2015 Topic 18 Wearable Art {Challenge}

 2015 Topic 18: Wearable Art

Hi everyone Darcy here to introduce a new topic for the blog: Wearable Art. Are you a bit puzzled? just what is wearable art? 

We are more than use to working on canvasses, boards, paper and card and even on fabric: these have come to be regular substrates for us. Mostly we work flat, occasionally we transform our creations into 3D objects, but their sole purpose is generally decorative. This challenge aims to take your creativity out of your craft rooms and into the outside world.  To make things to wear, showing off your talents and creating accessories that are truly unique. 

Think back, how many of you , when younger, painted on your jeans? or decorated the back panel of a denim jacket, or painted on your school bag? You were creating wearable art even then, you just didn't realise it. 

Before we get into what is out there now lets see who won the Topic 17: Pigment Powders Challenge. We had fabulous bursts of colour over the 2 weeks resulting in some really great inspirational projects. 

The winner is Mac Mable  from The Sweetest of Peas

Please get in touch with Darcy by emailing darcydotneedles@hotmail.com to claim your prize.

So, what is out there now? well, when you start to search the results are mindboggling, from the sublime to the ridiculous and everything inbetween. Many searches reveal fashion items, and while the designing of clothes is surely an art form, 'wearable art' is another animal completely. The pieces are usually one-offs and not part of a marketable range, often they are made with unusual and/or recycled materials, hand painted and  hand crafted. I think the main difference between fashion and wearable art are the personal touches, the input of oneself into the project, heart and soul, personal preferences and methods. 

Let's start with clothing, there are many,many beautiful textile and fibre arts pieces of clothing out there such as this.

Pinterest

and paper based ones like this 

Pinterest 

or how about this one made from balloons.. 

Pinterest

Here is a short video from the World of Wearable Art Awards, this is an art and  theatrical extravaganza  from New Zealand.

But how about one a little more achievable, this canvas dress by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is gorgeous (Julie has a line of fabulous stencils with Crafter's Workshop, many of which we sell in the PA webshop), the ideas here could be translated to a plain bought dress or apron. Julie used printed canvas, but you could easily replicate this with stencils and Fresco finish paint. 

How about getting creative with Duct Tape. 

If you don't fancy a whole outfit then how about just a duct tape bag. 

How about a painted bag, if you are nifty with a sewing machine you can start from scratch, but no fear there are plenty of bags out there that need a new lease of life. 

Or take an old book, decorate the covers and make a bag from them. See how that can be done HERE. 

What would an outfit be without matching shoes like these stunning ones from Hazel 

Now for some smaller pieces, the accessories, these are probably the most achievable projects. but hey if you want to enter the challenge with a duct tape ballgown, then go for it!

Pinterest

The texture on these could be recreated with stencils and gel mediums, or stamps pressed into paper clay. 

Do you remember these beautiful pieces by Alison..

I found this really cool necklace tutorial and just had to share. This could be done with gelli prints as in the video, or with your stamped masterboards. 

Don't forget domino bracelets, always interesting and can be a fantastic addition to an outfit. 

I love these brooches, can you just see something like this being made based on Jofy flowers..

Only one thing remains, a little something to complete your outfit:a crown!

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These are just a few ideas for you, there is a wealth of inspiration out there and we are convinced you will all come up with some amazing ideas of your own. Bags, belts, shoes, hats, aprons, jewellery, cuffs, ties, scarves,altered clothing, (how about an altered bra!) Try new substrates, old leather is great for painting and stamping onto. Search the charity shops for leather gloves or old bags. 

Explore paper clay, and hand crafted paper beads, painting on fabric and assemblages of unusual items.The possibilities are endless, go on, show us what you are wearing this season. 

If you pop over to Leandra's Pinterest page (Wearable Art) there will be more ideas to explore. 

Topic 18: Wearable Art PaperArtsy Blog Challenge

We'd love you to share your ideas and link up your creativity to this page. Please familiarise yourself with the challenge guidelines below before entering.

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Wearable Art link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Oct 11th , winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

1. The challenge is a chance for you to show how you have been inspired by a particular technique of the fortnight. Your entry should contain:

- a mention of which post inspired you and why, and 

- a link in your blog post to that original post on the PA blog.

The whole concept of this challenge is 'play along with us'. You are encouraged to put your own twist on ideas you see on our blog. We love to see how you are inspired and your twist!

2. The link you put on our linky page must lead directly to the specific post on your blog where you have explored the technique/ idea mentioned in point 1 above. Don't link to the home page of your blog, or we will be unable to find the post to leave you comments.

3. Spam links will be deleted.

4. We prefer your challenge post is created exclusive to our challenge, but if our topic fits perfectly with another challenge, then of course your post may link to both if you feel it is appropriate.

5. You are most welcome to use stamps/ products/ substrates you have to hand from a variety of companies, we do not expect you to exclusively use PA products - it's lovely when you do though!

6. You can enter as many times as you like in the fortnight. We don't want to restrict your creativity or participation! Link closes at 17:00 Sunday Oct 11th   (London Time)

7. The winner of the random draw will receive a £50 credit to be redeemed on the PaperArtsy Website, the credit includes VAT and postage. We request that one of your purchases is an A5 rubber stamp. You can add any other items to your basket, but the final total should not exceed £50

8. Each Sunday fortnight the winner will be announced at 19:00, also, in the same post, the link for the next fortnight will be posted. It's your responsibility to claim your prize coupon from Darcy: email her darcydotneedles@hotmail.com

Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!