DIY Network

Contemporary Batik This batik process uses paintbrushes instead of immersion in dye. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-103

Christine Ambrose's batik process uses hot wax applied with the traditional tjanting tool to outline the motifs. Instead of immersing the waxed fabric in a dye bath, she shows how to apply the liquid dye with a variety of brushes.

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	Contemporary Batik Wall Hanging
	Most of the materials required for contemporary batik are readily available around the house.

Materials:

batik wax
tjanting tool
stretcher bars
stainless steel push pins
silk
paint brushes
Procion H-series dyes
chemical water
dye cups
paper towels

Prepare the Wax

The wax is a combination of paraffin and microcrystalline wax, which is also called sticky wax.

Heat the wax in an old electric skillet set at about 250-300 degrees.

Tips:

• If the wax is smoking at all, turn it down, as this is a fire hazard.

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.

• Use a safe electric connection.

Stretch the Fabric

1. Assemble the stretcher bars that will hold the fabric taut and cut the silk to fit.

2. Attach the fabric with stainless-steel push pins (these pins are very sharp and won't leave large holes in the fabric). Starting on the right-hand side of stretcher, push a pin in the fabric about every 1-1/2"; attach the adjoining side in the same manner. On the third side use your hand to pull gently against the stretched and attached fabric and push pin; finish the fourth side in the same manner.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Tip: Fabric should be taut but not show pulled lines or ripples. Christine applies hot wax with a dedicated paintbrush to "glue" down the fabric so she can remove the push pins.

Create Design

1. Sketch design with chalk (figure A). Be aware that once the wax is applied, it must be dry-cleaned to remove it.

2. Place a small-size tjanting in the wax to heat. The wax will flow rapidly out of the tip, so use a plastic lid to catch the drips (figure B). Remember: the dot is a natural occurrence in batik (figure C), so use it to your advantage if you drip! These areas are good places for embroidery or beading.

3. Wax over the chalk design.

Tip: Slightly thicker lines will better control the flow of dye than a thin or broken line. Move slowly and reheat the tool by dipping into wax often.

Apply Dyes

Christine says she loves the incredibly potent colors of Procion H-series dyes (see Resource Guide). They mix well with each other and can be thinned with chemical water (refer to instructions from distributor on how to make chemical water). Because the dyes flow beautifully on the silk, they are easy to blend from full-strength color to full-strength color or to gradually and evenly lighten a color by overpainting it with chemical water (figure D). For dramatic flow marks, Christine sprinkles kosher salt on a dye area when it's still wet.

1. Completely paint in a section before moving on to keep color smooth (figure E). If an area is left to dry and the rewet, it will leave a line. To eliminate these lines, apply more dye or chemical water with a stiff brush and lightly "scrub" the area. Dye flows easily, so don't worry about getting to the edge of shapes or what kind of brush stroke is used. Dip your brush into the dye often as you paint and err on the side of too much dye rather than too little.

2. After the piece has dried, the wax is removed by dry-cleaning.

The soft hand of the silk is restored after the wax is removed, and the dye can be set to make the colors permanent (refer to distributor's instructions).

RESOURCES :

Pro Chemical and Dyes dyeing supplies, chemicals for fiber arts, kits and books
Website: www.prochemical.com

Dharma Trading Co. dyeing supplies, fabric and blanks
Dharma Trading Co.
Website: www.dharmatrading.com

GUESTS :

Christine Ambrose
E-mail: christine@christineambrose.com
Website: www.christineambrose.com
Website: www.materialevolution.com