Rusty Rebar Redux

I mentioned in a previous post that a found piece of rusted rebar made a beautiful scarf.  I tried it again, and this time documented the process a little more carefully.  I wasn't sure there would be enough rust left on the rebar to reproduce the results of the first scarf, but it's all about the creative process, right?

Here is the scarf after sitting in the sun for 5 days.  Doesn't look too pretty.

Unwrapping it reveals a really nasty looking mess.  I do recommend wearing gloves when working with rust.  Anything that effectively stains fabric will stain your hands.  

As you can see here, some parts of the scarf look almost black.  Others look barely light tan.  It's hard to get how this works.  

The scarf is rather stiff when uncoiling it.  The process removed a lot of the thick layer of rust from the rebar and transferred it to the silk.

Pulling the scarf open continues to be somewhat unremarkable.  Pretty monochromatic and not very exciting.

The next steps are to stop the rusting process by soaking in saltwater and washing, washing, washing. 

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the scarf made the first time around and the scarf made with the leftover rust on the rebar.  The one on the right is paler, subtler, but just as beautiful.