Part 2 Project 1 Joining

 Exercise 1 Joining straight flush edges

I began by sketching some ideas on how I could produce a set of samples reflecting the brief of joining straight flush edges. Thinking about the materials I could use to make a successful collection of samples. 

The first sample, I focused on using a binding effect. Taking a needle to pierce hole in the black card, trying to line the holes up as best I could. Then taking lengths of wire and threading them opposite holes and then twisting the wire to hold them in place and pulling the two pieces of card together. 

There was a fine line between pulling it to tight and the edges become overlapping. I wonder if I had used one piece of wire that spiralled through the holes it would be less likely to overlap.

Taking two contrasting papers creating tabs and slots then interlocking the two together. Creating flush edges on the front and on the back the tabs are visible. I think I prefer the back more than the front seeing the tabs clasped together like a couple holding hands.

Next looking at more unusual ways to connect two edges. Taking corrugated cardboard and skewers which I broke down to make them thinner and shorter. Then placing the skewers into the gaps in the corrugated cardboard, slotting the two together. This was a really technique as the edges met neatly together. I'm not sure how this would be replicated with other materials though?

This is one of my favourites visually, I am always drawn to the way plastics melt and the rippling unique effect that's created. Although this did not have flush lines again as it had to have a small amount of overlapping to bond together. This technique would work with other material such as synthetic fabrics which melt under heat. 

I also like the two contrasting colours together it creates a crisp line giving the impression of flush join.

My last two samples are very typical of the joining techniques used in sewing/ dress making. Using a whip stitch, with nylon thread through the mulberry papers. Although a simple technique it offers lots of possibilities with different yarns and materials. As does the lacing technique below but the lacing technique creates a more visually appealing look. 

Both techniques could be developed further using different stitches and lacing techniques depending on the piece I wanted to create.

With this selection of samples I feel like I have a good variety of joining flush techniques that can be developed further.

Exercise 2 Joining straight edges with a gap

Taking the same approach as the previous exercise thinking about different techniques that could be used to create varying width gaps. 

Making my way through my ideas which then lead onto developing some of the samples. 

The first sample I produced was with the split pins, I took inspiration from my boots which has hooks at the top to lace through. Although it was difficult to create an even gap, the technique has lots of possibilities to develop. The gap can be made smaller or larger, the way the thread is laced can be altered and rearranged and the yarn used can be changed. 

My next sample was a lot simpler, actually I would describe it as bland. Taking lengths of ribbon and joining either end to the pieces of fabric. This method enabled a more accurate gap to be created. This technique could also be created with a variety of materials such as fabric, paper or plastic.

Using a similar technique to the wire technique from the previous exercise. This time using cable ties I like the use of an unconventional item to hold the pieces together. Although again it was not easy to ensure an even gap. But definitely a technique I would want to explore further trying it with a contrasting natural material or pairing it with another plastic.

This led onto my next sample with wire, instead of making individual loops like the cable ties. Using one piece of wire and creating a spiral effect. The only issue with this technique was if the holes were not in the correct spacing it would create an uneven gap. 

 The next sample included using an insertion stitch, playing the thread twisting it to make a pattern through the gap. Again it is a difficult technique to get the gap perfectly even. But with this technique I would like to explore different types stitches that could be achieved and at different distances. 

My final two samples involved my favourite, plastics!! I originally used fabric and then fruit netting. What inspired me to use the netting was the original sketch ideas of using lace. I was unsure if the plastic would stick to the fabric. The first layer of netting was not quite strong enough to hold the two pieces together so I added another layer this held a lot better. I did note that although I had the pieces of fabric at set distances once the heat was added to the netting, making the netting contract and altering the distance of gap. This would be something I would need to consider if I chose to use this technique.

Although I had not planned to do the last sample I was inspired to see how the netting would react with plastic rather than the fabric. It definitely made a more visually interesting, other than that not much else was gained from the change of material. 

Whilst creating the samples which can all be made in varying widths, I noted that the wider the gap the harder to keep the distance accurate. And the smaller gaps meant a lot of the detail in the join is lost and when using an insertion stitch, netting or wire they benefit from having a bit of a gap. 

