The minute I saw the can with all that glorious rust, I knew just what to do.
So after shaking the dirt out of it
and taking a few photos,
I selected a spool of thread given to me by Joan earlier in the year
and wrapped
and wrapped until the whole spool had been used and only tiny sections of the can were still visible. Then I sprayed the thread with vinegar, put can et al in a bag and gave the vinegar time to work its magic.
Not too bad, huh? With that thread drying and snow falling, well...
I decided it was time to let Mother Nature have a bit of fun too.
ooo I love these shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ronnie! I think the can + thread in snow is my favorite with those quarter size snowflakes falling.
DeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat!
Deleteaha.... what an idea!! Especially love the snowy touch. Happy NY, Jennifer XXX
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun idea, isn't it? I can't wait to stitch with rusty thread to see how the patterning of color falls. It's got me wondering how the bigger gears would be for rusting thread...there are more spools waiting for a bit of color.
DeleteHave a wonderfully creative and joy-filled New Year!
Ahh happy rusty sigh. Looks so good - and I love your persistence!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny...I keep hoping to see loose railroad tie when driving by the tracks at the local train station. Haven't yet...huge sigh...but did finally notice the rusty can. Who knows how long it had been there and how many times I'd driven right by. Guess it was waiting until it was ready to play before calling to me.
DeleteJ-love that the rusty can called you; and that you are partnering with it to create thread to create beautiful works in 2013. Go well, collect well and may 2013 be filled with joy and creativity. B
ReplyDeleteThought you might like this one Barry. I'm curious to see how it will play with fabric too, but must go lightly with it.
DeleteWishing you and Fiona a year of peace, joy and creativity!
I have fallen in love with the can + thread!
ReplyDeleteAnd it strikes me that - equally intriguing as the stunning images of your creative process - is the way in which you share the story of the materials & process...
I'm so glad I discovered your blog this year - it's always such a treat to visit!
Oh Lisa...you've discovered one of my secret loves...storytelling. I try to do that in each post, especially those that are really about the photos. Thank you.
DeleteI'm so happy we discovered each other's blogs this year. You always amaze me with the thought and care put into each post. And your photos for Roy G Biv...ah! They're sublime. I'm hoping you'll continue to play along with us.
Wishing you a new year filled with joy, light, peace and creativity!
what a temptation! love the "thread" have you tried cheesecloth on the can then wrap the thread. might do them both???
ReplyDeleteHi Lyle! Only the thread so far. Round 2 of thread is currently buried under about 4" of snow on the back deck.
DeleteHave a wonderful New Year!
What a great idea! I hope you'll show us how you'll use that gorgeous thread. Hmmm... I think 2013 will be very promising in your blog.
ReplyDeleteMy thought so far is to stitch very simply with it on white or off-white linen...let the patterning of the rust be the focus. We'll see how it goes. My mind is bursting with ideas and some will likely fall by the wayside.
DeleteWishing you a new year filled with peace, joy, creativity and lots of experimenting!
I had NO idea rusting could be so easy! I live in a teeny place at the moment, with no space for dying. So have ignored web posts on dying cloths, as it's such a horrible tease. But not only is this do-able, I adore the rusted and worn.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your process.
Oh Monica! Rusting can be extremely easy and take up very little space. If you've got a few rusty washers, vinegar and/or tea, fabric, plastic baggies and a bit of patience, you can rust.
DeleteEco dyeing needn't take a lot of space either. I've been dyeing a cloth with pomegranate juice simply by placing it under the pomegranate when slicing it open. I figure it should be pretty interesting after we eat a few more.
Happy rusting!
fabulous idea! i know what you mean about getting the right opportunity to nab something - all the while hoping that in the meantime it hasn't been removed or gone missing! love this -
ReplyDeleteYes! I kept hoping that a street cleaning truck didn't decide to clear the shoulders and wisk away my rusty can.
DeleteI have this image of you dodging cars to retrieve your treasure! So cool how the thread works itself into the can grooves. Can't wait to see the color variations and what you do with this. Happy New Year kiddo!
ReplyDeleteNo car dodging needed this time. I stopped after an early visit to Starbucks one morning last week when most were still at home. However, I have been known to reach out into the street to retrieve something.
DeleteHappy 2013!