Thanksgiving Turkey Decorations
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Florence Temko and I began work on this book before she passed away. She left an international community of admirers. She was a delightful friend and a brilliant artist. All who knew her will miss her. She popularized the word "Kirigami," that is now a common term for cutting folded paper. Ever forward thinking, Florence became interested in finding the best way to create folded fabric. We both tried various techniques and found the perfect stiffening formula to apply to fabric so that it could be folded like paper—the result is the BEAUTIFUL ART of FABRIGAMI.
We now introduce FABRIGAMI!
Pre-stiffened fabric can be used for all of the paper craft techniques that we love such as origami, kirigami, and scrapbooking.
I am enormously grateful for the tremendous support from Robert Lang a distinguished origami artist who took the time to encourage the completion of this book and make suggestions for collaborations and proper origami techniques.
Scott Stern the illustrator is a most gifted young man who designed his first model at the age of six, and, at eighteen, published his own book of original origami creations. Not only did he illustrate all of the models here, but also folded them for the photographs and designed several of the models in the book himself.
A special thank you to David Cooper who was able to create beautiful photographs using Scott’s models.
Finally, I am most grateful to my family and friends for their support and encouragement.
Folding doesn’t have to be confined to paper and cloth, you can also fold won ton wrappers or even tortillas. David Lister, an origami artist, author, and creator, compiled a list of materials that are origami compatible. These materials include rubber balloons, metal, rayon mesh, celluloid, fruit leather and other material that you would not associate with origami.
FABRIGAMI is just one more creative adventure into the world of folding crafts that has brought so much fun to all ages and cultures. The models are traditional or original creations.
Special thanks to my wonderful, creative, and reliable test team at Transition Services, Inc. Las Vegas, NV. TSI provides meaningful work for people with developmental disabilities.
Visit www.tsilasvegas.com
AN INTRODUCTION
TO FABRIGAMI
Although “Origami” is a Japanese word—“ori” means to fold and “gami” means paper, here we have created a new word for folding fabric: Fabrigami.
The delightful designs and colors of fabric have always offered an irresistible lure for crafters. Elaborate quilts, scrapbook covers, and jewelry projects are just some of the ways crafters use fabric. But, when we add the dimension of paper crafting techniques, then fabric has a new life. As Scott Stern, the origami artist and author, remarked to me “…more and more I see how the beauty of the fabric is what really accentuates these folded creations.” With so many variations of fabric available in the world, I think you will find these models to be a great way to make folded cloth projects that are both durable and beautiful.
Figure 1 Stiffening Liquid
ONLINE RESOURCES
For Fabric Squares:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/materialgirlchic
http://www.keepsakequilting.com
http://www.hawaiianfabricshop.com/fabricsquares.html
Premade Fabric Stiffeners:
http://www.diptichemicals.net/stiffy-coldfabric-stiffener.html
PREPARING THE CLOTH
Fabric Selection
Most light cotton or cotton blend fabrics work well for the stiffening and folding process. Very delicate and slick fabrics such as silk can stain and don’t fold well. Very coarse or heavy fabric, like corduroy or velvet, should also be avoided. Many quilt stores sell a variety of pre-cut fabric squares that are popularly known as “fat quarters.” These packages give you a nice selection of complementary colors and are very reasonable in price. Other wise, you should cut fabric to your required square size before treatment.
Remember to use caution with scissors and cutting utensils.
Stiffening the Cloth to Hold
Your objective is to apply stiffening agent to the fabric that will allow it hold the fold. Your choice of product is largely determined by the project and what you expect from the fabric. A project with many complicated folds requires a light but stiff coating of a liquid adherent. You can choose from several commercial stiffening products like a spray starch or a specifically made brand product like Stiffy. Easier folds can be achieved by bonding fabric with fusible web products, such as Wonder Under. There are many new machines such as the xyron available for cutting and bonding as well.
Some scrapbook stores make laminating and sticker machines available for customer use during certain hours of the day.
These commercial products are available in most craft stores. Remember to read instructions and use adequate ventilation.
Iron Out the Details
Any wrinkles in your square piece of fabric should be pressed out using a press cloth and warm iron.
Getting wrinkles out is much easier before treatment.
SECRET FORMULA and
Liquid Adherent Instructions
The secret formula came about as our test team sought the formula for the easiest, cheapest, and most reliable liquid adherent product. The fabrics used for the projects in this book were treated using the following formula:
Secret Formula
• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 1 cup (250 ml) Elmer’s Glue-All
You will be able to treat about a yard of material with this combined amount.
Materials List
• Cotton or cotton blend fabric
• Fabric stiffener or SECRET FORMULA
• Water
• Large bowl for mixing and dipping
• Whisk or fork to stir