For sometime, I've been telling myself not to book onto any more workshops unless they seem unmissable and to be appropriate to the way I want to work at the time. However, on Saturday, enticed by the phrase 3D in a workshop title, I found myself making silk paper in a village hall near where I live.
For anyone who hasn't tried it, it's a messy process involving a glue-like medium and lots of silk tops, the fine fibres of which attached themselves to my fingers with irritating tenacity. The colours of the tops were, being silk, delicious which was the saving grace of the whole thing. Playing with the colour possibilities was quite enjoyable.
I made several pieces of paper, roughly A4 in size, and a small bowl (the 3D element in the day). The resulting paper is very fragile and it may perhaps find its way into small cards when I next want to make some and feel like a different approach.
The bowl was formed around a blown up balloon and the finished result has the quality of translucent papier maché. I'm afraid it's not very appealing to me, especially as the inside surface has a very smooth, almost plastic-like feel to it because of contact with the balloon.
Maybe I was just not very good at it all but I don't think I'll be repeating this technique in a hurry. The most positive way of looking at this situation is to remember that there is no knowing what will be useful or enjoyable till you try.
However, I've made a mental note to myself that workshops are only useful if they go places I'm interested in ... and next time, I might actually remember!
For anyone who hasn't tried it, it's a messy process involving a glue-like medium and lots of silk tops, the fine fibres of which attached themselves to my fingers with irritating tenacity. The colours of the tops were, being silk, delicious which was the saving grace of the whole thing. Playing with the colour possibilities was quite enjoyable.
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The bowl was formed around a blown up balloon and the finished result has the quality of translucent papier maché. I'm afraid it's not very appealing to me, especially as the inside surface has a very smooth, almost plastic-like feel to it because of contact with the balloon.
Maybe I was just not very good at it all but I don't think I'll be repeating this technique in a hurry. The most positive way of looking at this situation is to remember that there is no knowing what will be useful or enjoyable till you try.
However, I've made a mental note to myself that workshops are only useful if they go places I'm interested in ... and next time, I might actually remember!
How lovely! We call this silk fusion, making paper out of silk. I have a big sheet I made numerous years ago -- still don't know what to do with it!! Have a great rest of the week. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me that you haven't used it ... I'm not at all sure I will either!
DeleteYou have answered a question for me. What I is this technique! Now I get it. Thanks
ReplyDeleteIf you like the process of papier maché or need a very fragile fabric it might be worth a try ... otherwise, it seemed quite frustrating.
DeleteYup, tried the silk fusion myself and still have the papers (untouched) to prove it!!! But it is lovely to look at, isn't it!? And in addition,I tend to 'over-buy' the supplies so I still have quite a bit around. Maybe one day.....
ReplyDeleteAnd some of those classes are just so darned tempting.....(I seem to be starting a new one on monday, sigh!!). It's possible I'll never learn!!!
I fear I may never learn either - though right now I'm determined to do so. My trouble is an overwhelming curiosity about all things textile and arty ...
DeleteWhat is your class about? It sounds like it could be more long term than mine which (fortunately) only lasted a day.