Students created the background for their work directly on the piece of fabric that would become the top layer of the quilt. Breaking the white surface was an encouraging step and helped the student become involved in the aesthetic appeal of the media that would layer the final artwork. Acrylic paint was applied to wet fabric along with a mixture of acrylic gloss varnish, acrylic matt varnish, and water. The resulting "wash" and textures established the color scheme.