Tien Chiu

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March 5, 2013 by Tien Chiu

Cut and fused

I spent several hours fiddling with the design yesterday and today, tweaking the proportions of the flames and the placement of the phoenixes until it felt Just Right. Then I cut and fused the fabric:

cut and fused phoenixes, version 1 (longer background)
cut and fused phoenixes, version 1 (longer background)
cut and fused phoenixes - cropped background
cut and fused phoenixes – cropped background

I’m thinking I like the cropped background better, as it keeps the emphasis on the flames (and doesn’t have those weird cut-off phoenixes at the top.) I think it’s also a stronger visual design.

I like the result a lot, but it doesn’t feel finished to me yet. The raw edges are visible, and while they aren’t raveling or anything, I feel it looks unprofessional to have raw edges showing in a piece, unless it’s an intentional and meaningful part of the design. In this piece, it isn’t, so I’m going to have to think of a way to cover the edges. I think either embroidery or gold paint – but you can bet I’ll test this out on samples before touching the actual piece!

But on the whole, I’m pleased, and I feel like I’ve done a good day’s work.

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Previous post: Getting up the nerve
Next post: Borders

Comments

  1. Sue says

    March 5, 2013 at 11:47 am

    Stunning! I like the cropped version better too, but wish there was just a smidge of the background above the black flame tip.

  2. Pirkko says

    March 5, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    You are a genius! I enjoy more the cropped version.

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