Hardening compound. Powertex.

A big welcome to all my new followers, hope you enjoy the journey.

And for all my dear Blogging Friends,
Just a small sample so far using the fabric hardener, Powertex that I mentioned on Wednesday.

The only disadvantage with this is that you can get a bit messy and it does stick to fibres and fabrics and that includes brushes which must be kept in water when not in use, if you wash it off quickly you can remove it.
An apron and gloves are a good idea.
Anyway here is my first sample which uses a piece of curtaining fabric and a plaster head, plus the hardener, glue, paint brush, plastic plate and pigment colours.

• First you need to begin by pouring a very small amount of the hardener into a plastic plate, (say three tablespoons) and then thoroughly cover the chosen fabric, ring this out occasionally until it is completely covered.
• Next paint the underside of the plaster head or other object and place it on top of the fabric. Arrange the fabric into a pleasing shape and using a little more of the hardener, paint the face with it.

You have about an hour to play around with the arrangement after which time the hardener will start to set though it is not completely solid for about three days.

• When the fabric is fairly firm it is time to add the colour.
• Place a little of the glue onto a craft mat and dip the brush in it and then into the pigment and mix it together, a little white pigment can be used to lighten the colours.
• Apply the colour to the fabric by dry brushing and finish with a little metallic colour if wished to make the colours stand out.

All you need to do now is leave the fabric to harden. It should then be waterproof too, though you can always add extra varnish to protect it particularly if it will be displayed outside.

The hardener I have used is Bronze but it is available in other colours too.


Hope you liked my first effort with this very interesting medium.

Happy crafting,

 

Angela x