• Weaving - Woven 3D Art Objects

Design Brief

In this exercise, we were required to make a series of sample techniques demonstrated in class. The sample shown was using a cardboard template with divisions separated to allow threads and materials to be interlaced, creating a woven effect.


I wanted to push the boundaries, for myself (and the brief) of basket weaving as I have never attempted this craft before.
Looking for inspiration, (brainstorming) I went on a journey around my garden and ended up doing the odd weeding till I came across the wondrous weed; the ivy!
I also ventured across a couple of seed pods and dried remnants of root plants lying amongst the ivory.
I've always been quite intrigued by seed pods because they are so flower-like in their shape, so I decided to do a series of seed pods incorporating the ivy.

Design Process
I started by drawing the seed pods I found in the garden then through exploring different medium and techniques, developed a series of drawings that still represent the study but interpret it in many different ways. This allowed me to select the best possible illustration and to styilize it to execute it for a finished product.

Seed pod series

Series 1
The first stage after the flower has withered away but the seeds are trapped inside the pod.















Method;
For my first example I used long strands from an ivy plant, picking it while fresh, and weaved it around tight at the base then gradually allowing space and light into the form.
Thin threads and wool tops of silk followed the direction of the ivy adding colour and reflective shadow.

Series 2
The second stage after the pod has opened and the explosion or dropping of the seeds.















Method;
The second example I used thin black wire to create the desired form, this was a wonderful medium to use as I could basically mold the shape as I went.
Unfortunately to weave threads around wire was a tedious and frustrating task as I had no control or way to stabilize the threads as they slipped along the wire.
I experimented with a heat gun by dribbling glue in a lattice effect over the individual extensions
of the form.
This them allowed me to continue with lacing and weaving effect with threads and silk.

Series 3
The third stage is when the pod has been discarded from the plant itself and left lying on the ground.















I use the same method as I did for the first series but less material and opened the frame work to give the visual illusion of the the end of the pod's cycle.


Apply the design process to 3-dimensional work in response to a brief