Did you know you could create prints on fabric with rusty objects??
The first step is to collect any rusty items you find. I pick mine up from places ranging from the shed of a friend, the side of the road, the neighbours throw away items, and markets.
Having a collection of different shapes and sizes allows your creative mind to develop a variety of individual patterns on large or small pieces fabric.
The fabrics that work best with rust printing are cellulose based fibres. I have had success with cotton and linen, and have found that synthetic fabrics also accept rust prints. Rust prints on silk and wool blur, so I avoid using these fabrics for rust printing.
Add a generous splash of vinegar to water, and submerge the fabric in this solution. The vinegar aids the process, and the fabric needs to be wet.
I have an outdoor table that I use for rust printing. It is useful to have a covering for the table that is long enough to fold back over the fabric once you have laid out the "print". I use a foam underlay that can be purchased by the roll from hardware stores.
Lay wet fabric on the covered table. I will often have fabric double the size of the table, which allows me to get a mirror print.
Lay rusty items directly on top of the fabric.
Once you are happy with the design, the remaining fabric can be folded over the design which creates a mirrored pattern.
The foam underlay is now folded over to protect the fabric and hold in moisture.
Weight needs to be evenly applied to the top. I have found unopened bags of potting mix is ideal as it is malleable, and creates even pressure.
The next step is Patience!! Leave the print for 24 to 48 hours. Warm weather usually speeds up the process.
When you uncover the fabric you will reveal lovely permanent rust patterns. As a bonus to this process, the rust print allows cellulose fibres to take up botanical dye that it would normally resist. I sometimes put the partially dry fabric straight into a dye bath.
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