When using batik techniques, keep these things in mind:
- Dye cannot be easily removed from clothes and work spaces. To protect your garments, use a plastic trash bag with holes cut for your arms and head, and shield your work surface with plenty of paper or plastic.
- Wax is flammable so never heat it directly over an open flame. An old non-stick electric frying pan is perfect because it allows you to control the temperature. I bought mine at a yard sale for 50 cents. A double-boiler or tin can sitting in a pan of hot water will work if you need a substitute. The wax should be hot enough to penetrate the fabric, but not so hot that it smokes. In most cases, 240 degrees is about right.
- Terri used a mixture of half paraffin and half beeswax, but all paraffin can be used. This is an excellent way to use up old candles.
- You can make interesting designs even if you do not have a tjanting tool. Metal cookie cutters work beautifully. I used the rim of a wine glass to make a series of overlapping circles. If you decide to use cookie cutters, you will need to use tweezers to hold them so you don't dip your fingers into the hot wax.
- When purchasing a tjanting tool, I suggest getting one with the smallest opening. The wax tends to come out very quickly, therefore, a tjanting tool with a small opening will allow for more control.
Resources Procion MX dyes by Jacquard, tjanting tools, brushes
Rupert, Gibbon & Spider Inc. / Jacquard Products
Website:
www.jacquardproducts.com
Guests Terri Haugen
Artist
Les Sirenes Galerie D'Art
Frankfort, MI
Phone: 231-352-7640
Email:
terrih@terrihaugen.com
Website:
www.lessirenes.com
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