Spaghetti Arms

Creating shape using everyday objects and latex

Health and safety: In order to use latex, please test on the inside of the arm. Any hotness or irritation signifies an allergy and should not be used. Seek alternatives such as Gelatin or Silicone. 

Cover the models clothing to protect from all spillages. 

Ventilation is key. Once opened, air the latex bottle before use. Also shake before use.

For this technique you will need:

- Materials such as rice, beads, string and spaghetti. Things that will create shapes and different textures.

- Liquid Latex

- Hairdryer
- Fullers Earth (Great to add texture, however not durable, a fixer spray will be required)
-Acetone to blend the edges of the latex

- Supracolour, glitter and any other makeup to blend the pattern into the skin.

I started here by applying a small layer of latex to my arm. While the latex was still wet I added broken up spaghetti. Using the hairdryer on a cold heat setting, I dried the latex so it went transparent. I then added more latex over the top to hold the spaghetti in place and dried once more. This process was carried out with all materials on the skin. 

The next process was to add colouring to the materials. I used Kryolan Supracolour in silver with a sponge. The application could have been made neater by using a small headed brush to get into the smaller areas. The colour was added once all latex has dried. You can also add Fullers Earth to the skin to create a mud like texture.

To remove from the skin use warm to hot water. As latex ideally should not be put down a sink, you should run some towel, paper or other, under the hot water and then slide over the skin. This will remove all latex. Wash excess colour off. It is normal that there should be a red mark where the materials have been.