My design for the Celtic inspired body paint includes a sort of neck piece in the shape of leaves. I initially tested with latex to see if it would be a good material for the job, but after it failed, I tried buckram.
This is my design, and realistically, the leaves will probably not come up so high on to the face, but curl around to leave space for the model to move her head.
I started making my leaves by using paper to create templates, to get the right size and shape. This also made sure that they were all the same. I then used them to draw around directly on to the buckram.
Paper Templates
Cut out pieces of Buckram
Close up of the texture of Buckram
Buckram is a material used to make hats, and contains a glues that is activated with water, and sets when dry, allowing you to mould shapes with it. This particular Buckram is double sided fusible, and I purchased it from ebay from this seller
I then arranged them in fours and glued them together with a glue gun. I cut off the sharp bits at the bottom and put a layer of glue over the edges to protect my model from it rubbing on her skin. I would have preferably used black buckram, but could only buy it in white, so I am going to paint it.
I also wanted to try and create a pattern on top of the buckram using the glue gun, but it went terribly. I have decided to keep it this way however, because it adds texture, and most of it will blend into the feathers in front of it anyway.
Finished buckram leaves. Painted and glued
(Excuse the hairy floor I have a hairy dog!)
The patterns I tried to create with glue are Celtic patterns. I painted over the top with yellow and green to match the design, and to also make it more 3D. I'm not entirely happy with them, but behind the feathers, I think they will bring another texture into the design.
