Tuesday 28 June 2011

Dewdrops and Playtime.

We were about to go out on Monday morning when I noticed the tiny droplets of dew all round each of these Alchemilla Mollis leaves. I just had to nip back inside for the camera as I knew they'd have evaporated by the time we got home again. Aren't they beautiful?

It looks as if someone has sewn minute crystal beads round each leaf.
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Today I have been playing with Friendly Plastic and to begin with I recycled some offcuts and failures, and produced these first two pieces. Some of the colour shows from the original pieces and when I have decided what to make with them, I shall colour them with paint or foil.

I softened the pieces in hot water and rolled them together between two sheets of kitchen foil to flatten them out. I then resoftened the rolled out piece with a heat gun and pressed a rubber stamp into it and left it to cool before removing the stamp. I quite like the irregular and slightly ancient look.


This piece was similarly made using a different stamp. I haven't explained the process in any length but if you like the sound of this technique and product, Liz Welch's blog 'Rarelizzie' has amazing samples of all manner of things that can be made with Friendly Plastic as well as hints and tips on using it. She has written books about it and sells the product itself and other related items on her online shop. On her blog you will see that the most beautiful beads, items of jewellery, carnival masks and book covers are just some of the things you can make with it.

I joined two strips together to make this piece. It is actually black and I may paint it or just highlight the design with a gold rub-on cream.


This join is less noticeable and it is so easy to do. You simply dip one long side of each strip into hot water for a few seconds and then hold them together for a few more seconds. That's all it takes. I reheated the piece with the heatgun before pressing a rubber stamp into it, to get the design.


This was made using a piece of gold Friendly Plastic about 3" long, heating it and pressing an incense stick holder onto it. It has a medieval design running halfway along it's length which is mirrored for the other half.


These show up a little clearer.


Again I had to join two strips together and have used a dark green colour for this. I think that perhaps the design for this stamp is not really deeply cut enough for a sharp result but it has that antique look which I like and might end up on a book cover or box eventually.


I think I overheated the plastic for this attempt but actually like the distressed appearance it has. It saves me having to do anything else to it, to make it look centuries old! This is a very elementary technique but some of the more advanced ones give stunning results.

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I must go and tidy up the mess I have made, and left, in the kitchen!














14 comments:

Ann Christy said...

I think they all great Heather. It looks like you have been out on an archaeological dig somewhere. Very interesting effects. I some friendly plastic that I have never done anything with. You have inspired me to have a go. The challenge will be that I will have to find it first!!!!

Maggi said...

Really effective fragments Heather. I also have some friendly plastic that I have never used. Must have a go soon.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Our garden is full of alchemilla mollis Heather- it takes over snd makes a mess along the path edge but I keep it because when it has rained the droplets look so beautiful. Glad you agree.

Heather said...

Proper blog address for Liz Welch:
http://rarelizzie.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Your second photo, when enlarged, is quite stunning.
I've not heard of Friendly Plastic but I like what you have been doing with it and might investigate.

Ro Bruhn said...

These are fabulous Heather. I could see them on the covers of books or dangling down the spine.

Digitalgran said...

I love your samples of friendly plastic. I bought some a very long time ago and have never used it I'm ashamed to say.

Helen said...

thank you for the inspiration Heather. This friendly plastic is quite interesting... and Liz is fast at sending out the stuff... only one day later from looking at your blog and I had some myself!!!

Clare Wassermann said...

Hmmmmm lovely. I have some friendly plastic lurking and am inspired to go and play!!!!

Clare Wassermann said...

Hmmmmm lovely. I have some friendly plastic lurking and am inspired to go and play!!!!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Just to say Heather thatI am so pleased to hear that your nerves wont stand the tennis finals - I am exactly the same - I want to watch it but after a minute or two I just can't bear the suspense.

Lyn said...

Oh yes they do look good, ancient actually!
xxx

Carol Q said...

don't those leaves look gorgeous Heather. it's known as "elamanamou" in our house - I've forgotten why! your experiments with the friendly plastic have worked well. it's a long time since I played with it.

Val said...

Love the alchemilla mollis pix Heather - it is so pretty, and your pieces of friendly plastic look amazing - very Maggie Grey-ish! They will make wonderful embellishments won't they.