Reves En Papier: Dancing Nancy... Fire Dancer

In the past 3 years, I have become a true Dave Matthews Band fan. My boyfriend collects posters and with my recent concert performances, I've purchased the latest woman's shirt. Mike asked me if I would create a poster replica! I couldn't wait to begin! This was the first time I had used a new surface and a new step into the process.

Here's the image I found online that he liked and wanted me to replicate:

Typically, I use foamboard or oaktag as a base or foundation. Sometimes cardstock. If I can find the oaktag or foamboard in the base color I need - PERFECT! If I can't I usually color in the base to my liking. For example, my classroom floor was a white foamboard but I wanted a checkered floor. I sketched the tiles and shaded the base with colored pencils. Then, I quilled on top.

For this paper creation, I use a near poster-size canvas! The canvas was also white. I purchased some black acryllic paint and gave the canvas a nice coat. Since I couldn't use a Sharpie or colored pencil (my usual shading/coloring tools) that would really cover the canvas properly, this was a great base! Once it was dry I was able to glue my quilled pieces.

Here are some pictures as I'm working on it. They were taken on my phone camera so I apologize for the poor quality. I need to order black quilling strips to finish it up so check back soon to see the finished product. I can't wait to finish and frame it to add to Mike's music room!!

In the first photo, I had already painted the canvas, sketched the Fire Dancer and the letters "D, M, B", and began outline the Fire Dancer using very small, metallic silver tight coils. Instead of standing the coils up, they are laying down for a more distinct outline.