Worbla Gauntlets

Day One

On day one we started working on the Worbla Gauntlets. First, we took plastic wrap and taped our arms so we can get a correct measurement. After I cut it off, I roughly sketched out the correct shape based on the sketch the Designer provided. I had marked where the band would end on my arm, and used that as the center of the gauntlet. I then marked where my wrist bones began so it would rest snuggly against my arm. Then I cut out the pattern and traced out the gauntlet shape in black foam.

Day Two

On day two I traced out the gauntlet shape on Worbla, it was a bit hard to cut, but once I did I began using a heat gun to mold the thermoplastic to the foam. The goal was to make them as identical as I could, it was difficult to get them to match. One gauntlet’s worbla began to bubble a bit because I kept trying to get the perfect rounded shape, but I ended up stopping to prevent the worbla from burning. I then used a metal skewer to poke six holes, three on each side of the gauntlets. This was to allow me to lace them tightly to my forearms. I left them to cool, and later on, in the day I can back and painted two layers of black acrylic paint as a base coat.

Day Three

On day three I came in and applied a thick layer of sculpticoat on the inside of the gauntlet so it would be a bit stiffer. As I let that dry I started attempting to sculpt a lion’s head out of Crayola air-dry clay. It was really interesting and quite fun. It was really light and flexible, allowing me to gently place it on the gauntlets as I went to ensure that they were proportional. I even discovered I could cut the clay so I could have sharp pieces of main for the lion to add some contrast to the ground shape of the gauntlet. I then rolled out six half circles to keep close to the design provided. once that was done, I took the piece of worbla we had been given the first day of class and painted it black, then I tested the different silver paints I had so I could figure out which one best suited the project.

Day Four

I took silver trim and went along the top and bottom of the gauntlet. At first, I only used one piece, but it felt a bit too small for the proportions, so I decided to try doubling it up. I really was worried about it looking odd, but I ended up loving it. Then I cut out the flower from some lace I had found, I wanted to add a bit of texture under the lion, the image we had been given looked very busy and like there was more detail underneath the lion’s head. I figured it would be a nice texture contrast. I made sure to use just enough sculpticoat to keep the fabric texture. While that died I began painting the lion heads and half circles a really shiny silver. Once those were set to the side to dry, I began painting over the silver trim to match, I really liked how it changed the texture, but still had a nice shine. I then paused for a bit to allow everything to dry fully.

I then began painting the lace the same silver as everything else. Once that was dry I then began hot-gluing the lion head and circles to the gauntlet. Once everything cooled again, I took the same pattern I used for the foam and cut out some pieces of felt for the inside so it would be soft and comfortable. I then put a thin layer of glossy top coat onto the black portion of the gauntlet, leaving the other paint open to give a different textured effect. I used some bead chords to lace them and once they were a bit tighter they didn’t move at all. They felt very comfortable, and not too heavy or bulky. I think I met the assignment by using worbla successfully, and I learned that I enjoyed using this over the wonderflex. I think it was easier to handle and I liked the texture of this more when cooled. It held onto the acrylic paint better. I did notice that the hot-glue softened it a bit so I had to be more careful when pressing to make the trim more flush. I do think that the lion heads look a bit cartooney, but for working with this type of clay for the first time, I am proud of myself. I also like working with silver paint a bit more than gold, the shine is quite satisfying.