Wednesday 13 June 2007

Batik Experiments


I have been busy experimenting with batik. I worked away happily on Monday. The sun was shining and it was lovely and warm with the result the process was relatively quick as each stage of the process dried fairly quickly. However the results of my first efforts were not good. Here is my first attempt! Not at all what I expected but as they say you live and learn.


I started all over again. I added my first colour, procion yellow, to the fabric, which was stretched on a frame.

Once the dye was dry I waxed my first design and then once the wax had dried I over painted it with Procion Fuschia .
Once the fuschia was dry I re-waxed and then painted with the final colour, procion blue. Here is the final piece. I thought I would have to boil it to remove the wax but ironing it between sheets of newspaper and kitchen roll worked just fine.

I am doing my very first charm swap with the LikeMindedArtists group. My stress levels were very high yesterday as I have never made these before and I have a lot to learn about these little charms. I feel better today as I managed to source all the findings etc I need to make the charms - thank goodness for the internet! It's a company in the UK which is even better as I placed my order this morning so they should be with me in a day or two. Phew! I breathed a sigh of relief I can tell you.

10 comments:

McIrish Annie said...

Your batik piece came out beautiful!! Will have to add that to the loooonng list of things to try! I love the Web and everyone's blog but there is sooo much inspiring work out here that it sometimes makes me tired!LOL

Looking forward to seeing your charms!

Sandy said...

It looks like you are getting the idea of Batik and had fun. Doesn't a day spent that way make you feel wonderful? Sandy

Unknown said...

It still looks great! Maybe not what you had in mind, but the work is very relaxing isn't it?

Carol said...

Hia Carol, these are absolutely lovely, i love the second one particularly.Hope you get all you can for the charms, have you seen Sue Bleiweiss'tutorial on her blog - it's worth a read if you making charms.

Tonniece said...

Both pieces are lovely. I really like the 2nd pieces best because of the brilliant colors.

With your great imagination and talent, your charms will be super Carol. Can't wait to see them finished.

Dianne said...

Wohoo your secon attemp is fantastic LOVE all the color,
I'm sure you can over dye the first one and give it a new life..
Glad you a little less stressed.
I can't wait for all the charms to be done... You know I will be showing ti off...

Doreen G said...

The second piece looks great Carol.

Papoosue said...

Your batik is great Carol and I can't wait to see how you get on with the charms.

Digitalgran said...

I think this batik is lovely Carol and I don't think there is any need for you of all people to get stressed about the charms. Just enjoy making them.
My DiL said I should be making them for people to hang on their mobile phones, so you are on the right tracks there.

Nola said...

I think they both look great, Carol. Just different, and suitable for different things. The second one has more wow factor but you don't always want the fabric to be singing the main tune, do you?