Technical File

Below is a copy of the document I put in my technical file. My technical file contains samples of work I did while I was planning my ideas for my posters.

1.      Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is gold that has been hammered into thin sheets by goldbeating and is often used for gilding. Gold leaf is available in a wide variety of karats and shades. The most commonly used gold is 22-karat yellow gold. The glue is called ‘gilding paste’. You have to apply 2 layers on paper because it soaks in. You wait 15 minutes then apply each leaf to the area you are working on using the transparent film.

When in place you use a brush to apply to press the gold leaf onto the paste. You then use ‘burnishing wool’ to remove the spare gold which are called skewing’s.

I worked with gold leaf (which was filmed) then used this technique on my first poster.

2.      Cross Stitch

Cross-stitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tile like pattern is used to form a picture. The stitcher counts the threads on a piece of even weave fabric (such as linen) in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance. This form of cross-stitch is also called counted cross-stitch in order to distinguish it from other forms of cross-stitch. Sometimes cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric (stamped cross-stitch); the stitcher simply stitches over the printed pattern. Cross-stitch is also executed on easily-countable fabric called aida cloth but the threads are not actually counted.

Cross Stitch – The Basics (The Basics; Bothy Threads; 6^th March 2013)

     Stitches must all slope the same way;

     Don’t pull too tightly;

     Anchor first stitch with loop.

Equipment

     Aida (14 Count;

     Tapestry Needles;

     Thread (Anchor and DMC)

The first time I made the two figures of Arthur and Merlin and found it quite difficult getting all the stitches in the right direction, tying the knots in the back. It was also difficult choosing colors and getting the size right. This was because I did not have a pattern.

The second cross stitch was lettering and I found this a lot easier as I was copying from a pattern plus the Aida was a lot softer to use. I amended the letters (see photocopy).

3.      Hama Beads

Hama beads are plastic fusible beads. These colourful beads are usually arranged on plastic pegboards to form patterns and then fused together with a clothes iron. For further info:

http://www.hama.dk/the-story-of-hama/

I made a square coaster of merlin using Hama beads and found it enjoyable.

4.      Flags

For my second poster I looked at the possibility of a flag design/style. I experimented with printing images off onto different types of paper and card

I found a Flag design and saved to a word document then printed onto printable canvas.  I liked the end result.

5.      Pouch

As part of my research into Merlin and looking at different ways to present my work I decided to make a pouch. Merlin uses one when he collects herbs or carries medicine.

I bought some brown felt and watched a YouTube clip by Shelley Nicholls a couple of times. I then made a bag using a sewing machine (observed by my dad for Health and Safety reasons).

I bought a belt from a charity shop and adapted this into the drawstring of the pouch.

6.      Book Making and Scrolls

I wanted to do something interactive with my final project and looked at making a scroll or map plus designing some books.

I researched various websites and images and created a map of Albion using shammy leather and ink to give the appearance of an old scroll. I also bought some leather off cut offs and velour material.

I made the covers for some journals I and added accessories for designs (see photos).

7.      Silk Printing

I had an idea for my last poster to be similar to a silk painting so I experimented in college plus I also did some batik samples.

It took a long time so I decided not to do this for my poster.

8.      Puff binder.

I did a dragon using puff binder but was not happy with the end result.

9.      Lino Printing

I chose a dragon because of its links to Arthur and it was another idea for my last poster. I sketched out a dragon in white pencil.

I then carved out the shape of the dragon using a cutting board and block.

I covered this with paint using a roller – some areas weren’t covered properly. I had to make the print by hand (as machine was broken) therefore I am not too happy with them. The red one is the one I like most.