Mixed Materials

Plastazote:

Is a foam-based thermoplastic that comes in a variety of weights and densities. It is lightweight and comfortable to be used in costumes. However, it resists normal glue and paint so will require resin coats and spray on primers before painting. It is important to use the specific glue in the spray booth so that fumes can be removed from the room whilst working.

Straight seams:

This is a simple and easy seam that creates a flat seam or right angle and can easily done against a mat or table.

Angles Seam:

To create this seam I cut the edge of the shape at an angle and glued them together to create a right-angled seam. However,

this can be changed depending on the angle I cut the shape at.

Curved seam:

This can seam can be fiddley depending

on the shape of the curve however I added notches to make sure I can match the seam up correctly; it helps to let the glue mostly dry and push the seam together slowly a bit at a time against the table.

Painting on Platazote:

I primed the surface of the platazote with a watered-down glue solution that works just as well as store brought primers but is also a lot cheaper. I also mixed the acrylic paint with latex as this helps it stick better.

Worbla:

Worbla is a thermoplastic made of woodchips and glue. It is a heat activated material and can be used as a sheet or squished together and modelled with and it sticks to itself and other materials very well. Worbla is brittle dense and heavy. It is important to use the glue in the spray booth so that fumes can be removed from the room whilst working.

Creating Flowers:

I choose to experiment by creating flowers as I discovered that worbla is very good for adding details to a piece or costume but is to heavy and brittle to be used as a base material.

I experimented by cutting out flat shapes and heating then to create 3D objects. Worbla can easily be painted with acrylic.

Varaform:

Is a lightweight material made from cotton and thermoplastic mesh, that can be heated with hot water its extremely mouldable in this state and solidifies as it cools. Varaform can be painted with acrylic paint and strips of fabric can be tied through the holes to create an interesting texture. The holes are also good to cover the eye area of a mask as the actor can see through it.

Fosshape:

Is a flexible material that shrinks and hardens when heated or steamed. it is a lightweight material that can easily stretch and also be stitched together using a sewing machine. From my trial I learnt that you have to hold the steamer very close and heat up the fabric for longer than expected. It is important to be carful when steaming as it is easy to burn your hands, heat proof gloves can be worn to help prevent this.