FEELING A LITTLE BIT RUSTY

For a while now I have been collecting bit of old rusty metal every time we go wandering in on the beach.


I've also been collecting the nails that are left in the ash pail when the fire is raked out.
One of the perks of living with a carpenter is that he brings all the wood off cuts and discards home at the end of the day.
This is our second winter with a wood burner and we are yet to buy and fuel for it.
Currently he is working in an old house, so the nails from the rafters are a couple of hundred years old and have a really pleasing hand forged shape.

 
Last week I spent and enjoyable time wrapping the rusty bits in fabric scraps and soaking them in a water and vinegar mix.

 
 
I had made something special for the nails.
Crochet ric-rac. 
Yes that's right.
Crochet ric-rac.
Very exciting.


 After a couple of days steeping out in a very damp garden, I'm afraid the pong of vinegar got too much for even me in the end, I could wait no longer.


 They were then soaked in salt water, washed and dried I am rather pleased with the results.


Some bits worked better than others


And I do think the ric-rac will need a second rusty treatment.


I am thinking I need to practise this skill further as a row of rusty nail imprints in a would look really rather spiffing as a edge to a skirt or pocket or something.
Love Nora xxx

Comments

  1. Rusty nail prints on a skirt edge - heavenly! what a glorious idea. Love what you've done here, what an exciting experiment, looking forward to seeing what you do with these.

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  2. What a creative adventure and experiment to see what happens, and then to view the results and be enchanted.

    Please do not think less of me for initially thinking that you were actually contining the rescue of the nails. My dad was an amateur cabinet maker who loved rescuing antique wood and other carpenters' tools and materials. Truly, nothing is made the same way today. All those vintage, antique, items are treasures. Grand to see how you are continuing their stories.

    xo

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  3. I love rusty bits of fabric, but don't know what to do with them. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  4. What beautiful colours. I am completely intruiged by the chemistry of this. Xx

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  5. You are so creative. I was just admiring the bits of rusty iron; there's something rather beautiful about them, but it would never have occurred to me to do that with the fabric. I can't wait to see what you make with them. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be stunning. x

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  6. Oooh, I didn't know you could do that (should have done, I am a chemist after all). I may have to try that out.

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  7. Interesting... you've nailed it! xx

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  8. Good results. Do you know about Alice Fox who does rust dyeing, using tea rather than vinegar? And..... what is that lovely bowl your pieces are soaking in???!!??

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  9. Ooh cool! Been wanting to give this a try as well. So many things to try and do.

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  10. So Beautiful, love the ric fac x

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  11. This is fascinating! Thank you for posting these inspiring photos! -no

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