Last year when I attended the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo here in Cleveland, I saw a lot of the same-old-same-old. However, there is one booth- one designer, really- who speaks to me year after year. I love Laura Murray Designs and her focus on surface design. (She’s where I first learned about foiling on fabric and also how to use Shiva Paintstiks on fabric!)
Laura didn’t disappoint this year, either- she’s come out with an new book and rubber stamp line called “StarBuilders.”
There are two different StarBuilders kits (which include a the sheet of unmounted rubber stamps and instruction book) and then there is the StarBuilder Inspirations Book. Here’s how the system is described:
Amazing no-sew images are within the reach of everyday quilters and sewers, thanks to Laura Murray’s breakthrough method of using paintstiks, StarBuilder stamps and fusible web. Comprehensive guidance is provided for simple, easy to learn techniques, illustrated by numerous color photographs. Step-by-step instructions are included for dozens of dazzling designs that are sure to bring the WOW factor to any fabric project.
I had seen a photo of her quilt at the Show, and was completely blown away. It looked like a super-intricate Mariner’s Compass quilt- but with no fussy piecing.
Photo courtesy of LauraMurrayDesigns.com
I decided to buy the “StarBuilders 2” set to try out- and Laura generously gave me the companion book to use! So let’s start off by taking a peek inside the book.
The book is filled with tips and techniques for making good rubbings. VERY handy!
The book also includes how to use the StarBuilders components to create things other than compass-style quilts.
The gallery section will leave you a little breathless.
So then I got to work. The red rubber that you use for the prints needs to be cut apart- but then I was ready to use Shiva Paintstiks and created some components. Since you may be new to them, I created this video about them- and you’ll see me using Laura’s StarBuilders in the video, as well.
Here’s my “printed” fabric. I love how the Paintstiks really pop against the dark fabric.
After letting the Paintstik dry for a day, you are ready to fuse the fabric to a double-sided iron-on adhesive webbing like Wonder Under or Steam-a-Seam. Then you can cut the components apart and get ready to design.
Option 1: a star.
Option 2: 6-pointed flower?
Option 3: More like a true medallion.
Now assemble your design on a backing fabric, fuse, and quilt away. I’m far from done with mine, but I like how it’s starting so far.
Fused down, waiting for quilting!
So here’s the skinny- I love this system because it gives the look of both a “painterly” type art quilt AND you get the look of a Mariner’s Compass without all of the crazy cutting and piecing. There is so much room for creativity and expression- and you know that’s where my heart sings. I can’t wait to carve out some time to make some other items with this system and create some cool pieces!
You can purchase Laura’s system on her website, or the book is available in the Amazon affiliate links below. And don’t forget to pick up some Paintstiks!
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I love this! Thanks for sharing this Jenny. I have never seen this use for rubber stamps. I may just have to get me a set of her stamps!
I have seen these before but didn’t have much of an idea of how they worked (and what little I saw was not at all my style). However your demo really has me intrigued because I think I would like the end product. I have a question about using it on wearables: how does it wash? You mentioned using it on things like baby onesies (which naturally would have to be wearable). Is it a hand wash only or can it be machine washed in a gentle cycle?
I have never seen these before. THey are really artsy and great looking. Thanks for showing us. I’d love to try them out.