Wax and natural dye is a very slow process. Its not for everybody. I think it is really important to go slow with this blog.
To give you time to think about your eco batik, and time to consider finding the things that you need from op shops.
Also the time to consider your best dye plants for the batik purpose.
It is important to collect the right tools, and gather the pots that you can dedicate to wax, as it is not easy to wash out of your good dye pots.
Some of you may want to just rush in and learn by error, and this is OK too. Everybody has their own way of learning. And sharing. And doing.
The main thing is that this blog is a good recourse, and it will eventually have lots of links to other eco batik artists, and suppliers. And it will be useful to us all.
If you have anything you would like to share on this blog, or would like to show us your eco batik work. Please let me know and we will link you to this resource.
15 comments:
i like the slow idea, it goes with the technique.
I suppose it does jude, you know in today's fast world our perception of slow takes a while to get around.
thanks jude.
xt
hi T, i found a small enamel saucepan at Vinnie's today, one of those old fondue saucepans, just the right size for heating the wax. Also i located your Aus supplier of tools but for now i'll try using a bristle brush and maybe a spoon to dribble it on.
Last night i boiled up a pot full of eucalyptus roots and bark, the dye from that is so strong it would colour anything hot or cold. Now if i can just clear a space i'm ready to play. Thanks for your instructions and advice so far. kaite
I love that your spiral relations keep appearing :>]]
Slow is just fine with me. After reading your first entry, I decided to think slower with my bundles that are being steamed at the moment. I intend to turn the steam on just a bit every day and have leave them for quite some time being warmed up every so often. this is all new to me and so interesting.
hi kaite, christie, and penny.
sounds like an eventful day and you are right into it kaite.
yes christie this spiral is one of my specialties.
Good that you are thinking slow with your vegetation dye bundles penny. It gives the colour more time to absorb.
xt
you got me over the bridge so to say...I let it dribble too...
like all information dribbles in it's own place.
thanks yvette, yes it is slow cloth after all.
xt
great instructions, clear and concise! No problem with the wooden rack - I have clips I use for binding for ikat dyeing that will work well for making cloth taut...now to find some plants - am thinking hibiscus blooms, rich red on my trees. Lichen from trees in park where dh office is...have to read up on lichen dyeing...eager to start...
ant
Its good that you are eager to start anti. and great to get your feedback. The dyes that you use need to be fairly strong to work on cotton, and to work in just warm water. Experimentation is good and the hibiscus blooms and lichen may work well. I will be doing another post on ecobatikT next week so stay tuned.
xt
I collected elderberry material to dye with along with some other readily available items.
I will get the wax. What do you think of soy wax.
Count me in on this. I am loving this blog, already.
am glad that this is a slow place.
if it were faster, i think i just
would give up. this way, i can
think about what i'd like to do
as i stitch.
have a call in to a local beekeeper
for wax. he is slow too.
How wonderful that you are sharing this info T! If my plate were not full to overflowing I might join you. Still nice to read about the process and see the lovely results. Thank you for your lovely visits and comments on my blogs.
thanks for your comments filamental, grace and tammie lee. Yes SLOW is good, and it is just so wonderful to see so much interest here. However, Its all a bit too slow here and I intend to do something about it this week so keep your eyes open.
have never used soy wax, however it is worth a try. We just have too much beeswax in this locality, and so I am sticking with that.
xt
Hi T,
I stumbled on your blog today and it hit a chord with me. I have been thinking about trying batik for a little while. Your posts to date have been very clear and concise. I like that. I do love vibrant colours but I also love the beautiful muted tones derived from nature. Thanks for sharing. I'll be back for more lessons.
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