Exercise 3 Joining Curved Edges

Taking this exercise with a different angle, well I hadn't started with that intention but once I began sketching it became clear to me that the ideas I was coming up with were based around patterns. The curves seemed to naturally create interesting patterns. Adding colour into these samples would really be interesting in developing them further.

My first two samples began with the thought of including the design in a layering fashion over clothing or in artistic installation way. The curve creating an even circular shape that could be filled with colour, making a colour blocking effect. Using a blanket stitch on the first sample made a hem on the paper. 

Using the same shape but instead using the thread to fill the gap with the lengths of yarn filling the vast empty space with colour. The yarn could hang loose or tightly depending on the required effect. This could have the yarn going horizontally as well as vertically creating a weaving effect. This would help to improve the structure of the join creating a firmer join. 

Taking one sheet of aluminium and creating wave lines. I wanted to create a small gap that can be see when holding it up to the light. I didn’t want to obscure that gap and looked around for inspiration to create the join. I settled on staples, to keep with the metal theme and with them being so small they are very subtle. I wonder if I could go for a bolder joining method whilst keeping the gaps visible. This is an area I could explore further. I also like the movement that the staples allow, with the cut out waves it reminds me of the sea moving.

Taking inspiration from Pippa Andrews work, I took offcuts of wallpaper and rolled them into tubes. I originally tried to glue the tubes but they kept unrolling. I then decided that wrapping wire would work and also look interesting. The spring like wraps worked well to keep the tubes in place. I then took copper wire to bind the tubes together, weaving them around the tubes creating a raft type effect. 

This sample would work well on a larger scale and using more tubes. I could visualise them being made into tiles using contrasting colours and laying them vertically and horizontally.

I then wanted to try and see if anything else could be achieved with the tubes. Threading the wire through the tubes rather than around the tubes. The wire used was thin which meant the structure was flimsy. This is a design that could be explored but with a thicker wire that still allowed room for movement. 

This is one of my favourite design ideas, I can see so much development potential to take the design further. Loosely around Goldsworthy's work with the circular leaves. Thinking of developing the design further I could add more layers of circles, increase the size, change the yarn used to join the circles together. I could visually it as a hanging installation. 

 

Keeping on the circular theme, I wanted to think of a way of link the curves together. In the example below using wire wrapped around the edge of the curves. I could envision this style as jewellery, or trim on a dress, or a collection of them as a wall hanging. I could also make holes and use hooks to join the circles together.

  

Again looking back over the artists I had previously researched I took inspiration from Barbara Cotterell. Using milk bottle tops and chocolate coin wrappers. Rolling them into cone shapes. Then weaving them onto wire. I like the rustic natural turns of the wire. The crumbled foil also lends itself well to give the image of dried leaves, withered on the wire branch. Take a material not usually found in nature but creating a bit of nature out of it.

For my final idea, it did not quite go to plan. In my original drawn up idea I had the curved shapes but with each shape visible with and them joined at the bottom of each end. After placing the individual pieces out I couldn't find a way to keep the shapes in place. instead abandoning that idea and was going to abandon the idea altogether until I had a thought. 

I could use the shapes to create a fan effect with a split pin, pulling the sections out to varying distances to create different shapes, creating touching and gaps within the curves. This design would work well as an embellishment of a fashion piece.  

 

Taking packaging which was pre-cut which made it perfect to join and hold wrapped tubes. The slots resting around the curves of the tubes and stopping them from unrolling and keeping their shape. The slits creating their own curves against the tubes. This effect reminds me of an insect or twigs coming off the bark.

Encircling a collection of tubular cylinders within a larger cylinder. Wrapping wire around the inner cylinders to hold them into shape. The collection creates interesting shadows to form within the cylinders. What I am reminded of when looking at this sample is the inside of a wire, with all the copper wires entwinned together, only my version is in paper.

Using a slightly different approach for this sample taking a curved shape (circle) and creating an other curved shape (cone). Joining the edges at the point with thread. Stitching and gathering the ends together so that the curved edges are touching. Creating a bundle of curves like a posy of flowers.

