Batik combines hot wax and dye to create intricate patterns on cloth. Artisans of Indonesia have practiced batiking since the 10th century, but craft expert Kathy Cardinalli has updated the craft for today's busy do-it-yourselfer. Materials: Beeswax Paraffin Old electric skillet Craft brushes or tjaunting tool (a special tool for batiking) Rubber gloves Dyes Light-colored fabric Old iron Paper, newsprint or paper towels - Begin by melting a 50-50 ratio of beeswax and paraffin in the electric skillet (set at around 240 degrees). Wait until wax has melted into liquid form before proceeding.
- Use a paintbrush or tjaunting tool (figure A) to drip designs onto the cloth. Don't try to be too precise with the design (figure B).
- Allow wax on cloth to cool.
- Dip fabric in bright or dark color (figure C).
- Allow to dry. Repeat waxing and dyeing until desired effect is achieved, allowing fabric to dry between colors.
- Use iron to press the cloth between layers of paper towels or paper, which will soak up the wax as the iron melts it away.
RESOURCES :
The Silk Painting Workshop: Painting, Marbling and Batik for Beginners
Model: 0715309331
Author: Jane Venables
Creative Batik
Model: 0855328924
Author: Rosi Robinson
Batik - Drawn in Wax
Model: 9068321943
Author: I. Van Hout
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