Technique
Forming thermoplastic fabric into 3D shapes.
Materials
- 100% polyester organza
- Mould (water resistant; avoid heat-sensitive materials)
- Elastic bands
- Aluminum foil
- Pot and stove
Method
1. Wrap the mould around the organza and tie tightly with an elastic band
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- wrapped around rocks
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- in this case to create the pointy texture, the organza is twisted in aluminum foil
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- also tried to fold the organza in aluminum foil to see how it turns out
2. Wrap the whole organza piece in aluminum foil
3. Submerge the aluminum ball into pot of boiling water for 45 – 75 mins
Note
- Do not stretch the fabric right after taking it out of the pot or when it is still hot!
- After its form is manipulated, the fabric cannot be ironed – else it would lose its 3D shape.
Results
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- freshly harvested from the giant pot
Reflection
The shapes of the rocks I used as mould were a little too organic. I think this technique would produce more interesting results if the moulds were more systematically-shaped, like marbles or cubes. The folded fabric fell flat; it might work better to use different folding techniques and on a larger piece.
But still, I quite enjoyed this technique! There are so many ways to make interesting forms and textures out of it.