Wax Resist Scarf

Learn how to create your own scarf with this unique crafting technique.

All About

Product Ideas

Project by Michelle Newman.

Materials and Tools:

9" x 54" or 12" x 60" white silk scarf blank
Colorhue dyes: magenta, electric blue
freezer paper
1" to 1-1/2" inexpensive natural bristle brushes
Adhesive Tech glue pot
Adhesive Tech work surface
Skinny Mini glue gun
2 packages 9mm and 12mm silk sating ribbon
beeswax and paraffin
wax brush
foam roller
wine cork
spouncer
old iron
blank newsprint or butcher paper

Steps:

1. Prewash silk scarf in mild detergent to remove sizing.

2. Dip-dye into diluted instant silk dye (1 plastic teaspoon of dye to 2 cups of water).

(Note: The more water, the less intense the color. It's a good idea to test a swatch first. Start with a lighter color of dye as your 'base coat' dyes quickly.

3. Rinse and let dry. Iron dyed scarf onto freezer paper shiny side up.

4. Melt 50/50 mix of beeswax and paraffin in glue pot.

5. Dip tools into glue pot to warm them up and soften brush bristles.

6. Paint designs, marks and patterns with hot wax and assorted 'tools' directly onto dyed scarf. (Note: Wax dries instantly, making it ready to paint over immediately.)

7. Wet scarf in water, remove and place in plastic tub to dye darker color.

Figure E

8. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until you get desired color. Remove and rinse with COLD water. Note: Color dries a few shades lighter.

9. Let scarf dry well before removing wax. To remove wax: Option one is to take the scarf to a dry cleaners and have them remove the wax. Option two is to remove the wax yourself by sandwiching the scarf between several layers of blank newsprint. Iron wax off, constantly changing paper until no more wax can be removed. It will still feel stiff.

10. Dry clean wax residue.

11. Add dyed ribbon embellishments with either fusible tape or a hot glue gun.

12. Tie single beads onto end of each strand of ribbon.

Resources

Products
- Skinny Mini glue gun, work surface, glue pot
- Colorhue dye and silk ribbon
- Silk scarf from Exotic Silks
Guests
- Michelle Newman
  Textile Designer, Opulent Textiles
  Fabric painting workshops are available.
  E-mail: Michellenewmandesigns@hotmail.com