Zoe Barker
Guidance Notes for Interactive Troop Bag
Isle of Wight Contemporary Craft Group, QuayCrafts were commissioned to create a piece of work inspired by the stories of the Isle of Wight Rifles and their role in Gallipoli during the First World War
The troops were given standard issue canvas bags to carry their equipment and personal possessions.
This bag was made using photographs of a replica First World War bag printed onto double-sided fabric. The flag, emblem and stamps on the letters were printed onto peel and stick cotton (so no stitching required to attach them).
Printer-friendly double-sided fabric and peel and stick cotton are available from www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk. Alternatively you may use any scrap material (ideally canvas or something that looks and feels similar).
- Cut out the shape of the front, back and lid of the bag.
- Attach any extra details like emblems or flags. You can make your material look older by using wet tea bags to stain it.
- Stitch any seams using thread and/or stick the edges together using PVA glue.
- If using PVA glue leave to dry for a good 15 minutes.
- Take a look at the letters and postcards in this bag.
Have a think about what you would write if you were being sent away to war. Try and imagine living in the trenches. How would you be feeling? What would you say to your family back home?
Alternatively, you might have been left at home while it’s your loved one who has gone to war. What news would you send of life at home?
Have a go at writing your own letter or postcard. You could draw or paint your own postcard picture.
You could also address an envelope and draw or paint a stamp.