Just In Time for the 4th Part 2

By now, you have chosen a picture and have had it enlarged, if necessary.  The next step is to number your picture into workable sections as shown above.

Here you can clearly see a close up of a particular section. I wanted to emphasize the fact that even though the wing is continual, you can break it into even more sections to lend more possibilities for fabric usage.  Note that the eagle now appears in the opposite direction which is the side that you will be tracing from.  You may wish to write on the back side of your picture, "Trace from this side."

Using a lightbox or some other light source, trace your numbered shapes onto the adhesive of your choice.  I prefer Steam-a-seam or Heat & Bond.  If possible use the "lite" forms of these adhesives so that your finished project is not stiff.  When tracing, always extend the finish lines alittle further so that fabrics can be placed underneath the next piece. Also, trace shapes slightly bigger than original shapes. It is much easier to trim down your piece. 
Note the little hash marks I've drawn on my pieces (pointed to with pencil), this is so that each piece can be easily placed to the next. A guide, if you will.

The applique sheet is very important because it will allows you to work with your pieces while seeing thru to your original picture.
Now for some fun!!!!
When choosing fabric, look for fabrics with undertones of other colors. This fabric is a great example of that fact.  It is brown but has gray and black undertones, great for feathers! Don't be afraid to mix in batiks or tiny prints and tone-on-tones.  Also, after you've chosen your fabrics and you're right in the middle of ironing on adhesive but you see another fabric that would also work but wasn't in your original color choices......go for it! Use it as well. There are no rules to this. If you really like it, use it.

If you are struggling with your color choices, here's a tip.  Place your choices close together and take a picture of them using the setting of  "no flash" on your digital camera then review the shot.  This setting is great when you are not sure about the depth or tone of your fabrics.

After you've ironed your adhesive cut-outs onto your fabrics, it's time to cut away the excess. I use the small scissors for this. They are much easier to manipulate.

Now, place your original picture on top of your lightbox and then the applique sheet on top of that.  Make sure that your picture in turned right-side up. Then start cutting and placing your pieces onto the applique sheet.  When you are happy with the placement, iron the pieces together.

Now you can remove the piece from applique sheet and you will be ready for the next step.

Background auditions!!!

We're getting close to the finish, so hang in there.

You're doing great!