5th October Visual Sheet Development

On Wednesday 5^th of October, I continued to complete my final visual design sheet for my specialised workshop “textiles” and the project “Natural World”. I continued to generate further ideas for my visual sheets through my journey of the project which includes develop mood-boards and sketchbook research which includes primary research throughout the summer that I collected. The visual sheet follows and develops from my first visual sheet as they both include the same background and layout for my patterns and ideas. I continued to use the same background and layout as I believe that they emphasise the patterns and also presents my understanding of the keywords in “Textiles”. For example, I have repeated patterns on the layout of my sheet to demonstrate and present my interpretation of the important keywords to consider when creating patterns and initial design ideas. The completed final design sheets will be taken further into the workshop to create a final design layout which will allow me to create samples and explore a variety of materials and colour schemes. My final design idea, will reflect the design sheets as I will be choosing my favourite my design layout patterns and developing them to create a screen print design.

Firstly, I decided to create a repeated pattern of the subject of bees which has been inspired by my previous primary research at Glastonbury Festival. A campaign was presented throughout the festival to protect the bees from extinction and a collection of artworks that presented these and flowers were on display to inform the audience. I wanted to capture the knowledge I have gained from my primary research and moodboards to create a pattern highlighting this topic. The outline of the insects were gained from my moodboard layout and I decided to include characteristics towards the design. To make the pattern symmetrical, I used tracing paper to collect my original drawing of the bee and repeat the outline accurately onto the design.  The repeated process worked effectively, onto the design. After completing the outline, I believed that the background was basic and too simple. I was inspired by Johnathon Ashworths work and I decided to create a lino-print texture appearance which was a build-up of lines and depth. The lines worked effectively onto the design as they related back to the patterns presented on the insects. After completing the layout, I focused creating the colour scheme. I decided to keep the colours simple to emphasise the importance of bees on the design so I used symbolic colours yellow and black. Watercolours were used to emphasise the contrasting colours but also the characteristics of the bee outline. Finally, to complete the pattern I used watercolour pencils to create depth and shadows to the detail of the bee outlines.

Bee pattern outcome

Next, I focused creating a “graffiti” styled pattern onto my visual sheet which continued from my development of my moodboards and primary research. This pattern design influence also came from my visit to Glastonbury festival as a variety of “graffiti” artwork was on display at the festival which reflected to the topic of nature. I wanted to continue to create the same style and appearance of the pieces that were on display. I continued with using keywords within Textiles to help me through my design process and I developed the points of symmetry and repetition. These two elements gained an effective outcome towards my design as it emphasised the outline of the pieces within the pattern and also presented my inspiration for the pieces from my moodboard design. The colour scheme was also gained from my mood-board inspiration and I decided to use cool colours to compliment the natural background of the design. For my material, I decided to use acrylic paints as I believed that the material would capture the style I wanted to achieve for the pattern. The outcome was effective, as the design had a blurred effect which related back to the primary researched I gained through studying “Graffiti” artwork. Also, the paints were useful as it allowed me to create shadows and depth through the build-up of cool colours on the design.

The outcome of the visual sheet is presented below. Next I am going to complete my final design for my visual sheet and start to create my final screen-print layout.

4th October Visual Sheet

On Tuesday 4^th Of October, I started to complete my final developed visual sheet which featured a variety of designs and materials inspired by my developed research and moodboards. The specialised workshop sheet has been continued from my previous visual designs and includes the same background and layout which presents my approach to the task and journey. This final sheet will be combined with my previous designs and be taken into the workshop to create a repeated screen and a variety of samples. The samples will demonstrate my understanding and techniques of the process and will also allow me to evaluate the outcomes of my designs and choice of materials. Throughout my visual sheet, I have continued to use keywords within textiles which has helped me to progress further into creating final designs.

To start the visual sheet, I collected a choice of materials which have been previously used on my first visual sheet to gain confidence with using the techniques and processes. I continued to develop my confidence with the paints called “Gouache” which is a material that creates a smooth appearance and uses a small amount of water. These bold, colours were ideal for two of my designs as they were simple outlines but includes a build-up of shapes, repeated patterns and textures. My first design presented below has been inspired by flower buds and seeds which also includes an influence of Angie Lewins work as it gains a print and illustration appearance. For my colour scheme, I was inspired by my primary research of Glastonbury Festival and my mood board as the topic of the photograph relates back to protecting the environment. These repeated colours gained an effective outcome and repetition within the sheet and I continued to develop the design further by including a black outline which was inspired by the print-artists research I collected. However, a problem I faced when placing two surfaces of Gouache together was that when the top layer was dry it peel away from the surface of the layout. I have gained knowledge from experimenting with Gouache further and I will continue to use the material correctly in the future.

