Powertex turns fabric into art
‘‘It’s the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. I loved it. I was hooked.’’
Says Donna Rusling, powertex tutor regarding the first workshops she took prior to tutoring for herself.
Powertex is a versatile environmentally friendly liquid fabric hardener, it is weather resistant and suitable for use with any porous material, such as paper, fabric, glass, dried flowers and concrete and is most effective with 100 percent cotton.
Rusling runs workshops out of her Waharoa based business Nomada Gallery and Gifts, which she co-owns, where she also showcases and sells her work.
Two years ago Rusling came across a powertex stand, at the Hamilton quilt and craft show and says she was instantly intrigued by what powertex artist Joanne Bouma was showcasing.
‘‘I was just mesmerised by what they were doing with this fabric hardener. So I thought that’s it, that’s what I want to do, so I bought a couple of bottles and for a year I just played around with it.’’
Last year Rusling contacted Bouma saying she wanted to teach and she has now completed four courses on different aspects of powertex and is holding workshops , but she says the participants are also teaching her.
‘‘Some of the people who come to the workshops make things bet-
‘‘"I was just mesmerised by what they were doing with this fabric hardener. So I thought that's it, that's what I want to do."’’
ter than mine I look at them and think wow, I’m gonna try that on my next one. .’’
Each full day workshop, run throughout the week 9am-4pm, costs $125 and all the supplies are provided. Rusling stocks powertex at the gallery, so people can go home from a workshop with a product.
Powertex allows artists to preserve memorable treasures such as baby shoes and clothes, feet or hand impressions, or create a stunning wall art display or centre piece.
‘‘It’s so relaxing, everyone I have done a workshop with has always said it’s so much fun, and it really is.’’
A Matamata Society of Arts Inc member, Rusling’s work is on display and for sale at the Westpac bank throughout the month. Pohlen Hospital receives 20 per cent of all profits made.
People can find out more about Powertex by ringing 027 486 0470.