9 May 2020

Upcycling of used fashion items into bags, masks,... with artworks applied with textile crayons

Currently, masks have to be worn in Austria at selected places like schools or public areas such as on train or bus. The measures will last very probably over the next months. With the warmer days, it will become a challenge to follow the rules and keep the mask on. When temperatures are rising without mercy, cooling materials can help. Narrow woven or knitted fabrics made from cooling yarns such as used for summer fashion and light colors which don't heat up so quickly in the sun are the favorites for summer. Old white t-shirts from cotton for example are a good choice for non-medical face masks.

Recently, German manufacturer of art materials and writing utensils Faber-Castell published a practical tip for upcycling used fashion pieces. On occasion of the seasonal adaptation of the closet, old fashion pieces can get a second life as shoppers or non-medical masks. For applying artwork to the new pieces, Faber-Castell recommends the brand's textile markers which are easy to use; after 24 hours, the colors are fixed automatically, washable with 60° Celsius. The new textile markers are available in a set of different colors.

Image: The picture shows face masks made of textile scraps or upcycled materials from fashion pieces with pop-art inspired artworks created with textile markers by Faber-Castell. Photo source: "obs/Faber-Castell", photographer: Faber-Castell, © Faber-Castell.

Video: Making of mask graphics.