Textiles workshop; nature project.

 As you can see, over the four weeks of work in the textiles workshops, we covered many different processes. Three of the processes shown here are Felt making, Paper making and Screen printing (finished items shown above.)

 

To make the felt, you will initially need felt fibres (in various colours if you want patterns, or just plain if you prefer), Some bubble wrap, an old towel (to clean spillages) some washing up liquid diluted with lukewarm water, and a piece of net or mesh.

 

-Placing the bubble wrap onto the towel, line your pieces of fibre, (plain first to make a base) roughly about the size of an a5 sheet. then repeat this step putting the cotton horizontal

 instead of vertical. Then, cover your fibres with the net and lightly spray the soap and water, pressing down so the fibres stick. After, you can apply more layers if you want a plain strong piece, or start to add a background and desired pattern. when this is completed, do the soap and net stage again. We next roll the bubble wrap tightly with the fabric in, and begin to roll and squeeze for two minutes, teach time turning the fabric 90 degrees so it is rolled out equally. This step is to ensure the fibres join together and become stronger. Repeat all four turns until you feel the fabric is strong enough (i.e. it doesn't pull apart.) In a bowl of steaming hot water, roll your fabric in some cotton and carefully squeeze to remove excess water and soap. then rinse under the cold tap and leave to dry.



To make the paper ,you will need recycled shredded paper( newspaper acceptable), a frame, a sponge and some J-cloth.

-The paper pulp is firstly made my blending paper with water to form a mush; it will then be put into a long tray with water, to water it down (roughly about two-three handfuls per tray.) place your j cloth on the table, and put your frame into the tray, shaking it around so the pulp is spread evenly. peel away the pulp from the edges so it does not stick and is easier in future use, and turn over onto the j cloth. use your sponge to dab the opposite side of the frame to squeeze the water out as best as you can, then peel the frame away. It should leave a square, or circular9 depending on frame) sheet. Then leave to dry.

 

Screen printing is a process which involves printing a pattern from a screen onto paper or fabric. In our case we had ready made screens, but you can create your own. You will need a squeegee, a screen, a hosepipe to clean afterwards, some fabric or paper and some fabric paint.

-Place your screen onto the fabric, and choose your desired colour of paint ( you can mix colours to make a rainbow effect.) using a spoon or spatula, take some paint and put it in a line at the top of your screen. using the squeegee, from behind the paint push down firmly and push down the screen to spread the paint. then turn over the squeegee and push back up to the top. Then leave to dry.

Afterwards, spray your screen and squeegee with the hosepipe to ensure all the paint is taken off. Stand around a metre away from your screen as hosepipes are dangerous and could result in an accident. Then leave to dry, preferably in a heated room if you want to reuse again with another colour straight away.

 

Textiles workshop; using techniques and results

These are the results of everything we made in the textiles workshop. Over the four weeks we used a variety of techniques including how to make felt, batik, screen printing, using puff binder and painting with fabric paints and inks. With the pieces I didn't like as much as the rest, I cut them up to make collages.The majority of my work has a peacock theme. 

 

As I have already talked about some of the processes we did over the four weeks in textiles workshop, I will explain the rest of them;

 

-Some of the other materials we used were Brusho inks, which are powdered ink which need to be watered down to be used as a paint, almost like watercolour. Brusho inks are good for blending together and to create a subtle colour background. We also used Pigment ink, which is a strong fabric paint, that has a plastic-like texture and is good for use in mark making as it is thick. Making sure the paint does NOT get onto clothes ( at it stains), we used various colours of pigment ink to create patterns onto material using various different objects such as spoons, sticks, leaves, brushes and buttons etc. Pigment ink is also used when screen printing.

-Further on in the workshops we used Puff binder, which is a white paste, that when heated with a heat gun rises and expands to give texture to the fabric. It is more like polystyrene when heated, some describe it as popcorn when too much is applied. It gives a nice 3D effect to the fabric. You can screen print using puff binder also.

-The last process we used was Batik, which is pouring hot wax onto paper  or fabric, to resist fabrics from dye. We used this along with the Brusho inks, to create pastel coloured patterns. You must dab the ink once applied so it doesn't run. Iron the wax off at the end to make the fabric neater.



