Some years ago I was given a framed Victorian fashion plate – the dresses have been picked out with fabrics, lace and beads and I love it.
I set out to make my own ‘dressed’ fashion plate and, fifteen years later, she is looking very tired!
Edges frayed to create a fringe
The magic of Photoshop!
The only way to improve her appearance was to replace the background paper. To do this I scanned the whole plate and then created the new background in Photoshop that I printed onto card.
I cut out the figure, dress and all, and glued her onto the new background.
It is an improvement, so I am now on the search for some antique silk organza to place around the sides to frame the lady and soft cream velvet for a padded mount – and an antique gold painted frame!
MOLLY WILLIAMS TextileMatters 