Sunday, October 30, 2011

Batik on Paper, Dyeing for Fun

These are just a few of the images from Thursday's Play Date. Hot wax, dye, cookie cutters, brushes, Tjanting tools, messes, what more could anyone want? The only question remaining is What Do We Do With It All? I think greeting cards may be on the menu, but more testing is in the works for book covers. Oh, the paper is Arches Text Wove. And ironing out all the excess wax.

6 comments:

Heather T said...

These are lovely. I haven't done batik in years and was wondering whether I could try it on paper. Can you use thick drawing paper or does it have to be 100% cotton? Did you attach the paper to a frame like you would for fabric batik? I have been browsing through your blog thoroughly enjoying all your projects.

Marie aka Grams said...

Hi Heather, thanks for your comment. I haven't tried drawing paper, although I think it might work just fine for the painting method. For the scrunched and crinkled dye bath method (photo 2), that paper needs to withstand crumpling and smooshing in a bucket of dye, so natural fibers work best. The Arches paper irons out so beautifully. I believe you can also use some Japanese papers, like rice paper. With the procion dye we used, it recommends "natural" paper for best results.
I didn't attach it to a frame. We tore the paper into 6 x 8 1/2 size for cards (6 x 4 1/4 folded) and just used that size. For the cookie cutters, though, it worked best to have a bit of cushion under the paper--we used quilt batting.
Hope this helps. Let me know how it works.

Mary Anne said...

These are lovely, Marie. I immediately thought of book covers. Unique and colorful. You have such a nice sense of color and design. Wish I lived closer so we could have play dates! :-}

Jonathon said...

Beautiful! I love all the connected circles!

lori vliegen said...

i wish you would come and teach me how to do this......i LOVE your papers, marie! xoxo

Kass said...

So beautiful, Marie. I've got a new post up (after a 10 month break).