Module 4 Chapter 3 Grids

This chapter shows a collection of different grids, meshes and nets

Mesh is to use in making paper, stretched into a frame or ring, or used on its own

Some can be decoratively embedded into hand-made paper

Some can be used for withdrawing threads to make more complex grids

All could eventually be stitched into, cut up and applied to another surface

Stiff mesh with clear grid patterns

Most of these could be used to make paper

Different nets

Some will be more effective than others when added to paper pulp

Different canvases

These canvases are made of cotton or linen, with a sample not shown of black plastic canvas for embroidery.                                                                                 The colours shown are following the colour scheme I’d like to use linked to the Wales theme.

I’ll be trying some with paper pulp and withdrawing threads.

The canvasses either have single or double threads for the warp or weft or both.

Hessian or sacking with grids

As with the canvas there are single or double threads for the warp or weft or both.  The threads are close together(S1) forming a more dense surface to being widely spaced and some threads are fused together (S6)(S7). Some are vey loose(S5).

It will be interesting to see what textures may arise embedding these in paper pulp.

Different types of cotton or linen scrim or muslin

These can be easily dyed with cold water dyes.  Sc1a – Sc1d are examples of a basic cotton scrim; a) not dyed, b) some paint wiped on it, c) a grid made from acrylic or textile paints on tiles and d) cold water dyed   

There is some variation in spacing, most being single threads for both warp and weft.

Sc 8 is probably the material, a linen scrim, I’ll use to dye and withdraw threads as suggested in a later chapter.

Nets some of which are used in packaging

These samples are stretchy or rigid dependent on the material used to make them and whether they were knitted to make the patterns.

 

Other grids

Here is a range of different examples which I feel do not fit into the previous categories but show grid formations

It will be interesting to see how these work with paper making, some may be better stitched into paper, or have paper added to them

Where possible I tried to keep to the colour theme I hope to use.

And next to paper making!

Module 4 Chapter 2 Lettering designs

In this chapter it was an opportunity to develop lettering using inks, acrylic paint, PVA glue, ink tense pencils and different tools and background papers.

The samples are in three parts:

• a significant word
• a significant phrase
• using the computer

Part one

Considering different words relevant to music and the welsh language, I chose the welsh word for ‘music’ - ‘ cerddoriaeth’

Here are several samples

 

The first page included use of felt tip pens, markers, water colour pencils, marvel stick and charcoal.                                                                                              The lettering tends to be a consistent black for which the mark makers are designed.

The second page includes different inks, pen nibs, paint brushes, sponge brush and the end of a lollipop stick.                                                                        Dipping into inks gives a more varied intensity of print through the word, especially the lollipop stick and use of brushes

The third page includes different inks and paints, using nibs, brushes and edge of a narrow card.                                                                                                   The tool less related to a nib produces variety of lettering, different thicknesses and hollow aspects to certain letters, such as in the last example.

The fourth page highlights using edges of cards stamped around to form the letters, or serrated edges to repeat the letter like parallel designs.                              In the last three neat bleach is introduced, working on ink rather than acrylic paint using card and cotton bud sticks.

The fifth page introduces use of a textured surface behind the paper on to which wax crayons, oil pastels and candle wax act as resists once covered with an ink wash.  PVA glue was used with the edge of a card and piped on to the paper, allowed to dry, washed over then highlighted with a light rubbing of Treasure gold.  Some of the wording is upside down.  Lighter washes show the lettering better than darker washes.

And here is a picture of me doing some PVA glue writing as part of the exercise.

Part two

This time the phrase selected is in Welsh and is the name of the Welsh National Anthem, ‘Hen wlad fy nhadau’.

The papers selected were cut to 20cm squares using:

cartridge paper, old record sleeves, manuscripts for writing music scores, old music scores, paper from newspapers, magazines and brochures, postal packaging, brown paper and cardboard

Tools and materials used reflect those used in Part one, but varying the size of the text allowed different patterns to develop.                                                    The techniques for each were printed on the back of each sample

From the 30 samples these I feel show particular interest:

Certain features of the samples include:

• varying intensity of ink through the words or phrase,
• the interesting directions of text,
• the way some letters produce lovely curves such as f, y and h, criss crossing over the paper
• bleach almost glows on one sample
• the way the bleach can re-reveal the text on the papers
• basic patterns in the letters reminiscent of the particularly decorative illuminated celtic lettering
• use of ink tense pencils bundled together producing ghost writing, brushed over or sprayed with water giving different effects of coloured wash
• texture and rubbings using PVA raised lettering
• different effects of different directions of washes
• the way the background text or music can enhance the writing

A health and safety warning using bleach include

• working in a well ventilated room
• keeping it in a secure container,
• a small glass jar a useful size to dip into,
• using utensils that wont dissolve and
• ensuring the jar is clearly labelled.

Part three

Using the Drawing package on my computer manipulated shape, letter and word to a degree!

Here are the items produced but I’m sure I could do further work

Have added another page using a repeated ‘h’, copying, pasting and rotating to produce some exciting patterns.