be available from loads of book sellers (thank you booksellers!), you can also pick them up on Amazon here. The
US version and the
UK version are both shipping now.
One thing to note, the cover of the UK version is actually different from what Amazon UK is displaying. Some changes were made to it since I guess that was provided to the booksellers. Oh... the mysteries of publishing! But the cover of the US version is just like what is shown above and the content in both editions is identical. p.s. I had so much fun making the piece for the US cover! Now I just need to figure out what to do with it. Thinking wall hanging for my studio but still not sure :)
So... Now who wants a copy of the US edition?! Just leave me a comment here and I'll draw a winner on Monday, December 10th. I'm happy to ship worldwide so everyone is welcome to enter. I'd love to hear what section of the book you're most looking forward to reading!