For my final curve sample I wanted to focus on having some distance between the concave and convex curves. Using a larger outer circle, to house a smaller circle in the centre. Using yarn to spin around the edges like a spider spinning a web. This would be a good sample to take further to explore different materials. 

Exploring curved lines and different techniques to join them. Looking at leaving a gap, no gap and then overlapping. Using the same design and paper for each example. For the sample to create the gap between the concave and convex curves. Taking black wire so the wire blends into the sample twisting the wire through pierced hole along the curved edges. Not winding the wire too tight or too loose, just enough to see the background. 

With the overlapping sample I chose to use a contrasting white cotton. Stitching the two smaller pieces on top of the larger shapes. With this sample I like the fact that the sample can be turned over to create different pattern/design.

The final one was the most difficult trying to line up the curved edges was quite challenging. Laying the shapes out and then carefully laying lengths of sticky tape over the back of the shapes. This sample was probably the most difficult to create and required a lot more accuracy.   

Choosing to go back and revisit the samples and focusing on the same material and design but using the different techniques to create three different samples that have different qualities in each piece.

To develop the sample further I wanted to explore missing in another material. Looking for a complimenting material. I chose to work with a sheet of aluminium using the shiny, cold surface to work with the soft, warm surface of the black card. Using the same black wire as the previous sample, I thought it might stand out more against the aluminium but it still remained subtle. What I liked about using two different materials was how it highlighted the curves in the shapes, really emphasising the pattern.

 

Exercise 4: Overlapping edges

I then felt inspired to try and develop another sample from previously further. Cutting interesting patterned circles from pages of a magazine. This time looking at an overlapping design, this time using a contrasting material against the pattern. Using a delicate sheet of tracing paper. 

Using a donut shape for the larger circle and then covering over the hole with a slightly larger circle of tracing paper. Using cotton to stitch it into place, and then push the overlapping edges further I decided to link three of the circles together, again using thread. Using the thread to create another curved outline. 

The beauty of this sample and design is that by turning it over it creates a new appearance. Rather than the tracing paper being framed by the larger circle, it is now on top. I was expecting it to make the tracing paper circle stand out but that wasn't the case they become lost and less of a feature in the design.

Coming up with ideas for an overlapping join at first struggled to think of different ways to produce an overlapping edge. I began by gathering a selection of materials to use, thinking this may inspire me. 

First taking cartridge paper and playing around with it to see different way of joining them. Using a simple stitch method to join one and then a slot for the other, creating an interest cross shape. Although quite a simple idea it could be developed further by adding more piece, therefore creating more joins. Either making the piece larger as a whole or making smaller pieces and keeping the piece the same size.

I also looked at more conventional ways of joining two more unusual combinations of material using two soft materials to join together with a hook and eye (bubble wrap and felt). And then using two rigid materials (basla wood and plastic) Using a popper to connect these two, I like the fact that the popper is visible through the plastic. Its like seeing the working of an inside of a clock,

I regret not trying mixing a hard and soft material together, this would have created more of a challenge to join the two together. I also could have tried a button as part of this sampling, if I were to take this sample further I would like to explore other transparent materials.

Now I was more in the swing of things, I was feeling more experimental. Breaking open the netting on a bag of onions I thought, I could join this together. I decided to attach the two pieces with a  horizontal connection. Taking pieces of cocktail sticks and weaving them through the holes in the netting to secure them in place. 

Using a similar idea this time with a piece of foam packaging and bubble wrap. This time creating my own holes to connect the pieces together and using a straw to go vertically into horizontal cut slits. 

Although quite an untidy way of  joining making it more difficult to be accurate, but I like the rustic and unique look to it. I also like the use of non-traditional materials and experimenting in ways to join them.

Experimenting with a firm and soft materials using a more traditional technique. Using a split pin to connect the piece together. Creating a hole in both pieces and lining up both pieces of material and then either lacing ribbon through or holding into place with a split pins. 

