Saturday, February 27, 2021

Create Landscape Quilts: A Step-By-Ste Guide to Dynamic People & Places by Meri Henriques Vahl

 

Dawn Prayer on the Ganges shown on cover

Meri Henriques Vahl was a trained artist when she saw her first art quilt. It was a revelation, and an inspiration. Painting with fabric, she developed new methods for construction. Create Landscape Quilts shares her journey, her quilts, and her techniques.

When I saw the detailed, gorgeous quilt on the cover I had to know more.

Vahl creates collage quilts, inspired by images from across the world. Her work includes traditional landscapes and scenes populated by the human figure in both outdoor and interior settings.


She uses unfused and fused fabrics held under a layer of tulle then quilted.

We All Speak Peace

Chapters take you through the steps to make a simple landscape collage and her paper doll technique.

Arlington Row in Bilbury Village, Cotswolds, England 
For details and texture, Vahl uses a variety of materials, including yarn, cotton, thread, beads, lace, roving, feathers, paper, and dryer lint. "There are no rules," she states. It's a chance to try new things, allowing your imagination free play.
Grand Tetons
Creating is not about perfection, Vahl warns. Be open to all possibilities.

After you choose your image, quilt backing, and adding batting, Vahl leads you through the process of composing your quilt. She includes basic design laws,and  demonstrates how stitching can enhance your images.
Flower Market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala

In the past I have used tulle overlays. Her 'paper doll' method is somewhat close to what I used on my unfinished quilt for Emily Dickinson. I do so appreciate Vahl's well presented information on her techniques, which will greatly help me going forward.

I am also in awe of the subjects of Vahl's art, her celebration of people from all cultures and landscapes from across the world.

This is a highly recommended book for art quilters of all experience levels.

I was given a free ebook by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Create Landscape Quilts: A Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic People & Places
by Meri Henriques Vahl
C&T Publishing
Pubication February 25, 2021
Book ( $29.95 ) eBook ( $23.99 ) 
ISBN: 978-1644030127
UPC: 734817-114130
eISBN: 978-1644030134

from the publisher
Quilt realistic people and places with artistic flair

Create unique art quilts of your favorite places—and the places you want to go! Meri Vahl shares her simple yet unique method for quilting realistic nature scenes and villages from fabric. Using photographs from her travels, the author explains how to achieve stunning scenery with lifelike details. With techniques like fabric collage and tulle overlay, even beginners will learn to quilt majestic mountainscapes, charming buildings, and realistic people. A stunning gallery of quilts—some named best in the world—will inspire you to bring your own travel photos and art quilt ideas to life.

From photo to art quilt! Recreate landscapes, people, and buildings with ease,  World-renowned art quilter Meri Vahl teaches you her award-winning process. Immortalize your journeys as you paint scenes with fabric, one step at a time

2 comments:

  1. This looks fascinating and so realistic! Some day I might try a landscape, but it won't have people in it!

    ReplyDelete