Getting my feet wet...or actually getting my fingers blue...

So I finally was able to gather all my materials together and set up my Batik workspace in the basement. I am at the moment still sharing with JEHC, but am hoping to have the place to myself shortly. I thought I had everything I needed, but then quickly discovered the first rule of Batiking:

WEAR PLASTIC GLOVES WHEN DYEING STUFF!!! The dreaded Blue Fingers!!


This is my first attempt. I basically just was trying to make sure my wax was the right temp (250 degrees) so that it would permeate the fabric properly and then trying to see how well I could draw with the Tjanting device (basically a wax pen stick with a well that holds the wax) and the brush. Need more brushes in different sizes. I really like the wax part...will be fun to do some real designs and stamps, but the dyeing part was a bit tough as I feel like I lost a lot of my dye's deep color and it also bled into my white bits. And the wax REMOVAL part...kind of sucks. Will hope to read up a little more on problem solving. I also need to have a better plan for next time so I don't have to run up and down the basement stairs with boiling water and dye pans. Logistics....

Stay tuned for more news from Batik central...

Kris

Batikster!

What is a Batikster?

A person who creates Batik Fabrics...and hopefully I will be one of those soon. Since Mark is gone a lot with work & music, I decided that I needed a hobby. I have always been a artsy fartsy kind of person, so I thought mostly about what type of cool art stuff I could do. And I was also inspired by our recent trip to St. Kitts where they have a large Batik studio called Caribelle Batik where I bought a beautiful blue sarong. So I chose Batik. Step one complete!

Step two: What materials do I need. I did some online research and came across a cheesy little "Beginner's Batik" kit on Dharma Trading Co's website that sold everything you need to try this out for only $37.95. I also bought a few scarves to practice.

Step three: Figure out HOW to use the materials. I went to the library and got a bunch of books and also looked at a few How To websites. Everything seems fairly easy as long as you follow the steps and use the right equipment. I also have been hatching design ideas. I don't want to make a bunch of Carribean stuff as I am not Carribean and I live in Ohio. So I am going to try to "modernize" the designs & colors for my stuff. I want to do simple & striking designs that are more in line with today.

Step Four: Actually do it. Haven't gotten to this step yet because there is currently no where to set up my area (too much music crap in the basement) and I need to wrangle some more equipment (electric skillet & dye tubs specifically) before I can begin. I will get these this weekend.

Step Five: Maybe sell some stuff. The scarves I found on Dharma Trading Co are super cool "Circular Scarves" that I have never seen before. I think with the correct designs that appeal to people, these might be a hit on Etsy or at Cincinnati's City Flea events. Who knows...maybe I will start showing up at craft shows all across Ohio...I have a lot of weekends free.

Stay tuned for actual photos of stuff I make...as long as it doesn't suck.

Kris