I don't think I like the rigid and accuracy of these samples. Although I am sure there are times when these sorts of techniques would be more appropriate. 

This led me on to using less traditional materials and techniques in my last two samples. The first taking two different plastics and then using heat to melt them together. One thing to keep in mind at when using this technique is the shrinkage that happens. I also like the two contrasting plastics melt into each other, making a whole piece with out any lips or ways to separate them. 

As appose to the other sample in the image that can be taken apart quite easily. With the cardboard tabs slotted into slits cut in the aluminium sheet. It was difficult to make the lining up accurate, this technique would be good if I want the two materials to be interchangeable easily. 

Exercise 5: Forming corners and angles

This exercise I wanted to approach it from a different angle. This time taking inspiration from items around me with interesting angles such as, a hinge, a wicker basket and foam mats.

Using these forms as a base for a selection of samples to create out of card, using my sketchbook to record my ideas first. 

Using glue, card, and wire to make interesting corners and angels. There were some more successful than others for example, the sample being held together by glue from a hot glue gun worked really but was very simple and had nothing exciting to it. 

Where as the one with cut out squares and slotting into each other looked good but was not very effective. Held together by balancing the pieces together. 

One of my more interesting and success samples which I wanted to explore further was the one with wire. Not only did if give me the possibility to change the angels it also looked interesting.

This led onto a selection of more detailed samples, taking those previous samples a bit further. Thinking about colour, materials and textures.  

Taking cord and wrapping yarn around it to cover the cord as I wanted to cover the navy yarn. And to create more textured base to make an interest angle from the to squares of painted paper stitched to the cord/yarn. I based this sample on a door hinge, so I wanted there to be some movement and flexibility to the sample.

The downside to this sample was that it was hard to keep it at a set angle/corner. As the cord was not firm it kept sliding back into a flat position. 

Developing on from the previous sample, this time using a knotting rather than wrapping technique to leave strands of yarn free to stitch onto the paper panels. Although this looked quite untidy if I had used thinner yarn and brushed it out before stitching it in place this could have made a more aesthetically pleasing piece. 

This joining technique made it easier to manipulate the paper panels into different degrees of angles. 

Developing one of my previous samples, this time trying to make the join more secure. Taking a length of wire to wrap around the connection. This certainly did the trick and held it securely in place. Using the corrugated cardboard reminded me of a tin roof. There is definitely potential to develop this sample further. Looking at size and materials used, maybe using a more natural material to entwine around the join.

My next sample, was inspired by the material rather than the join. Taking some pieces of melted plastics left over from a previous project. The plastic had some netting melted and sealed inside. 

Taking 3 scraps of yarn, one being the netting inside the plastic. Then creating puncture holes through the plastic and twisting the yarns together to weave between the two pieces of plastic. 

The overall effect reminded me of rubbish trapped with in a wire fence. I wonder what it would look like to weave the yarns across the pieces of plastic?

My final sample was inspired again from the wicker basket. It's interesting to see the different interpretations you can take from one item for inspiration. Taking brown yarn and knitting with it, trying not to be perfect with it as I wanted it it to have a rustic feel to it. 

Then taking cocktail sticks and weaving them through the top and bottom of the knitted squares joining them in the middle and wrapping yarn in a figure of eight fashion to hold it in place at one end. 

I wonder how this sample would look larger and exploring different yarns and possibly unconventional yarns. 

For my next sample I took inspiration from the weaving from the wicker basket. I had the perfect material I had saved from the packaging of parcel. The moment I saw it, I thought yup that would be perfect!

I initially wanted to use crinoline alone but I struggled to weave it through the gaps. I then had to come up with a way to make the crinoline more rigid but flexible. I decided that wire would be the best way forward, weaving it through the crinoline, this then led me to discover that I could then bend the sample into different angles and shapes.

Reflecting back on this sample I would like to find a way of making the wire more discrete and I feel it detracts from the sample.

For my final sample I wanted to push the boundaries a little. I had saved the husk of a corn on a cob as I thought it offered an interesting surface to work with. Using the same principal as the hinge, taking a wooden stirrer and twisting wire around the stirrer then piercing holes through the dried husk. 