For my next design, I continued to use the material “Gouache” to create a repeated leaf pattern design which was built up in layers and also included warm colours. The colour scheme was also inspired by Glastonbury Festival as my primary research included flower sculptures that was developed into my mood-board development. I believed that the colours related to the leaf pattern outline as the warm colours symbolise the season autumn which relates back to my theme and project “Natural World”. I was happy with the outcome of the pattern as I have developed my confidence with using Gouache further to create bold, even colours which highlights the outline of the design and topic. The outline of the design was continued from my previous visual sheet layout as I wanted my pieces to stand out and emphasise they are my original designs. The background was inspired by a building which I explored at Glastonbury, through my primary research, which included a quilt pattern on the surface of the design. Also, the layout was influenced by my Artist Research of Tracey Emin who creates quilt and textiles pieces of her artwork. The designs are presented below.

Next, I am going to continue to create further design ideas onto my visual sheet which will be taken and develop into a repeated final screen.

29th September Creating Screen-Print Templates

On Thursday 29th of September, I continued to develop my skills and knowledge of my specialised workshop "Textiles". We started to develop the technique of creating outlines and designs for screen prints which will be used for our samples and experimentation. The screen print process involves drawing a design onto tracing paper which will then be transferred onto our screens which we have prepared previously in the workshop. For the task, we used paper to practise the technique for our first attempt to gain the knowledge of the process. The workshop allowed us to apply practical skills, knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and context of textiles to produce creative outcomes. Also, the task allowed me to select appropriate materials to develop creative solutions for the specialised workshop "Textiles". Finally, the workshop allowed me to gain the knowledge and confidence to use the technique which will be developed into my experimentation and samples of my final design.

To start the workshop, we were given A3 paper and the task to create a perfect square. This was an essential part of the task, as the method wouldn’t work successfully if the measurements were incorrect. To complete the task, I used my mathematic knowledge and measured the size portrait which was then transferred landscape to create the shape. This was taken to the paper-cutter where I practised to cut the paper accurately to achieve my measurement. However, a problem I faced with using the machine was that it the measurement became incorrect which would impact my design and how successful it would work. To solve the problem, I used a craft knife to remove the incorrect measurement which made the square perfect. Next, I drew a line in the middle of the square and started to build a design towards the top and bottom of the page. This was created to allow a pattern to form but also to avoid damaging the process. My pattern was inspired by my developed visual sheet which was patterns as I could capture a simple design to help me understand the process of screen tracing. Also, for my design, the pieces at the top of the page must be connected below to create a successful even, repeated print. The sides of the perfect square were left blank to allow the process to work correctly, as I would be connecting the pieces together to create a repeated print. I was happy with the outcome of my design as it was a simple layout which related to my thought process and development of the theme “Natural World”. The simple layout was useful to gain experience and knowledge of the next step of the process.

Outline of my pattern which connects from the top of the design towards the bottom.

Outline for cutting the repeated screen print outline.

The removed cutting outline was connected on the opposite side of the page to allow to create a repeated screen outcome.

The final outcome of the layout which includes a cross-hatch effect that can be included on the designs.

I collected a black permanent marker pen and started to draw part of an outline on the side of the page which identified how the square will connect together to create a repeated screen. Paper on the outside of the pen marking was removed to create the jigsaw piece outcome which would create a repeated screen. I found completing this task difficult as It was difficult to cut accurately and neatly the outside the line in order for both pieces to connect together accurately. To improve next time, I will learn from my mistakes of cutting the outline and use my development of the skill to be put towards my final design idea. I will take the skills and knowledge I have gained towards my experimentation and final layout of my screen-printing which will use the same process.

