This method is an easy way to create leaves or feathers and is a fantastic way to create a tribal or jungle look. One of our favorite things to do is to see something that attracts our attention and figure out how somebody created it. We have seen mesh in strips that look like feathers and leaves. We can tell they were not cut. We also know were they not sewn because sewing with stretch mesh leaves a little bowing effect to the edge. That is often called a “lettuce leaf” effect. Consequently, when we saw those leaves, we tried to figure out how they were created. We realized that someone had done it by using paint and that was our start. With a little trial and error, we were able to replicate the look.
Supplies:
- Mesh fabric or other
material that will not fray - Fabric paint
- Tailor’s chalk or a bar of soap
- Paper plates or
sheets of paper
Directions:
- Choosing Your Materials
Obviously, since you are going to make individual leaves or feathers, you will not be using an existing dance garment. Although you will probably be wearing dance shorts o briefs underneath. Therefore, you will be looking for mesh or some other material that will not fray. The color you choose will depend on what you are making. For instance, if you are making leaves, you will use a shade or shades of green. You could use a light green mesh and a slightly darker green paint or go the other direction and use a dark mesh with a light green paint. This will be a matter of preference. If you are making feathers, your colors are not as limited.
- Preparation
Cut a paper plate in the shape of the leaf that you want to create. This method can also be used for feathers. Using tailor’s chalk or a bar of soap, draw around the leaf pattern onto the mesh fabric. For demonstration purposes, we are going to use a pen instead of tailor’s chalk or a bar of soap so that you can see what we are doing. If you do not want to use mesh, you need to pick a material that does not fray.
Make sure the tube of paint is well shaken. Then paint next to the leaf shape that you have drawn. Make sure that you press slightly into the fabric so that it adheres to the edge. Then, draw a curvy line in the center of the leaf to represent the main vein of the leaf and then draw a few lines off of the center line to represent the smaller veins of the leaf. Once the paint has dried, you can cut around the leaf shape. Cut as close as possible but try not to cut off the outside edge of the leaf. You are going to want to make multiple leaves. You need to determine how you are going to use the leaves. Are you going to have a few hanging off the costume or are you going to create a skirt? It is important to decide that before you start because if you are going to create a skirt of overlapping leaves, they need to be wide enough to cover and long enough for a skirt.
To use it for a skirt, you should make about thirty or forty leaves. They do not have to be exactly the same width but they should be close. However, the length of all of the leaves should be the same. This would create a really unique look. No one else would have a look like this. Just enjoy.
