Lets Play
Textile bangle
” Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”
Edward de Bono
It is a spectacular day and 6.30 am the birds are busy and sounds and smells clear and awakening its going to be a superb Autumn day. I love the change in seasons with a passion.
I am busy preparing and creating for a group exhibition at the Stonehouse gallery Warrandyte, Victoria, Australia “Threadalicous”. It is a annual textiles exhibition which is on from April 30th to June 1st.
When preparing for this annual exhibition I always like to challenge myself experiment and try new ideas in both technique and art pieces.
Sooooo for several weeks my mind has been bubbling and boiling, inventing and creating about how I could make some textile bangles, what materials and techniques. Then in the wee small hours which is often the time your mind is at its clearest, bingo it was there and complete, well not much sleep after that.This is how my mind works it tosses ideas around and allows them to grow and grow until there is no longer a way to contain them and they are ready burst and I just have to create. I have been making and developing bangles over last few days and have come up with a technique that I thought I would share.It is simple not to time consuming and open for development by you.Remeber this is the initial prototype and development will happen. I hope you give them a try they would make lovely gifts. I am giving you a possibility to take and grow.
Michelles textile bangles
Materials
*Lampshade adhesive paper ( this is essential, it is stiff and as a adhesive side). Amount depends on how many you are going to make and how they sell it.Usually sold by the roll.
*Double sided tape
*masking tape or equivalent
*Fabric of your choice I have used hand painted silk and linen
*PVA glue or substitute
* Paint brushes
*fabric paint optional
*decorative wire optional
*sewing machine
* extra strong sewing thread and hand sewing needles
*thin nose pliers
*embellish meant such as buttons optional
* Lining fabric I have used black cotton
* Calico backing for decorative fabric
Step 1
Measure and mark 5 equal measurements of strips of lampshade adhesive paper. I suggest approx 3 cm in width. I have created bangles of various widths.
Length approx 24 cm to be adjusted to your wrist size after the strips are cut .
Cut 5 strips
Step 2
Place one adhesive paper strip around wrist, allow for a 2cm over lap (will be join ).
Make sure you can get the bangle on and off.
Cut all the strips to this size .
Step 3
Peel away the backing paper of the self adhesive lamp shade paper and place facedown on your lining fabric.I have used a black cotton.
Smooth fabric over the adhesive paper.
Place another bangle strip adhesive side down on top of the first piece.
Step 4
Working on the the second layer of bangle adhesive strip place to rows of double sided tape.
Then place the third strip of adhesive paper, on on the double sided tape.
The third strip should remain with adhesive side up.
Step 5
Peel back the paper off the adhesive side and fold over edges of the lining fabric.Including one end.
Step 6
For the decorative side of bangle I am using a strip of hand painted silk. I then use fusible web peeled of its backing and sandwiched between the silk and calico.Dry iron until fused together.
Step 7
Then start your stitching. I used a combination of threads and free motion and set embroidery stitches on my B720 Bernina.
Close up of stitching
Step 8
Place your decorated fabric face side down.
Place strip of adhesive paper sticky side down on top of decorative fabric back and then two strips of double sided tape on top of this.
Adhesive lamp paper strip five is now put on top of the double sided tape.
The adhesive side of the bangle strip paper should remain unpeeled and facing up. Do the same with the edges and end of the decorative fabric as you did in the bangle lining.
Step 9
Its time to add any paint or embellishment.
Step 10
Coat your decorative strip with slightly watered down PVA glue.You may choose to use other mediums for this.
I use PVA to protect and stiffen the fabrics.It does alter your colours slightly.
I have also fond PVA glue coating dries quickly.
Step 11
Take your lining strip and make it into your round bangle shape
One end of the fabric should be folded over the adhesive strips. This is end will over lap the raw edge on the inside of bangle by approx 2 cm allowance.
Place your raw end 2 cm under the folded edge and hold together with masking tape or such.
Step 12
When dry.
Add to rows of double sided tape to the outside of lining bangle.
Take your decorative piece of fabric and wrap it round the lining bangle using pegs to hold.
I keep the joins of the lining and decorative off centre to each other.I think this will keep it nice and strong.
The bracelet is now very firm.
Step 13
Do the same with the ends of the decorative piece as you did with the lining bangle.The turned over edge should overlap raw edge on the outside of bangle.
I add some flat metal wire strips to mine this is optional.The bangles look lovely with or without wire and with or without embellishment.
I have inserted the ends of the flat metal wire ono the seam on either edge.
The edges are then stitched together using a super strong thread.
To save your fingers ( mine got pretty sore before I started to use the pliers) use pliers to help push the needle through and pull the needle out.You are sewing through many layers of sticky materials. I used a casting stitch.
When you have finished stitching glue and clamp your edge with craft glue. Try to make it as flat as possible.
Woo hoo now its ready to wear and time to try making new one.
Think of ways you can own this idea make it in your own style. Different embellishments and designs.
Can I just share with you that writing these making project blogs take me many hours and I am happy to share these with you. I would appreciate that you credit me with the idea if you are making them. I know you all appreciate that I share so much and I enjoy the process and support. But it is impossible for me produce this type of project blog often it is so time consuming.I will share other ideas and whats happening in my Studio and on occasion a creating a project blog. Thanks for your support and may your days be full of creative moments.