Needle Felting

Needle Felting is a process of interlocking wool fibres together through stabbing them together with a needle. The wool fibres tangle and bind together to create a strong material and finish. To complete this method I used my previous workshop felt making outcomes to create this process. For the design I decided to use my white felt outcome as I wanted to explore different patterns and designs within the surface. For the tools and equipment I used a needle, sponge and a selection of wool to create patterns. Throughout the task, I followed health and safety instructions in order to avoid the risk of injury when completing the task.  A sponge was used to protect the surface of the table and allow me to create the movement safely when interlocking the fibres together. When creating the process you must keep your attention towards the design as it can cause a risk of injury to the hand if distracted. Finally, when I could I kept my fingers away from the needle to avoid the risk of injury. This was maintained throughout the task. For my design pattern, I decided to relate the outline to nature and my inspiration of flowers. Previously, I placed flower pieces onto the design when creating the felt. However, once the fabric dried those pieces fell away from the surface. To solve the problem, I used needle-felting to combine them both together securely which built up the design accurately. The design outcomes are presented below.

Final Outcome

Needle I used to create the design.

The materials obtained from my felt-making

The sponge equipment I used to create the design.

28th September Visual Sheet

On Wednesday 28^th September, I continued to complete my visual design sheet for the project “Natural World” and my specialised workshop area “Textiles”. This sheet has continued to be developed from my moodboard and sketchbook ideas. The patterns and ideas are initial ideas which will be taken further and developed into a final piece. The final outcome will be a repeated screen print which will include either one colour or more. The repeated screen will be transferred onto a variety of materials and I will be completing and experimenting with samples. These samples will allow me to adapt and develop my ideas to create an effective outcome. Throughout my visual design sheet I have continued to consider keywords in textiles which has helped me to create effective outcomes and appearances.

To complete my visual sheet, I decided to include a variety of materials to present my design ideas and thought process throughout the project. For the choice of materials, I decided to use and experiment with paints called Gouache which is substance that creates a smooth outcome and doesn’t use water. The material is perfect for textiles and screen-printing so I was curious to explore and experiment with the paint on the visual sheet. I was nervous to use the Gouache as paint is my least confident material to work with. However, when using the material I realised that the texture was easy to work with as it was a bold colour that couldn’t be mixed to create shadows within the surface of the paint. To create a new colour, I discovered that the technique must be created separately with a different pot of water in order to create an effective outcome. The style and outline of my pattern was inspired by Angie Lewin as I created a lino-print style petal surface that was also inspired by my flower moodboard. The colour was inspired by the surface I used previously for my lino-prints as I found that both colours complimented each other easily and worked effectively with the material I used. After, creating the piece I continued to create further patterns within the sheet. I decided to use watercolours for my next design as I wanted to emphasise the shapes and flowered demonstrated within the design. The pattern outline was inspired by the campaigning posters across my visit to Glastonbury which emphasised the importance of flowers. I decided to use the key terms and present a repeated pattern that captured my inspiration for the piece. Whilst, completing the visual page I faced problems with the outline of my design as I had areas which weren’t complete and couldn’t fit sustainable patterns within the space given. This was a challenge for me as I was unsure how to complete the page but also express my ideas for them. To solve the problem, I looked back towards my moodboard and the inspiration for my layout of my design. I noticed that the shapes has a repetition of pattern and colour which gave a quilt pattern outcome. To gain inspiration from this, I decided to photocopy my previous design ideas and create a repeated pattern on the surface of the sheet which presented all of my designs. By creating the visual sheet, it has allowed me to include another technique of collage onto the surface. Also, it has allowed me to demonstrate my thought process and understand of key words in textiles. I am pleased with my outcome and I am going to continue to create another visual sheet which follows the same layout but also further development and ideas of pattern. The outcome is presented below.

 

Visual Sheet Outcome

Felt Making

In my independent study, I continued to explore further textiles techniques and methods which I haven’t previously explored before. The technique I explored was felt making which is a process of building up a variety of wool and joining them together to create a strong piece of material. Then the process is developed and adapted with a variety of colours and patterns to create effective outcomes. Felt making technique can also be taken further into another process called needle felting which I will be exploring next with my final felt-making outcomes. The technique allowed me to gain confidence and work independently to create a variety of develop samples and patterns. Also, the process allowed me adapted the technique and create individual patterns with a variety of colours and surfaces. Finally, the process allowed me to create samples which related to my project “The natural world” as I incorporated my ideas and inspirations throughout the task such as flowers.

