Art Iifiber Sculpture / Coil Basket

ART IIFIBER SCULPTURE / COIL BASKET

Fiber – ¼” or ½” cording, thread, yarn, fabric and/or other natural materials.

Sculpture – A work of art that has three dimensions (width, height and depth) that makes up a form.

Form – An artistic structure that has volume.

In-the-Round – A sculpture created with the intent to be viewed from all sides. This is usually a freestanding form, but it could also be hanging. In-the-Round refers to a type of sculpture that is surrounded on all sides by space.

Coiling – A technique used in fiber arts that attaches subsequent rows or coils to previously made coils. This technique creates both stability as well as visual appeal.

Questions to ask yourself before you begin

Do you want your project to be functional or sculptural? Or both?

What kinds of unique materials could you use? Where can you get these materials? (home, art room, store)

What colors are appealing to you?

Do you want your project to stand or hang? Remember that it will be viewed from all sides…

What interesting embellishments could you use?

Fiber Sculpture Process

1. In class “guided brainstorming” – this will get the creative juices flowing and then you can work on your own!
2. What do you use vessels/containers for? List 5 minimum. (fruit, keys, hair ties, pencils, earrings, electronics, etc.)
3. Sketch a unique shape to hold that/those particular thing(s) from two angles. (side and above)
4. Color: What colors would “set off” the items that you put in this vessel? Choose 2-3 and color swatches off to the side of your sketches.
5. Pattern/Design: Draw 3 simplified versions of your unique vessel shape. Fill each with a different pattern/design using the 2-3 colors you chose.
6. Now think about a sculpture versus a utilitarian piece. What kinds of shapes, animals, forms are appealing to you?

1. Turn in finished sketches to turn in. This should be well-drawn and planned out from all angles. Please include:
2. Your vessel/sculpture from 2 different angles (side, above, below, etc.)
3. Colored with the 2-3 colors you plan to use. Think about the art room’s and your own supplies.
4. List of materials that you will be using.

1. Gather the fibers and other materials needed to create your sculpture. Decide on ¼” or ½” cording.

1. Begin creating your sculpture - remember that somewhere in your creation you should use the coiling technique.

1. Add any embellishments to your sculpture that add to it’s visual appeal and success (note that embellishments can also detract from the success of your sculpture). Embellishments could be sequins, beads, wire, feathers, etc.

General Directions:

1. Begin at the center of the bottom by forming the coil. To do this, taper one end of the clothesline with scissors -add some making tap to bring to a point. Thread tapestry needle with about 6 feet of yarn and then double the yarn... use the double strand of yarn to cover the core - depending on thickness of yarn. A heavy yarn will look best with single strand.
   Place about 1 inch of the yarn next to the end of the core and then wrap the two tightly together with some of the remaining yarn as shown in Illustration A (top diagram). As you can see, you wrap, moving the cut end of the clothesline.
2. Pinch the covered core to bend and hold in place. Using needle, work Figure 8's over and under the core, toward the tapered end, until it is covered with yarn as shown in Illustration B. (second diagram).
3. Coil yarn-covered end around to start the circular shape. If necessary, repeat another Figure 8 to hold first coil in place, then work three winds around core, followed by a Figure 8 to attach to previous coil. See Illustration C (third diagram). Continue shaping around in a circle - making a figure eight to secure to lower level every 3 to 4 stitches. A "Lazy Squaw" (apologies - but this is what the stitch is called) may be used that simply wraps to the lower level without forming the figure 8. Once the desired size base has been made - start to shape outward and up.
   This is the basic pattern that you will continue on the rest of the basket: Three winds to cover the clothesline core, a Figure 8 to connect two rows, three winds, a Figure 8, etc.. Place slightly to the outside to shape outward -- then place slightly to the inside to bring shape back in.
4. When you need to add on more yarn or change to a new color, here's what you do: when 2"- 3" (5 - 7.6 cm) remain, cut the needle off and lay the yarn ends along the clothesline core; thread another needle and then place the ends of the new yarn next to the ends of the old yarn and secure in place by winding the new yarn over them until covered. See Illustration D (bottom diagram)
5. To end a basket, taper the core about 1 inch from the end. Securely attach the last row end to the previous row with Figure 8's and then wrap the yarn around the last row end and the previous row as if they were both one. Thread yarn back through the Figure 8's and cut off.