Rusty Weaving Experiment!

[Trekky]

I found a piece of metal on the street (yep, I pick up random things all the time).  I wondered if I wove around it would different threads take on the rust more than others?  Here is it finished:



And here is what I did step by step:



It was submerged for a week.  I thought that different threads would take on the rust colouring at different rates, causing a ring pattern, but this didn't happen.  Different areas took on the rust more, with the warp taking on the rust more that the weft.  I assume this is because the warp is less likely to be coated, as it is usually covered.  However, you can see from the back the warp didn't take it up uniformly.  



Now I need to find more random bits of metal to repeat the experiment, if I added a mordant, or changed the pH of the water, do you think it would increase the amount of rust taken up?

[sheepBlue]

That looks so cool! Coat it with some sealer and it could be a totally awesome pendant or something.

As far as submerging it, I've taken classes where we covered our rusted bits and cloth with vinegar. It wasn't submerged just liberally soaked the entire piece but you could try either way. It works great.

[Alexus1325]

That is absolutely ingenious and utterly beautiful!!!! I, too, pick up random things off the ground, and now I have yet another thing to try with all those rusty washers

[Belladune]

sweeeeeeet.  I love this. 

[Trekky]

Thanks for your comments 

sheepBlue - Vinegar sounds like a good idea. Now I just need to find more odd metal on the street!

[dewshinesdopp]

Not only is this super cool, but it made me feel better about my random-picking-things-up-from-varying-places habit. 

[jexxican]

How big is it? It looks like a piece from an exhibit at a museum.

[Trekky]

jexiccan - it is 5cm square 

[Alexus1325]

Is it weird that every time I check the fiber arts board, I check this thread just to watch the animation???

[Trekky]

Is it weird that every time I check the fiber arts board, I check this thread just to watch the animation???

   I used this to make the gif - I think it might be addictive