About 6 weeks ago I wrapped some strips of an old dishtowel around a couple of rusty brake shoes and rust flakes. You can read all about it here. 

Two of the three had some great orange color all the way through. The third…not so much. I’m thinking that one didn’t get much of the vinegar I splashed into the bag on it therefore it didn’t rust as much.

This is how they looked before rinsing. I let them hang dry in the garage so it would be easier to brush off the rusty bits before doing the final rinse in the house. Too cold in the garage yet for that.

Again two of the three are nice. I’ll likely only use bits of the mostly white piece. Or perhaps ask for a “new” hunk of metal from Mr. G so I can re-rust it.

This is not a new technique for me. I’ve rusted fabric in the past. The only difference is that is was summer and much more pleasant to be outside.  The random results of rusted fabric have always appealed to me. I felt as if it was time to make some more. I keep my rusty bits in the shed safely bagged up. Since I was already outside attempting to scrape the driveway free of ice, sleet and snow..it was the perfect time to make a few rust bundles.

I brought out a torn dishcloth as fodder for my project. I used my ice covered garbage can as a work surface…not ideal but it worked. It was just too darn cold to bother setting up a proper table.

After this round of rusting my brake shoes will need to be replaced. Luckily I have a good source for those. 🙂

For my final and smallest bundle I emptied all the rusty bits left in the plastic bag down the center and rolled it up.

Two bundles I tied and the third I just tucked the loose end inside.

I placed all 3 bundles in a new plastic bag and added what ever snow and ice I could scrape off the top of the garbage cans for moisture. The bundle will live in the garage until I get too inpatient to wait any longer. I’ll be sure to share the results.

I must add that you need to wear gloves when handling rust.