| Dye-Painted Baskets |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-162 |
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For centuries woven baskets have been embellished with natural pigments. One of the most convenient ways to continue this craft is to use fabric dyes. DIY Crafts host Vicki Payne demonstrates the technique. Materials:
Glass jars
Paintbrush
Cold-water-soluble powdered fabric dye in green and orange
Water
Wicker basket
Optional: sandpaper, masking tape
Wooden paint-stirring sticks
Candle
Note: Once pots, bowls and utensils have been used for mixing dye, they shouldn't be used again for food preparation.
- Mix the two dye powders with cold water in separate glass jars, according to the manufacturer's directions, using a wooden paint-stirring stick. If you desire a lighter color, add more water.
- Make sure there's no varnish or shellac on the wicker basket. Sand off any finish that might have been applied.
- Paint green dye on the outside edge and onto alternating woven basket strips (figure A).
- Paint orange dye onto the remaining woven basket strips. If desired, mask off the green-dyed strips before applying the orange dye (figure B).
- To create stripes on the basket handle, rub the bottom of a candle across the wicker handle at intervals, leaving a coating of wax every inch or so (figure C).
- Paint over the entire basket handle. The dye will not penetrate the waxed areas, creating a striped effect (figure D).
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