Customer Reviews

Fusing Fabric: Creative Cutting, Bonding and Mark-Making with the Soldering Iron

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The idea of fusing together synthetic fabrics by melting them with a soldering iron is a creative one. However, on opening the book, the reader is advised of the need for a respirator and an extractor fan to protect against toxic fumes. This is not to be taken lightly. A fire extinguisher might also be recommended.

For those who decide to forge ahead, it might also have been helpful to have more guidance included about what to search for in a soldering iron. It is not helpful to say that we do not want it "too hot" or "too cool".

Its amazing what I have seen done with Soldering Irons of late! I am impressed with these women - but especially Margaret Beal. She realized that it could be an "iron" of sorts. Its a lesson in what can be done to synthetics if we only remember how many we have burned with a normal iron. Ms. Beal has learned how to control that burn and with an even hotter utensil - the soldering iron. . I especially loved the "pillows".

I bought this book without seeing it first and am so glad I did not have to wait until the Quilt Show in Houston to find a copy to check out. Definitely I would buy a book by Ms. Beal sight unseen again!

Another reviewer has said there was no mention of where to buy a soldering iron. Well, I emailed the author and promptly got one mailed to me. No problem. Definitely use with good ventilation and a respirator, especially if you are 'burning' plastic materials.I am enjoying experimenting with the process.Well written, clear instructions.

I bought this book for an independant studio - mixed media fibers course and was really excited about the possibilities. I bought the materials that were suggested in the book, experimented for days, and was not able to replicate any of the concepts with very much success. With more experimentation I was able to achieve a few (quite few) effects that were effective but that's it. I think that there had to be some key tips and tricks that were left out (however unintentional) that could have made this book more successful. (And, this technique has HAZ-MAT written all over it!)

However, the book did provide some inspiring ideas and concepts and is not a total loss. After all, there are lots of crafty things like this that I've found to be more beneficial to some people more than others. I have friends who can't do anything with Shrinky Dink plastic and I'm a wiz at it - just because I didn't find much success with this book does NOT mean that you won't.

If you're truly interested in the concept - experiment and see what you arrive at. Much luck!

This happened to be on the "suggested" list and I took a chance on getting it. I have to tell you, this is one of the best art technique books I have purchased in a long time. Very well illustrated and the techniques are varied but all useful if you want to try something different than everyone else. Thanks for this wonderful book.

Margaret Beal is brilliant. Simply brilliant. I can't say that enough.

Ever since purchasing this book, I cannot stop looking at it. Neither can my 9 year old daughter. It's like every time you open it, something new pops out at you...grabs your attention, and won't let it go. I will fully admit to being a product/technique junkie, but this book has taken a special hold on my heart - and hasn't let go. After perusing this book, I NEEDED to get out my soldering iron and practice. After a long time of practicing with my pencil-tipped iron, I've decided I must have the one Mrs Beal uses...and yes, I contacted her to get one. It's unfortunate that more of the supplies she uses aren't available in the States - but I'm so in love with this book that I don't care about purchasing the supplies from the UK. (From what I can tell, the UK has a lot of great art supplies in general, that are lacking in the US. Hmmm This is prompting me to consider moving across the pond...)

Ms Beal knows how to create some unique, splendiferous, magnificent, creative, wonderful pieces - and with a soldering iron, piece of metal, and some synthetic fabric. Who'd have thunk it? Not me. I never would have come up with her processes - but they seem so natural now that she's broken through the boundaries.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. My 9 year old daughter agrees. She likes to look through my art books, and considers herself an "art diva in training"...but this book holds a special place in her heart, also. I don't know exactly what it is - but I sure love it. It is a definite in my library - on the rate occasion it makes it to the bookcase. Most of the time, it's laying by the bed - having just been put down by one person, and within easy reach for the next. I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK!!

This book was hard to understand, it was not what I expected, maybe someone involved in what she was trying to convey would understand this book, but it was too difficult for me.

Found this book to be very well issustrated and clear and conciss directions well laid out

i really liked this book for the ideas it gave me as a fiber artist.
I would recommend.

A delicious, detailed exploration of textile art. Informative and well-photographed
ideas, and a springboard to your own creativity.