>Felt Basilica

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Last night, I stayed up late watching the Winter Olympics while cutting out layers of felt for my beaded St. Mark's Square painting. I'll be honest - this is the part of my work that I don't enjoy doing only because it is tedious. But, I know that it is what makes my beadwork stand out (literally) so I must make myself do it.

My methods probably seem pretty archaic to most people. I first enlarge my image to a suitable size, then I trace over it. I use the tracing to mark and cut out my felt pieces. Over and over again...

So far, I cut out 24 pieces of felt. I think my felt St. Mark's Basilica may be finished - so far, it is 13 layers thick! It measures 10" wide x 6" tall (26cm x 15cm).

Partial felt foundation for a future beaded St. Mark's Square painting. 13" x 18" (33cm x 46cm).

Next I must cut out quite a few more pieces for the Campanile. It has only 2 layers so far. I think it will need even more layers than the Basilica... What do you think? :o