INDIGO!

I am in love with the deep, rich, and sensual technique of Indigo Dyeing. We were only introduced a week ago through Carol R. Eaton Designs but I know we are becoming fast friends. 

Surface Design with Carol R. Eaton

The Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective group

One of my pieces- dry dye sprinkled on fabric and sprayed with water

Folded Fabric with Indigo,  Shibori technique

A Little Bit of Shiva Paintstik or Something More?

I was at the courthouse today for jury duty but mid-way through the morning we were released. Hurrah!

Bonus day in the studio. I set to work on a piece that need an extra punch. These are just strips of commercial cotton of various widths that I sewed side-to-side and then cut at odd angles, sashed randomly in white and set them all against a black background. 

Here is the piece now. I think it needs a little bit more of something. What do you think? Please share your thoughts.

How To with Shiva Artist's Paintstiks - Easier than You Think!

Last Saturday I worked in the garden transplanting hostas and daylilies. So by Sunday I was in need of some studio time.

I pulled out some hand dyed cotton that I wanted to add design to and set to work.

Shiva Artist's Paintstiks are oil paint in a stick form made by A Richeson Co. of Kimberly, WI. They are nontoxic, fade proof, permanent, and dry in 24 hours. They can be used for drawing, painting, stenciling, and rubbings.hey wash off your hands with soap and water (or a little vegetable oil, soap, and water) but are difficult to remove from fabric and carpeting (ask me why I know this), so wear old clothes and place a mat or dropcloth on the carpet where you are working.

Step 1:
Wash and dry the fabric you will be working with. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Gather your supplies. In addition to fabric, you will need your Paintstiks, painter's tape, templates or stencils (I used plastic rubbing plates by Cedar Canyon Textiles www.cedarcanyontextiles.com)

Step 2:
Iron the fabric. If you are new to this technique start with fat quarters or cut the fabric in 12" squares.

Step 3:
Tape the edges of fabric to your work surface with painter's tape. Mine is the blue stuff from the hardware store.

Step 4:
Select the paint stick colors you want to use. Scrap the 'skin' off the Paintstik using the blade edge of a scissor or a small knife.

Step 5:
Slip template under the fabric that is taped to table. Using one hand to stabilize your template through the fabric rub the paint stick on the fabric. It works best to hold the paint stick at a right angle to the fabric and rub in one direction rather than back-and-forth.

Step 6:
Repeat Step 5 with additional colors or using other templates until you are happy with the design.

Step 7:
Allow fabric to dry at least 24 hours. I used folding clothes drying rack.

Step 8: Heat set the painted fabric. Place the painted fabric right side up on the ironing board. Cover it with a thin scrap cloth (I use an old dishtowel). Press with hot iron. The painted fabric may stick slightly to the scrap cloth. If it does, peel it off after pressing. Now your fabric is ready to use in your next art project!

This is a technique is FUN. Even folks who think it looks difficult will quickly catch on and enjoy playing with.

I was enjoying myself so much that my son even tried it out!