The Process

Step-by-Step Fabric Mosaic Art Creation

Creating a fabric mosaic art piece at Lisa Bova's Studio is a meticulous and heartfelt process that captures the essence of joy and connection.

Here is a brief overview of the step-by-step process:

1. Inspiration

Please start a conversation with us. Share a few photographs of the event or individual you'd like to feature, and let us know your preferred colors. Let the heirloom begin!

2. Design

Crafting a design begins with creating our pattern. We can present a mock-up of the art piece you desire, one that embodies the collective joy and comfort the fabric mosaic is intended to convey.

3. Fabric Selection

We typically use anywhere from four to twenty-seven different colors. Value and hue are crucial elements in creating a successful artwork.

We would be delighted to incorporate a piece of meaningful fabric from you, such as a tie, hem trimmings from a bridal gown, a christening handkerchief, an old dress, or a wedding tablecloth!

We utilize vintage, thrifted, commercial, hand-dyed, or overdyed fabrics.

4. Prep

Preparing 20,000 to 50,000 tiny 1/4" fusible (a type of heat-activated glue) pieces, involves ironing it onto the back of the fabric, then cutting it into tiny squares. Once prepared, each square is ready to be attached, using tweezers, to a tricot base.

 

5. Zen moments of work

This step is the most time-consuming yet the most peaceful and Zen-like. As I attach each tiny square to my base, the process is:
1. Position it with tweezers,
2. Use a wand iron to fuse it in place,
3. Repeat 30,000 times.

During this time I enjoy audio books, pod cast and focus music!

Note: Wand iron - visualize a fairy wand - replace the star with a 1 inch triangle iron

6. Finalizing the finishing touches

Layer the top with batting and backing to create a quilt sandwich. This is what qualifies our work as an art quilt.

Stitch, stitch, stitch with invisible thread through the sandwich. Every square must have a few stitches to secure it permanently.

Finally add a thread border.

Ready to Create Your Own Fabric Mosaic Art Piece?

Contact Lisa Bova's Studio today to start the process and preserve your memories with a unique fabric mosaic.