Throughout the task, we followed Health and safety instructions to avoid the risk of injury when completing the technique. Gloves were worn throughout the task when handling the material “sheep’s wool” as there is a risk of an allergic reaction and irritation to the skin when completing the process.

To start the task, I collected the materials and equipment to complete the technique which includes

·         Towel

·         Bubble Wrap

·         Garden Mesh

·         Warm water and fairy liquid

·         Cloth

·         Kettle

All the equipment above are combined together to create handmade felt. After gaining the equipment, I collected the wool and started to break down the material into small strands which are built up to create the material. I placed the strands of wood landscape and horizontally as it would give an equal layout and surface to create the felt. Once the layout was complete, I placed the layout onto bubble wrap and used the garden mesh to cover the surface to allow water to cover the piece. Next, I placed warm soapy water onto the surface which was absorbed by the fibres and ready to be placed into the towel. The felt is then wrapped into the towel and rolled vertically and horizontally to allow the surface to be equal in shape. After repeating the process, I transferred the felt onto cloth and wrapped the pieces together which was placed into boiling water. Once the piece of felt was left in the bowl of boiling water, I placed the material onto the drying rack to create the final outcome. I repeated the felt-making process and developed my techniques to include patterns and colours. To relate my project to the “natural world” I decided to include a pattern of flowers as it related back to my research and develop of the theme. Also, I decided to use the pattern of flowers as they are a simple shape that can be transferred through felt easily. To include the pattern I collected the wool and started the build-up the shapes with water. This gave an effective 3D outcome and this was placed onto the surface of the layout which was ready to be wrapped through the towel. However, a problem I faced with the pattern was that the outcome wasn’t effective as the pieces of wool fell from the layout. To improve next time I will use more water and repeat the process thoroughly in order to maintain the design and shape. My outcomes are presented below.



Colourful wool

Wool Sample

cloth which transferred the felt outcome.

Final outcome which shows the pattern has changed and
it has become less effective.

First outcome which demonstrates my knowledge and understanding of the technique which
has been developed with different patterns and surfaces.



Final Flower outcome on the drying rack.

Felt outcome after the wrapping the piece in a towel.

First outcome on the drying rack.

Overall, I am happy with the outcome of the task as I have gained a new skills and techniques which I will develop further throughout the course. I have enjoyed creating patterns and surfaces within the layout as it has expressed my personality and thoughts towards the project “natural world”. Next I am going to take my samples and develop them into another technique called “needle felting”.

27th September Visual Sheet

On Tuesday 27^th Of September I continued to create my first visual design sheet for the project “Natural World”. This sheet has been taken from my specialised workshop textiles and I continued to work onto the design and develop further initial pattern ideas and thoughts. All the initial pattern ideas have been inspired and developed from my sketchbook and moodboards. Elements have been taken from these and I have adapted and developed them to create unique patterns for my screen print. Throughout my design sheet I have considered keywords in textiles for pattern designing which include:

·         Line

·         Texture

·         Repetition

·         Symmetry

·         Scale

For my layout, I have gained inspiration from an image taken from Glastonbury Festival which included a diamond shaped fence. I have taken this idea and developed it to create my final outline which will allow me to place individual pattern designs onto the surface. Previously, I started to create a pattern which has been inspired by my flower illustrations in my sketchbook. I continued to work with the design and include colour which was also inspired by my mood-board sheet. For the materials, I decided to use watercolours as it is a colourful material which can also made shadows and blending very easily. I continued to use watercolours throughout the day but to improve next time I will use and experiment with a variety of materials. I was pleased with the pattern outcome as the piece demonstrated my thought process and my understanding of keywords. However, I didn’t like my chosen colour for the background as I believe it didn’t allow the pattern drawings to stand out. I will consider a different colour choice as I develop my visual sheet further. After creating my first design, I moved onto my next idea and outline. Before I continued I found creating an idea for the layout difficult as the visual sheet was the first page I have created with this process. However, I overcame the problem and analysed my moodboard thoroughly. I was inspired by my Lake District research and started to create a boat design layout. This piece followed the keywords repetition and symmetry thoroughly and I was pleased with the outcome as it created a repeated pattern which would be suitable for my project. My visual design sheet progress is presented below.