Cheesecloth 102: Portraiture

Course
31 Lessons

Once you have learned how easy cheesecloth is to work with, learn how simple it is to create a portrait using it. No drawing skills required! Follow the easy steps in my unique method of manipulating cheesecloth that combines “sculpting” or “painting” with fibres and stitching them to a background fabric. Confident beginner friendly.

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Welcome

Welcome to the exciting world of portraiture using cheesecloth!

Hi there!

Preview

Chiaroscuro

Supply List and Patterns

Your three main supplies will be cheesecloth, glue and Dura-lar, but a few other items round out the list to make your first cheesecloth portrait so easy to make you'll wonder why you didn't start this sooner!

Portrait Supply List

Pattern 1 to Print

Pattern 2 to Print

Warm-up Exercise Handout for Cheesecloth

1. Getting to Know Your Materials

The basics of this technique: cheesecloth, Dura-lar and PVA glue

Do I Really Need to Get Dura-lar?

Introducing ... Cheesecloth!

Assembling Supplies & Mixing Glue

2. Basic Cheesecloth Techniques

These three simple exercises will introduce you to some important sculpting techniques.

Warm-up Exercises

Warm-up Exercise #1: Happy Face

Warm-up Exercise #2: Tonal Gradation

Warm-up Exercise #3: Wispy Strands

Separating Dried Cheesecloth from Dura-lar

Threading Your Machine

Preparing to Applique: #1 Happy Face

#2 Tonal Gradation Applique

#3 Wispy Strands Applique

Displaying Your Warm-up Samples

The Origin of My Cheesecloth Technique

3. Steps to Portrait Creation

The Nitty Gritty! You're ready, grasshopper. Let's start!

Creating a Pattern with Values

Beginning the Face

Sculpting the Hair

Adding the Ear

Head & Shoulders (not the shampoo)

Completing the Face

Tweaks & Adjustments

The Finishing Touches

4. The Applique Stage

When you are satisfied with your cheesecloth, time to get sewing.

Putting the Puzzle Together

5. Finishing Options

Finishing Options For Your Portrait

Congratulations!

You did it!