Hot weather has arrived and so has the day to learn about Batik.
Endy, Shirley and Joan are the leaders in this exploration. They have been teasing us with examples for the last year and now we are going to try our hands at this interesting technique.
The room is set up and the wax is melting........
Shirley and Joan started us off with a demo of using the large stamps. Then it was our turn to try it out if we wished.
The fabric with two different stamps on it. It will be over dyed in a different colour.
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Melted wax in electric frying pan and a damp plastic covered sponge to stamp on
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One person to hold the fabric taught and one to stamp
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Three stamps from one immersion in wax
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A lovely result. This is the wax on the fabric.
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We then moved on to using the Canting (Tjanting) tools. Very awkward at first but everyone soon got the hang of it. The hoops some used seemed to help with holding the fabric and a drip cloth. A frame was used and even a board to work on. If the wax didn't go all the way through the fabric you just turned it over and fixed it from the back. Any stray drops can be scraped off both sides of the fabric before you dye.
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| Fondue pot and Canting tools |
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| Canting tool |
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| Hoop makes a difference |
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| Using a board |
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| Another hoop and straight lines |
It was a fun day and lots to learn. Elisabeth topped it off with fresh raspberries from her garden, meringues and whipped cream to a lunchtime treat!
We will continue with Batik in August with painting with thickened dyes. A supply list and more information to come.
The grand reveal of the Scrolls will happen in September so those of you still working on them have an extra month!
