I have a favorite picture by an artist named James Christensen. I believe it is called "Man on a String. I would like to turn it into a quilted wall hanging. Am pretty sure I should be able to paper piece it, but have no experience in designing a layout. Does anyone know how to do it, or if there is software that can lead me through the process? Also, when it comes to facial detail, is it better to have it painted or try an applique it or paper piece, too? Thanks for any input you may have

Not sure what method would work best. How about applique? Someone did a knight from a picture a while back that was very cool. It looked like it was partly pieced, partly appliqued. Here's a link:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-142975-1.htm

I hope you have the artist's permission, as this is almost certainly copyrighted.

That is a really good picture to use that way. If you look at my avatar, I did a much simpler picture for that quilt. The concept is fairly simple. Blow up the picure to the size you want it in the quilt. For this purpose, it is probably best to go to a specializing print shop and have them print a poster from your photo. Actually, you may want 2, one to cut up as templates. Remember to cut 1/4" outside your templates. If you have a 2nd copy, you can use it for layout, as you go. It really does not matter if the blowup is 'fuzzy'.

I made mine using the "poster" setting of my photo program. It took 16 sheets of copy paper. I have used this technique for several wall hangings. My technique was hand applique., with texturing added in the quilting. Because I can't paint or draw at all well, I might print the facess onto cloth, using Bubblejet.

I agree with QM about getting artist's permission.
Turning a picture into a quilt is usually done as an art type quilt. Paper piecing won't work for curves. Paper piecing is really geometric, with lots of straight lines.

Not going to make the exact image - just a take off. But I really really like the man.

I can see why you would want to make it into a quilt. It would be awesome.

Be sure to get permission from the artist. We are not allowed to copy artwork to be used in quilts. It is a copyright infringment.

Thanks - I have already written for permission. How is Plover? I have relatives in your area

I want to make my moose picture into a wall hanging and I think I will find out where my daughter took the grandsons pictures to. I made a large quilt for the oldest using dog material and the younger one I made a horses quilt. need to tie and sew around before I can post pic. My youngest grandson in New York gotone with fire engines and trucks and buses on it with fire hats sewed on.

There are many on-line pix you can use for a specific subject without infringement. For example, coloring pages are a good source. Cut it out and use it as a template.

To use your photos on fabric, either get a TShirt place to print on cloth, preferably something good like Kona cotton, use "prepared" fabric sheet in your pinter, or prepare your own with Bubblejet. The third is my preferred method.