This is my first experience of using Powertex, it’s made
specifically for sculptures, mixed media and jewellery and I like the fact that
it’s environmentally friendly. The first thing I noticed was that it has a very
pleasant smell and the bottle is sturdy and very well designed. Once applied to
the silk it dried quickly to a stiff finish that provides a perfect base for
the Lumiere paints. I’ve been looking at Elizabethan costume designs on the
internet recently – they were expert at cutting, pleating and layering fabrics, as shown in the beautiful doublet below.
Did you know that the Elizabethans used crushed bluebell
bulbs to starch their clothes and ruffs? Thankfully the bluebells in the local
woods are safe as my Powertex worked a treat, and after a brief spell in the
lovely vintage flower press I picked up on Ebay last week my leaf earrings were
ready to have the beads added.
I’m pretty satisfied with these first two prototype pairs of earrings – silk is incredibly tough, (think of parachutes) especially when painted with mediums and textile paints. These pretties would certainly stand up to the rigours of everyday wear. I’m already thinking of other exciting possibilities for this technique, for example in combination with Soutache or bead embroidery.
I’m pretty satisfied with these first two prototype pairs of earrings – silk is incredibly tough, (think of parachutes) especially when painted with mediums and textile paints. These pretties would certainly stand up to the rigours of everyday wear. I’m already thinking of other exciting possibilities for this technique, for example in combination with Soutache or bead embroidery.