Distressing fabric and leather?

[mhelsley]

Anyone have good ideas for doing this without ruining the costume. I just don't think that a pirate looks right if he/she(i get to be a pirate instead of a wench)is pristine. I am going to hang them on a clothes line soon in hopes that the strong TX sun will fade them. Boy the neighbor are gonna think we dress funny.

Melinda

 

[Beca]

To age white fabric, get a 5 gallon paint bucket and make some really strong tea. Soak the white clothes in the tea for about 30 minutes or so, then rinse. This is a trick theatres do all the time.

Aging leather can be a little bit more tricky. I would experiment with rubbing "acidic" liquids on it....lemon juice and vinegar come to mind. The good part is, the more awful they look...the better they will be for the costumes. Just play around with the leather part...have fun.



Beca

 

[Imzadi]

This company has some distressing crayons, sponges & abrasive brushes. You might be able to find some off-color shoe polishes & leather dyes near you in which you can do something similar.
http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/store/m2_agecrayon_sstik.html