I have been experimenting with the use of fabric hardener and have found it somewhat addictive.

First I tried making a bowl.  Basically, you use an upturned plastic bowl as a former.  

  • Cover the bowl with clingfilm to ensure nothing sticks to the bowl itself.  
  • Use a plastic tray and pour a small amount of fabric hardener into it.
  • Take your fabric and immerse in the fabric hardener.
  • Gently rub the hardener into the fabric ensuring it is completely covered without being dripping wet.
  • Place over the upturned bowl.  Make sure the bottom of the bowl is as smooth as possible to give stability and so that it won’t wobble when it’s done.
  • The sides at this stage need to be as smooth as possible just so that the inside of the bowl will be fairly smooth.  Don’t worry over it too much.
  • Take another square of fabric and coat it thoroughly in fabric hardener as before.
  • Cover the first piece but this time allow the fabric to fall into natural folds (but remember to keep the base smooth).
  • You can add more fabric if you wish or textured paper or embellishments of your choice.


Allow to dry overnight or longer if necessary.  You can use a hairdryer to speed up the process.




When completely dry you can paint over with your favourite colour acrylic paint.  I chose a turquoise blue then dry brushed gold over the textured areas to highlight the folds and creases.



I found the whol process most enjoyable.  And then I looked for other things I could use the fabric hardener on.

An old plastic doll was destined for the tip, so I upcycle her to make a garden statue.






She has had her face touched up slightly with acrylic paint, and she stands in a weighted glass jar so that she won’t fall over or blow away in the garden.

Next I intend to make a fairy house using the empty bottle you can see behind the doll statue.  I have made a clay door in readiness.   That will be for another day.

On the whole I really enjoyed making things using fabric hardener.  It is a way of using up scraps of fabric, old bottles and jars as well as upcycling unwanted things like dolls etc.

I highly recommend given no this a try and if you do and you need any help or advice do not hesitate to get in touch. And I would love to see your creations!

Best wishes

Shari x💕





 

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