The technique is to create unique shapes of fabric using other materials and forms to influence the design.

The materials used to form the shapes can be anything, as long as they are relatively heat resistant as they will be boiled in water.

First the fabric was manipulated into 2 different designs, one with spiky forms influenced by aluminium foil, and another with more rounded bubble like forms using glass pebbles, marbles and wooden dice, tied down with rubber bands.

Then the pieces are wrapped in more aluminium foil. They look like baked potatoes. And then they are boiled for an hour to allow the cloth to be formed into the shape as guided by the glass pebbles and aluminium foil spikes.

After that the foil packet is opened revealing the above image. Learning point is that the fabric shape is achieved by heat, therefore cannot be ironed or heated else its form is lost.

Final outcome

 

I arranged both pieces of fabric together and displayed it in a ceramic vase, being inspired by ikebana.

Vacuum forming is a process also using heat, but to manipulate or mold a sheet of plastic around an object to create a reverse mould. 

above is Patrick demonstrating how to use the vacuum forming machine. I think he was saying to be careful not to burn our hands. As seen in the picture the white sheet of plastic is clamped into a frame and heated, before being lowered over an object to mould over it.

I moulded over an oval shape of chemical wood creating this piece above.

The machine can be confusing to use because there are so many steps involved. Also another very important point to take note is that the shape to be moulded has to be widest at the bottom or else the object may not be able to be removed after moulding. For example at first i wanted to mould a coconut but was advised against it as it would be difficult to take out from the moulded plastic without breaking it. This is the main learning point.