Quilted Art Wallhanging

When I was asked to make a quilted wallhanging with my client’s log home on it, I presented them with several sketches of possible designs. Most of them had a combination of patchwork and applique – very traditional – but I also had an idea that was a little bit different. I like to quilt and I like to sketch, so why not combine the two into one unique work of art? My clients loved the idea and waited patiently for me to finish the quilt – just in time for Christmas!

The drawings are all original artwork, drawn directly onto cotton fabric with a dark brown Pigma Micron pen which contains waterproof, fade proof archival ink. To make my job a little easier, I ironed Reynolds freezer paper to the wrong side of the tan fabric. This stiffened the fabric to make it more manageable, and was easily removed by simply peeling it off after finishing the drawings.

This is the full front view of the home, which sits on a hillside overlooking the woodlands and farms of Greene County, Pennsylvania. Drawing all of those logs and stones was a wee bit time-consuming! Below is the front porch, with its rockers and picnic table. And, of course logs, logs, and more logs!

The quilt has a batting that is 80% cotton and 20% polyester. I kept the quilting to a minimum on the drawings, because I wanted to have a consistent amount of quilting across the entire quilt – it helps it to hang flat, without bulges and waviness.

The pretty front door seemed worthy of a square of its own …

Next, through the front door and into the cozy living room, with its overstuffed furniture, stone fireplace, log walls, hardwood floor, and wood ceiling. I got really good at drawing wood grain by the time this block was finished!

A favorite Bible verse was incorporated into the block below. The lettering was hand drawn. It looked a lot neater before I quilted the wallhanging and gently rinsed it. I guess the crinkled and puckery look is all part of charm of a quilt. It’s fabric, not paper, after all.

I machine quilted the wallhanging and used clear and smoke colored monofilament thread, so it wouldn’t compete with the inked lines of the drawings. This last block is my favorite …

After completing all the drawings, I stitched them together with a dark brown frame around each block and red sashing between them. I then raided my stash to find a colorful mix of fabrics for the “square-within-a-square” pieced border. I couldn’t wait to show my clients the finished product. They absolutely love it!

9 Comments

  • Thanks, Sharon! It was a lot of fun to do. But the most exciting part of it was seeing my customers' faces when I unveiled it!

    Reply
  • Really beautiful….so very much detail and I know how the fabric "grabs" the tip of the Pigma Pen….you obviously spent many hours on this. Great job!!

    Reply
  • George and Peggy Nutt's home, right? Leslie, what a God-given talent you have. Please hurry and publish something that I can buy and keep, like the book!

    Reply
  • That's right, Cheri. George and Peggy were so excited about the quilt, every step of the way. And, hey, if you want to buy something of mine, head on down to Artisans, in Waynesburg. I have lots of artwork for sale there!

    Reply
  • This is absolutely amazing Leslie!!! You have been blessed with so much talent!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I’m Leslie. A painter, teacher, and lover of all things creative. A sketchbook artist who captures everyday life on the pages of my illustrated journals. I love sharing, connecting, and encouraging people to find their creative voice through sketchbook journaling. Read more about me, my art, and my life HERE.

Enter your email address to follow the Everyday Artist blog, and never miss a post!

Subscribe to my email newsletter, and receive a free watercolor tutorial

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Categories

Sketchbook Page Layout Ideas on Pinterest

Sketchbook Page Borders on Pinterest

Sketchbook Journaling Ideas on Pinterest

Hand-Lettered Quotes on Pinterest

Painted Calendars on Pinterest

Travel Sketching Supplies

Visit my online shop & take home a page from my sketchbooks!

Scroll to Top

Hi, and welcome to Leslie Fehling's Everyday Artist website and blog.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get all the latest news about upcoming workshops plus helpful tips to make sketchbook journaling
easier and more fun.

As a thank you, you’ll receive a copy of “How to Paint Daylilies with Watercolor.” It’s downloadable and absolutely FREE. Thanks for stopping by!

* indicates required