Collagraph with Make your Own Stencil

This is another quilt that I have made featuring my collagraph prints. This time I made two plates, one for the focal point in the center of the block and the other for the strips of fabric to be sewn around.

After the prints had been made, I realized there was an "empty" space on one corner of the center block. I was planning on doing a computer transfer with messages of love but then I decided to put a print with the help of a stencil.

It's so liberating to make your own! You can make one that complements your work. It could be the final touch that completes your composition.

So, I put my "Silhoutte Cameo" machine to work. Loaded it with Dura-lar .005 matte film,

 decided on the design and size, and let the machine cut away!

Did some beading in the heart. 

Sew with thin thread over the collagraphs, to keep the delicate characteristic of these kind of prints and #12 cotton thread on the borders. 

Love how the stencil added pizzaz to the composition, making the quilt sing!