One of the things I love about quilting is that there is an endless supply of things to learn. That often means that I get sidetracked onto something different, but that’s OK.
Several years go I took a class in leaf pounding but I never did anything with the results (sound familiar to anyone out there?) I recently found the prints, still looking pretty good, in my DO SOMETHING box and decided to get busy.
Here is the first, a sycamore leaf that was pounded onto Kona PFD (fabric prepared for dying).
After the fabric dried, I outlined the leaf with a brown Pigma pen. When I took it out recently I used cotton batting and muslin backing, spray basted it, and quilted it freehand. I used my Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) and found it worked quite well for this purpose. (I haven’t been so happy with the BSR on larger projects–as a friend once told me, “It’s like training wheels”, meaning it’s just too slow on something big.) However, I was pleased with the way the BSR worked it on this little piece.
Here’s a detail, showing some of the unevenness created when part of the leaf “stuck” to the fabric more than the rest of it. I figure nature isn’t perfect so I’m not worrying about it.
If you want to try leaf pounding, there’s a tutorial here.
And now the question: How should I finish this? I don’t think binding would look right. I have seen leaf pounding pieces framed, so I guess I could mount and frame it. Edge finish with brown satin rat-tail? Face the piece? Other ideas? Thanks, as always, for your suggestions!
Zippy Quilts 
This is marvelous!
How about stretching over an artists canvas? Covering sides.
I’ve never tried it, but you only live once so I may!
Hi Mary! I’ve seen small quilts faced, not bound mounted on an artist’s stretched canvas that you can get fairly cheaply at a craft store. The canvas is usually larger than the small quilt so you can see the coordinating color that you have painted the canvas. I have a friend who does this and she “upholsters” the canvas with a coordinating fabric. Actually she irons the fabric on with steam-a-seam before she stretches an staples it to the back.
Wow! Thanks!
Looking at the leaf, I feel the need for a dark edge, so I’d go with framing, using a dark frame. Or the above canvas idea with dark on the canvas.
Thanks!
Striking. And you must be pleased there is one less project in your box. If it were mine (I wish) I would also not bind it. Perhaps face it and then have it “float” in a box frame?
Another good idea! Thanks!
I’ve only ever done this with flowers, but I could see the possibilities with leaves. I’ll be interested to see what finally comes of this. I’m a fan of mini-minis, so I always head that way, but your commenters have given you lots of ideas.
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