As it was dried it became incredibly fragile, so moving it into angles was difficult as the wire came through the husk in areas. I wonder if it would have been easier to use a fresh leaf and then allow it to dry in a shape.

Reviewing the samples created in the previous exercises I picked out the five samples which I felt most inspired to take further. 

My first piece I had already developed twice and felt like it could still be taken further. This time taking it in the direction of creating angles, as well as using joins. I was originally going to use wire to not only join the circles in the centre but to then join the larger circles together. My first idea had six sides but when putting the circles together I liked being able to see the inside of the shape that had been formed. 

I also changed the original idea from the wire to cable ties, I felt like this would give me a stronger more stable join and angle and it did! I also chose to keep the ties long, I felt it gave me more to look at and play with. Looking down on the piece I could imagine it spinning around. 

I still think there are so many possibilities for this sample, such as size, material, changing the inner circle and looking at multiples and joining them together to make more unusual shapes. 

My next sample both stemmed from the sample below, overlapping plastics and using heat from an iron to melt the two pieces together. Developing it further, I felt inspired from a theme of make do a mend that my daughter was doing as a school project. 

I had left over plastics from and earlier project which I decided to make into a hexagon patchwork quilt effect. Like people using scraps of fabric to make a blanket, but I'm using plastic instead.

I originally wanted to use netting to join all the pieces together leaving a gap like the sample below. But I couldn't get them to hold together and using more heat to help it stick only meant that one of the plastic hexagons melted which was not ideal. 

                                           

I then had to come up with an alternative idea, looking around at the items I could use I thought I would try using a clear plastic sandwich bag. Cutting it open and laying it flat across the back of the hexagons which I had already laid out in place.

The real challenge came when I had to gauge how much heat to apply, there was a fine line between it not sticking and it completely melting. Overall I'm incredibly pleased with the way this piece turned out. I love the effect created on the back with the sandwich bag, the heat caused the plastic to shrink making a rippling effect over the hexagons. I could imagine multiples of these pieces creating a blanket. The vibrant colours also gave the feeling of a warm blanket.

For my next sample I wanted to explore combining a mixture of materials. Focusing on overlapping each layer of material.  Using a running stitch and back stitch to connect them. 

I think perhaps I kept it to simple and would serve better as an initial sample to develop from. I was trying to use a mix of materials to link into the strips of fabric and using unconventional materials instead of fabric.

If I was to develop this further I would look at other ways to connect the layers and looking at a mixture of sizes for each panel.

I took a sheet of aluminium and scored alternate lines across the sheet. Trying to replicate the weave of the basket I had looked at during the angle exercise. Bringing colour to the piece by taking lengths of wire covering and weaving it through the alternate slits I had created. 

Although it was simple process I like the effect created and feel you can see the weaved basket effect. This is definitely a sample I would like to explore further.

For my final sample I went back to another sample from the angle exercise. I wanted to look at developing it further, increasing the size and making another side to the piece. 

I originally wanted to use kebab sticks to weave through the knitted panel and join each panel together. But I couldn't find any, so I had to be resourceful. Using two cocktail sticks and joining them with wire wrapped around them like a spring. Then where the sticks crossed over, using the end of the yarn and wire to wrap around in a figure of eight. 

The only downside was the panels were very fragile with the connection. I wonder what this sample would look like if was hanging from a ceiling. With long panels draping down, with maybe things entwinned within the yarn. 

During project one I wanted to ensure I used an array materials, plastic, paper, wood and even natural items like the sweetcorn husk. Combining a mixture of textures and exploring experimental ideas. Some developing on from less successful ideas.  

Using the materials unique qualities to enhance the joins or using contrasting materials to make interesting joins and angles. Some of the samples were less stable or secure than others, but I feel like these happy accidents make for more interest samples. Some would be hard to recreate, which adds uniqueness to them. 

On reflection my colour palette was not as adventurous as my choice of materials. For project 2 I will explore more colour within my work. As well as continue with a experimental materials and hoping to stumble across more happy accidents.