I am starting 2010 with an art project
called The Glossy Project.
The Glossy Project is a monthly challenge I have started
as a way to merge my love of design and fashion with
textile and mixed media art.
For this year, the theme will be the cover of Boho,
Vogue (US edition), Oprah and Bust magazine and the
design is always embroidered.
Vogue (US edition), Oprah and Bust magazine and the
design is always embroidered.
The embroidery technique is one I have been using
and teaching for years now.
I call this stitch,The Glossy Back Stitch.
It is similar to the traditional back stitch,
but the stitch length varies.
HOW-TO
Trace your image using tracing paper.
I am starting this project with the January issue of Vogue (US edition).
(You can also use your original drawing or a photograph)
Place the tracing on your fabric.
Then use a bone folder or a spoon
to burnish the pencil marks
to burnish the pencil marks
onto the back of your fabric.
When you are done, it will look something like this.
Then iron an iron-on interfacing or
stabilizer over the design.
This will prevent the pencil markings from rubbing off as
stabilizer over the design.
This will prevent the pencil markings from rubbing off as
you work and it will also make the
fabric a little heavier and stronger.
fabric a little heavier and stronger.
Now start to embroider it.
What distinguishes a Glossy from other types of embroidery
is the use of The Glossy Back Stitch.
Unlike traditional embroidery, this stitch is worked on
the back-side of the fabric.
The Glossy Back Stitch is similar to the traditional back stitch.
The difference is that you can change the length of each
stitch as you embroider your image.
stitch as you embroider your image.
Doing so results in a jagged and impressionistic design on
the right-side of the fabric.
the right-side of the fabric.
That's exactly the goal of this technique.
Continue to embroider your image.
When the entire piece is embroidered,
it will look something like this.
All the knots and loose threads will be visible
on the side you've stitched on.
Turn it to the right-side and it looks like this.
At this point, you can leave it as is, or
if you want to lightly gesso your Glossy.Now you are ready to paint, applique, sew, bead, cut in to, quilt,
collage, watercolor, gold leaf or embellish it any way you want.
This is how to create a Glossy.
visit the site at
visit the site at
Alma Stoller
7 comments:
Hi Alma,This is just what I was looking for to make this day a perfect one!I crave to try this asap.Thanks for this fabulous idea and your generosity.
I so love this idea! I will be using it for something. You are so creative and generous with your ideas!
Wohoo! Delightful, another "Alma" original. Thanks for the inspiration and the tips. I too love your work!
Alma - That a thinker and outright marvelous artist your are!! This is a fabulous project. I'm a little behind, but I can hardly wait to start tomorrow. By the way, thank you for my little birdie that you sent with my Etsy order. It was very kind of you and very much appreciated. Keep that fabulous mind of yours working!!
Oh I am SOOOO going to try this...but I think I'll use one of my nature mags, maybe a mountain or ocean.
You are a creative genius.
OMG, I am so excited to find your blog!!
My youngest son just got married and I am going to do this with one their wedding photos for a Christmas present..I just love it and thank for the directions..you are so cool..hugs, Lorraine
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