CDHM The Miniature Way
September 2010, Issue 8
Mini Found Objects
Page 51
I found the majority of my objects right in my own kitchen to make this hammock. I couldn't resist making a replica of the one I had growing up as a kid at my parent's lake property.
There are all types of frame styles that you could imitate. Check out newspaper ads or search online for styles and colors. Some will even give you dimensions so all you have to do is miniaturize it.
Dowel rods, wire and thin copper tubing are all great options if you enjoy working with those mediums. An easy workable solution for me was bendable drinking straws. Cut them to the length required, slit one all the way down to the bendy area and slide another piece inside (think "tent pole" connecting).
Keep adding "joints" of bendy straws until you have a complete frame. Tuck some scrap dowels inside to weigh it down a little or line it with pipe cleaners to help keep its shape if you plan to stage it with a doll. Prime, paint, and voila-a perfect tubular frame! My mind is already zooming with other ideas to use this method in other projects!
My hammock net is also from the kitchen. Paint a piece of plastic netting that fruit comes in and weave it onto trimmed shish kabob sticks. Add a little dab of white glue to secure embroidery floss on the ends and hang it on your frame.
Other suitable materials for the swing part could be a piece of netting from a laundry bag, striped fabric, jute or cross-stitch fabric for a woven look. Window screening cut on the diagonal would be perfect for smaller scales.
Just experiment and see what new hammock you can design!
Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures / CDHM