Pantyhose can be used to make cool sculptures.
If you enjoy making art from materials around your house, try your hand at making a pantyhose sculpture. Making pantyhose sculptures is a creative way to introduce three-dimensional art concepts, such as form and balance, to children. The flexible and stretchable nature of hosiery makes it the perfect medium for creating an endless array of shapes. The low cost of materials needed to construct pantyhose sculptures makes it a money-saving choice for people teaching or creating art on a budget.
Instructions
1. Drill two holes into the top portion of a block of wood. Make the holes as deep as possible without drilling through the bottom. The ideal size block for a beginner sculpture is 2-by-4-by-4 inches, but use whatever size block you have access to of similar size. Place the holes anywhere on the wood you desire. Use a hammer and a nail to create holes without a drill by pounding the nail into the block of wood, then removing the nail.
2. Cut the hook off a hanger with wire cutters, including the twisted portion that attaches the hook to the body of the hanger. Straighten and re-bend the hanger into an interesting shape. The goal here is to prepare the framework for the pantyhose sculpture, which will determine its finished appearance. Use pliers to help bend the hanger, if desired. Bend it around tables and chair legs to create circular shapes, flex it into geometric shapes or twist and pull it into an abstract structure. Put the two ends of the hangers into the holes in the wood. Drop a bit of hot glue inside the holes to help hold thin hangers. Examine your framework from all sides and adjust it as needed.
3. Stretch a leg cut from a pair of pantyhose or a knee high stocking over the framework. Make sure the toe seam runs along a strip of hanger or the seam will pucker and compromise the look of your sculpture. Fit the hose onto the structure so it is tight as possible without snagging or poking holes in it. Tie a knot to secure the hose at the bottom of the wooden block. Carefully adjust the frame inside as desired. When you are happy with the form, place a line of hot glue around the base of the block to tack the stocking into place. Let the glue dry, then cut off the knot.
4. Cover and smooth the surface with gesso or white glue for stiffness. Coat the hose, covering the block of wood to help anchor the hose to the block. While it dries, consider what artistic patterns, materials, color combinations or textured paint treatment you would like to apply to your sculpture. Don't be afraid to explore a variety of finishes. Free-form sculptures have extra flair when metallic, stone or wooden effects are applied to their surface. Animal-shaped forms can be complemented by materials like beads and feathers.
5. Paint your sculpture in the manner you planned and let it dry completely. Apply any extra materials needed to complete your sculpture. If the sculpture's form stands on its own, refrain from adding superfluous materials that might detract from its harmony and balance. Apply a sealant like Mod Podge over the sculpture for a glossy finish, if desired. Display your pantyhose sculpture where it will serve as a conversation piece for all who see it.
Tips Warnings
Show students the proper way to to slide hose onto the framework, which is by starting at the toe of the hose and working your way down. Boys and girls who don't wear hose will tend to stretch hose from the bottom.
Warn students that unfiled nails and wearing rings while creating their sculpture may snag their hose.
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