22 February 2012

Underwear art





Take one pair of laddered tights, a piece of paper and some inks and paints.........and look at the exciting effects you can produce!















These rainbow pictures were created with a pair of old tights (yes, seriously!).  I ripped the tights to create long ladders and holes of varying sizes (very satisfying process in itself!) and then fastened the fabric with sticky tape across a previously stretched, dampened sheet of heavy-weight watercolour paper.  Next, I  poured acrylic and watercolour inks and added brushloads of watercolours randomly across the paper as the fancy took me!  I then used a spray bottle to disperse the colours. The photos above were taken whilst  the pigments were still very wet.





When completely dry, I removed the tights and cut some of the paper strips and the remainder into smaller squares and rectangles.  Subtle patterns remained on the paper.












An interesting process!  One point to note: over-saturated areas created big pools of pigment that during the drying process contributed to the contracting of some the webs, so that they escaped their 'moorings' and as such were of no use at all in the experiment!   Of course, when dry, the colours were less intense, but nevertheless, the effects were intriguing -  I see nets, trees and beaches in there!   As with the oil pastels in my previous post I stuck the pieces into a sketch book.  Who knows, these squares and rectangles may find their way into my work one day.


So ,what better way to put those laddered tights and stockings to use?  I hope you might try it too - recyle and gain some colourful artwork!















16 comments:

  1. Amazing idea, fabulous results!
    I'll have to go to the thrift store for the "panty hose" as I haven't worn any in years!
    the last pic looks like a wonderful water on sand at the beach scene!

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    1. Thanks! I have lots of spare pairs of tights from holidays in cooler climes - also don't wear them here, Lynn!

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  2. WHOAAAAAAA! I am completely flabbergasted. That's incredible! I feel like I'm in the middle of pulled taffy. Thanks for sharing this!

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    1. Hi Bella! LOL! Have to admit I needed to google 'taffy'!

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  3. ooooh first I see Tia has a boyfriend BOB....are they cute together or what!!! I see them as I type this...adorable. BUT,,,,this post THREW me FOR A ROYAL LOOOOP!!! Girl,,,,can you see me running over to my tights drawer RIGHT NOW...can you hear me RIPPPPPING them,,,VERY THERAPUTIC...thanks for that BUT....look at these patterns,,look at these colors!!!! TOtaTalllllYY inspiring me...I am excited looking at these patterns and unfortunately I CANNNOT play along today as I am in the throws of bookbinding for the opening of the Easter Art Market scene on Sunday....yes, SUNDAY and I am here gawking at your artful pieces....gotta run but oh boy I cannnnnot WAIT to get in my laboratory for some experiments.

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    1. Hi Cynnie - sounds like you've got a lot on - good luck on Sunday! Bob, by the way, may look cute,but is not Tia's boyfriend - they loathe each other and we have to keep them apart!

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    2. ooooooo no....they LOATHE each other....oooo darn,,,toooo bad. I have had cats like that in the past too ....both on their own were darling and such sweeties but...oh god,,,together they were always batting at each other and hissing and drove me nuts....one would walk by the other and all of sudden POUNCE on him for no reason whatsoever....they were both crazy jealous of each other and if one was on my lap the other one would GROWL and walk around us ...it was very stressful to say the least. They both lived to be old and happy just as long as neither had to deal with the one another:) so I know exactly what you are talking about .....my DH always said they needed "therapy":)

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  4. What a fantastic share! Very creative and such lovely results. I will certainly put this on my "to do" list of things to try. Thanks for sharing. :)

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    1. Thanks Lisa! Hope you have fun with this some day!

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  5. YAY! So inspiring! I love this! I like to do this sort of thing with Massa paper- never know how it will turn out. This is a whole other dimension! LOVE!

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    1. Linda Sue, I so want to try Massa paper - but sadly can't find here:(

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  6. Wow, love them all Caroline, the colours are amazing, will have to give this a try.

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    1. Hi Amanda! I loved the effect when the inks were really wet - lost a bit of oomph when dry, but nevertheless well worth a go!

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  7. Love the effect you get from the ladders!

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    1. Won't look at ladders in tights in the same way ever again, Nicky!

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  8. these are awesome, what a great idea! I see palm fronds.

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