Article: Easy Spun Cotton Carrots
Easy Spun Cotton Carrots
These spun cotton carrots are very easy and fun to make, and come together quickly. I am using absorbent medical cotton roll for this project which is very forgiving, and creates a papery surface that takes paint well. Feel free to adjust the sizes to your liking. Carrots have many natural variations, so worry not over lumps and bumps that may form- it will add to the character of each one you make!
Supplies:
- Absorbent cotton roll
- Cornstarch
- Oval Mop Paintbrush
- Acrylic paints
- Aluminum or plastic knitting needle size 3 or 4
- Cotton sewing thread
- Scissors
- Mixed grain clear German glass glitter
- Clear tacky glue
- Green crepe paper, or fabric
- Carrot top template
- Button thread for hanging loop
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Carrot Top Template: Click image below, and print at 100%
Step 1:
Prepare your binding medium: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry. On the stovetop bring 1 cup water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and add the slurry a spoonful at a time until incorporated. Continue to stir for about 2 minutes or until all lumps have dissolved. Let cool. Starch medium will keep for several days in the refrigerator.
Step 2:
Build the basic shape: Split a piece of medical cotton so that it is about 1/4 inch thick. Then, tear into strips about 1 inch wide x 4-6 inches long. The strips do not have to be uniform. Lay a strip of cotton over the knitting needle, about 3 inches from the pointed end. Wrap over the end of the cotton to secure it on the needle. Turn the needle, and wrap the cotton strip at a diagonal just past the pointed end, and then wrap back up the other way. Continue to add strips in layers, building up the carrot shape. If the cotton strip breaks while you're wrapping it, just smooth the cotton against the surface, and wrap a new strip over the top to continue. Smooth the cotton with your fingers against the surface after each wrapping. Add more layers to the upper end of the carrot, and fewer layers down at the point. When you have achieved a carrot shape, use wrappings of sewing thread to compress and secure the cotton in place.
Step 3:
Apply cotton layers with starch: Once you have a carrot shape on the needle and have secured the cotton with thread wrapping, you can begin adding surface layers. Tear more strips of 1/4 inch thick cotton in varying lengths. Brush an even coat of starch over the thread-wrapped shape. One at a time, wrap strips of cotton over the shape, press them down with your fingers, and then brush with starch. Aim to keep the layers thin and even. Add 2-3 layers of cotton with starch in between until the entire surface has been covered and no thread wrappings remain visible. Prop the knitting needle up in a jar and allow to dry in a warm place like a windowsill or in front of a heating vent.
Once dry, gently twist the top of the carrot so that it can be removed from the knitting needle. Cut off the small collar at the top of the carrot which will open up a wider hole for attaching the greenery.
Step 4:
Decorating: Paint with your desired carrot color. You may add painted details with a small liner brush to suit your style. Let dry.
Step 5:
Carrot top: Print out the carrot top template and cut out the shape. Use it to cut out four leaves from crepe paper or starched fabric. Pinch the base of each leaf and gather them together, twisting them at the bottom. If you desire a hanging loop, include a small loop of button thread with the bundle of leaves. Squeeze a small amount of tacky glue into the top of the carrot and insert the gathered end of the leaf bundle. Let dry.
Step 6:
Optional glitter: Brush a small amount of clear tacky glue around the top of the carrot, and sprinkle with mixed grain clear glass glitter, collecting the excess into a bowl. Prop up in a cup to dry.
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