Follical Follies

[D'Snowth]

Okay, I don't remember the other thread I started about this, so maybe this can be merged together when it's found, I don't know...

Anyshoe, I was recommended by a few here to use starch on yarn hair to help it keep some kind of shape, so it won't just lay there looking really bad... well, the starch didn't work at all - it made the hair damp, and didn't give it any shape at all.

I also tried to run it through a curling iron for a bit, but that didn't work either, it still just lays there and looks awful.

Is there anything else I can try to stiffen the yarn so it'll be given a bit of shape?

 

[practicecactus]

Hairspray?

 

[D'Snowth]

Hairspray?

Possibly.

Right now, I'm trying a technique I saw on YouTube video by soaking the yarn in glue water, and letting it dry out for a couple of days.

If that doesn't work, I'm thinking of using some kind of colored wire or something... like if the wire they make pipe cleaners out of, but without the fuzz.

 

[practicecactus]

I'd try hairspray first. You can vary how much you put on and can always wash it out if you want. Gluewater seems harder to style, longer to set, and has no do-over option.
I've used art fixative [which does the same as hairspray] to stiffen felty material. PVA-wood glue just set it like a plastic. You'd have to really water it down a lot.
I recommend doing test pieces with different methods.

 

[TheCreatureWork]

To assist the admin ppl here the original link you speak about is here:
http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=44658

 

[D'Snowth]

Actually, the glue water seems to be doing the trick; I just simply soaked each strand, shaped it as I set it out, let it dry, and the results are turning out quite nicely, but I know I should let them dry another day or so, but that's okay because I'm in no hurry actually.

To assist the admin ppl here the original link you speak about is here:
http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=44658

Yes, thank you.

 

[Super Scooter]

I'm very interested in seeing how this "glue water" technique works out. I've heard other people talk about it, but haven't really seen any examples. Are you able to post pictures of your progress? I'd like too see how it looks, if you don't mind.

 

[D'Snowth]

I would post pictures, but the sad thing is I actually don't have a digital camera (I've wanted one for years, but never had the chance to get one), and I have to rely on those inexpensive disposable cameras... and getting the film developed can get pricey as well...

I ought to dig out one of my instant cameras though, as film cartridges for those aren't too expensive, and the results are clean and quick...

In as many details as I can, all I basically did was squirt a layer of glue into a small paper cup (like you use in bathrooms), poured a little water into, and stirred it up until the glue was thin (it'll take a while to stir up the lumps); afterwards, I'd dip each individual strand of yarn into the gluewater, squeezing off excess mixture in the process, then place it on a piece of paper, shaping it to my liking to let it air dry.

Again, the results are pretty pleasing... I picked it up from a YouTube video if you'd like to see that, as it's pretty informative, though it's basically for yarn-based decorations (like snowflakes and Christmas ornaments and things like that).