The Mermaid

Part 2

It's been a month since I first shared this project with you. You can read the May 1st post here. I finally decided it was time trace the design onto my background fabric and start gluing pieces in place. I use Elmer's Liquid School Glue to attache the applique pieces. Full list of supplies at the bottom of the post. 

I wanted to break up the tail into several sections and work through several colors. 

Here is the tail cut and laid out before gluing. 

I would pick the one pieces I wanted to be in the background and glue those down first. 

Working from the background up is like working with layers in a graphics program. You can add more over the top but getting the effect right the first time is so much more satisfying. 

The traced lines aren't as important as the applique. I drew them more for keeping everything lined up than anything else. I use Crayola Ultra-Washable Markers when marking fabric. They wash out very nicely with nothing more than water. In truth, just using the glue erased some of those lines as I worked.

I added fins in greens and blues.

The tail was mostly blue and purples

I saved the hair for last. I'm sure that's when she will really come alive. I'm sure I will add more details as I go along. This past week was about getting the majority of the pieces done. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Panasonic Cordless Iron
Cheryl Ann's Quilting Design Wall - 72" White
Reynolds Freezer Paper Plastic Coated 50 Sq Ft
Elmer's Liquid School Glue, Washable, 4 Ounces
Crayola Ultra-Washable Markers