Batik Butterfly Pillow

That's Clever! : Episode HCLVR-148 -- More Projects » (Continued from Page 1)
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Figure E
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Figure F
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Figure G
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Figure H
7) Fill the wells of a watercolor palette with the dyes to be used in the design. Fill in the spaces with desired colors with a watercolor brush. Work from the interior of the space out to the edges. As a result if a wax contour is not fully sealed the dye will bleed through slowly instead of soaking completely into the next space. If you discover a problem, stop that section and continue with another. Once the fabric dries use more wax to seal the leak (figure E).

8) Once you have filled in all areas let the dye dry completely.

9) Apply more wax to areas that you want to remain the current color (figure F). Apply more dye to deepen or change the color in the unwaxed areas (figure G).

10) Repeat step 8 and 9 until the desired color and detail have been achieved (figure H).

Note:


  • Colors dry lighter than they appear when wet.
  • Multiple coats of dye will produce more vibrant or darker colors.
  • Colors can be mixed on the fabric for interesting effects. Test on scrap fabric for color and technique. Wet on wet will fully blend; wet onto dry will blend less and will leave a water line or stain at the intersection.

11) Cover the entire surface with a coat of wax using a bristle brush. This will ensure that the fabric is a consistent texture. Remove the fabric from the stretchers.

12) Cover the ironing board with several sheets of newspaper then at least two pieces of unprinted newsprint paper. Sandwich the waxed fabric under another sheet of newsprint.

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Figure I
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Figure J
13) Using an old iron set on "cotton" iron over the fabric and paper. Change the paper above and below the fabric as it becomes saturated with wax (figure I). Repeat until no more wax melts onto the paper.

14) Crop the work to the desired dimensions plus a 1/4 inch seam allowance (figure J).