How to make fairy-wings for art work

I am so excited. I had been wanting to make fairy wings (and other various items) to add to my artwork without having to deal with seam allowances and raw edges. This process allows me to create the image I want and heat-seal the edges. 

Here are the items you will need:

• 100% polyester fabric
• Craft Heat (soldering) tool with changeable tips. (You will use the "pen" tip.)
• Stitch Witchery
• Teflon sheet (Used for Appliques)

Step 1. Select a 100% polyester fabric that you can use for a base. for this project I used a old blouse that had rainbow butterflies on it. Sheer fabric (organza or chiffon) or Lame' work really well. It all depends on the look you are trying to achieve.

Step 2. Draw your shape. For my project I used the butterfly shape. Then cut around the drawing. 

Step 3.  Cut a second layer same size as the top layer. This will be the back side. For my project, since  want the fairy wings in profile, I am just folding this in half. 

Step 4. Cut a piece of the Stitch Witchery slightly smaller than your fabric piece. Place between the 2 layers of fabric you have cut-out. This will create your "sandwich". Be sure not to have any of the stitch witchery showing as this will adhere to the iron and your ironing board if you do. 

Step 4. Using your iron at the hottest setting Press (not iron) the layers - for about 20 to 30 seconds. Apply slight pressure. I recommend using a pressing cloth (A piece of muslin or old sheet will work fine.) Let the "sandwich" cool before picking up.

Step 5. Lay your "sandwich" on the teflon pressing sheet. This will protect your work surface. (I use a extra large on and double it just in case. 

Using your Craft Heat tool, slowly trace around the image you have drawn. This will create "cut" lines as you go. Take care not to go too fast or too slow. ( do recommend practicing first so you get a feel for the speed. Each type of fabric will "burn" a little differently.

Step 6. You now have your heat sealed image ready to apply to your artwork.

Step 7. Apply as required by your art piece. I hand-stitched mine down just at the base of the wings to create a 3-D effect. But you can glue, machine sew or tack as just as well. 

There are many (many) things you can do with this technique. I also used it to make the lame' dragon scales for my quilt so that the edges would not fray. 

Let me know if you have any questions. 

Live Long and Prosper, Teri