After taking a great surface design class, I find myself drawn to new methods of altering fabric. I love seeing this method of gel glue batik, a process in which the resist (usually hot wax) is replaced with kids' blue gel glue from the school supply aisle. Jennifer of Swallowfield got this lovely resulting design when she tried a tutorial from That Artist Woman. It's a tutorial that has made its way around the Internet (even making an appearance over on MAKE) but is well worth revisiting. As I did a little more digging around, I found several bloggers who have experimented with this technique. Their experiences offer up some great inspiration and tips, so be sure to check them out as well!
I first learned this technique in Jane Dunnewold's classes (she's THE art cloth goddess, and has a site at www.artclothstudios.com).
The glue gel is great -- I concur that the Washable School Gel (the blue one) is the one to get. Sometimes, you have to stock up when school starts. It's definitely kid-safe -- but for adult use, I really prefer the soy wax. It's even easier to wash out (sometimes the glue is stubborn on silk, finer cottons or pile fabrics like velveteen) and I just keep mine in a little $10 grocery store crock pot.
Thanks for the cool post. Anything that makes folks want to dye fabric gives me goosebumps. It's so fun and easy... Rock on, Rachel!
kat
artcloth.com
braceletslikegravel.blogspot.com
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