One of the things artists consider is how stable their materials are. When I first fell in love with Shrink film, this is something I worried about. And to be truthful, I still don't know how long lasting shrink film is although i have a piece from 20 years ago that looks as good now as the day I did it. But in the course of researching shrink film I came across 2 brands (I know there is a third but I have never used it) - Shrinky Dinks (which every kid knows and loves) and Graphix Film. They have different characteristics and work very differently.

Shrinky dinks seems to  become a little thinker when it's been shrunk, than Graphix film but Graphix Film shrinks with less problems. Even if it curls up, it separates more easily, and with less distortion. Both brands have printable versions, but Graphix is printable on both sides, I work mostly with the printable version since I do a drawing and then scan it into the computer. I can hen draw ad paint over the printout before I heat treat the film.

Both brands come in clear, matte clear, white and colors. But Shrinky Dinks has an extra think version I would love to use more if the surface wasn't so slick. I can sand it, but it would be even better if it were printable too.

I use a heat tool to shrink the film, not bake it in an oven.  More working tips in a fwe days.

What never ceases to amaze me is  the artistry of antique pocket watches. Not only for the sheer technical brilliance, and  the level of craftsmanship, but the watchmaker's eye for beauty. I think you see that in many artifacts from an earlier age- there is a sense that things must not only be functional but they must be beautiful. I find this especially in tools and mechanical things but nothing really compares to antique pocket watches. bear in mind, horology is an ancient art and what watchmakers achieved without the aid of  electricity and modern tools is close to miraculous. If you've even taken apart an old pocket watch and see the precision of the workmanship, you know what I mean.

 The above 2 watch movements are fusee movements. they run via a tiny flexible chain. The most common movements run by a spring.  Few of them match the artistry of the fusee. The bottom fusee dates from the later 18th century. It's diameter is @ 2 inches and yet look at the engraving and the pierced metal work. Even the tiny blue steel screws- this is a level of craftsmanship that is awe inspiring.

I love science, and I love old machinery. On top of that I love cats and costume and period art. And shrink plastic. When you start to work on  a piece, it sometimes feels like the material controls you and not the other way around. That’s what happened here it seems. I found two watch pieces and suddenly they looked like a pair of pantaloons. That’s how it starts, I’m afraid.  This was my first attempt at using watch parts and I loved it.  So I’ve gone from making life size figural quilts and soft sculpture (early in my career) to small works using metals, glass  and sundry bits and bobs. But I still sew- using wire. I don’t solder. It’s a tip of the hat to my mother and grandmother, master needlewomen, and my father- a NYC Garmento, the last of a wonderful and dying breed.