Building 2-3D design

 

For the second part of our work in the 3D workshops, we went into woodwork and made 3d models out of different kinds of wood. This follows on from our previous work, making models out of card and paper; doing this gives us a better understanding on which materials are better for mock up models. The materials we used to create these models were: wood in various colours and sizes, copper and brass wire, the drills (Making sure to wear goggles at all times), PVA glue and also super glue, and saws (Hack saw, and band saw.) On this peice I created an organic effect with the copper wire, first slotting it into the wood, and then with a thinner strip winding it around. I tried to make the peice look different from all angles, to make it appear more interesting.

Modern Architecture sheet 6

Jewellery workshop worksheet

We went into the jewellery workshops and made a small scale closeup of buildings using brass and copper; we used the techniques piercing out,  soldering, embossing and etching. 

YR 1 Architecture Evaluation

In summary, I feel I have completed this project of work ( Architecture, 3D Design)to a good standard. For primary evidence, I went on a walk and did a study of buildings nearby me, as I live near rural area.I took my camera and took various photographs of different buildings, for example the steel works and factories, modern and traditional housing. I then went home and sketched some, giving myself a base to work on.As for secondary evidence, I mainly used architectural books for inspiration. I also looked online at closeups of buildings and building sections. We did have a look at architectural models, but personally I did not use them as influence. In the 3D design workshop, We looked at our peers models for inspiration, and for jewellery we referred to our study sheets.

Whilst looking at secondary sources, I did focus on both modern and traditional architecture, however I especially liked buildings with circular paterning. For example, On this sheet I used circles as my main study, and had a look at stained glass windows. Also, Whilst doing a jewellery study, I enjoyed the work of Claus Bury, and his work however is modern based. I did a page on his work, to look away from the traditional buildings. When looking more closeup at buildings I liked the stonework,so did alot of work on that, e.g stone hotels, carved sculptures, small sections etc.

For experimentation, I used alot of mixed media; for example we used brusho inks to make a base for our paper after stretching, and to give it a bit more colour, then I stuck some  scoresheets on to make it a little more interesting. I also used some cut up newspaper to make a building shape and drew over the top. For added texture I added some tissue paper and painted over it, and cut it up into different shapes. I also found I enjoy using ink, something I have not sured before, and in some of my studies used alot of ink to make silhouettes; I felt it gave a smooth effect. to create a rusty pattern I ran watercolours together, and used biro pen to make a metal colour. With acrylics I used a drybrishing method to make it more rough and worn, rather than the building looking unworn.

For designers, I studied Claus Bury ( as mentioned). I liked the bright colours and modern yet prehistoric vibes he brought across. I looked alot at the victorian style buildings, because I like the old dishevelled look to them; It has more to it than a shiny new building. I also studied gothic buildings for similar reasons.

I feel my project went well
overall, however, I think working in the jewellery workshops was something I did well. I feel I did well at polishing the piece sof metal, and knowing how long to leave them in the acid for without them eating away. After listening to Nicola, I had a good understanding of everything in the workshop. Also, I did well in getting the right ammount of work ready before the due date. If I could, I would change some quality of work, and would have based my project on one architectural style instead of both modern and tradtitional. I would also maybe do some extra sheets to add to my work.

In summary,I feel I did manage my time well, and tried to do around a sheet per lesson, I have the right ammount of work completed in the set time, although I could have done more. Overall, I thought the project was okay, Architecture is something I wouldn't usually chose to draw or paint, so made a nice change to the usualy topics I would have chosen. I am satisfied with the work I have produced and enjoyed working in 3D workshops as well as just painting. From this project I have learnt about new materials to use, and how to paint with ink (something I have not tried before.) I have also learnt about the qualities of certain metals (brass, copper), and how to use a scalpal and cutting mat properly. It has boosted my knowledge in soldering and piercing out, and also properties of different woods.

Architecture study sheet 5, modern architecture

3D design; Architecture, card model buildings

Architecture line drawings

Jewellery workshop, working in brass and copper (architecture closeup study. )

3d modelling; pop up card

3d paper modelling

Modern and Traditional architecture; Sheet 4

Modern and Traditional Architecture; Sheet 3, Victorian

Jewellery study, claus bury

Judy lusted study

Patrick heron

Eric ward, st ives

Modern and traditional architecture study:sheet one

26.09.2013 Intro.

Hi, This is my blog, I am a year one level 3 Extended Diploma student in Art and Design, at Barnsley College. On this blog i'll post my work throughout the two years I am studying here. I will evaluate my work as I go along, so you can see what and why I did the things I have. Enjoy!