REUSE: CPD WORKSHOP @ KELLETT SCHOOL

A fun and informative day at Kellett School in Hong Kong. I was lucky enough to get to see their fantastic art department and the work they produce as well as learning some new skills using a variety of plastics and other ‘throw away’ materials such as teabags. During the session, we experimented with lots of different plastics, learning about how each one reacts with heat, hot wax and ways in which they can be transformed into a new medium. We looked at using these new materials as textiles; how they can be sewn, folded and shaped. We also tried layering and encasing things within these recycled materials again using the heat (iron) and hot wax. I was particularly taken by the use of wax, in the way that it takes away some of the 'shine’ or ‘newness’ from a material and turns it into something that is visually soft and translucent. Another technique I enjoyed was enclosing different materials within the plastic by ironing the edges, we tested liquids, photos, fabric, thread, natural forms…the possibilities for what can be contained are endless!

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Encasing objects

Painting & encasing imagery

Using heat to create layers and strength. The plastic can now be folded, pleated or formed into new 3D forms.

Textiles and garments created from crafted plastic textile.

Encasing liquids using heat.

3D structures using reinforced and layered plastic.

Layering textiles and imagery.

Using the newly created material to create functional objects.