This title deals with the art of fabric decorating and painting in over 20 beautiful projects. The versatility of batik is celebrated in inspirational designs and practical projects. It features over 20 handsome and original ideas illustrated with step-by-step photographs. It offers comprehensive coverage of the many aspects of this technique, with expert instruction at every stage. It features fine contemporary pieces by leading designers. It outlines all the materials, equipment, fabrics and basic techniques you will need to get started. Templates are provided; just enlarge to get to the finished size. There are clear step-by-step instructions for projects such as a cotton sarong, a cushion cover and a cosmetic bag. The versatility of batik has led many designers to develop this traditional craft, with innovative and original results. The basic equipment and materials such as papers, fabrics and dyes are outlined in this book, which also explores the various methods of resist dyeing in both classical and contemporary projects. Techniques include making a basic frame, pinning the fabric to it, using a dye bath and direct dyeing. Effects such as cracking, canting and ragging are also shown. Batik designs can range from extremely simple to the very complicated, and each design is unique owing to the technique of resist dyeing. This book provides informative instruction for newcomers to the craft, and will inspire more experienced batik artists to experiment by working with different materials, such as paper and wood, as well as textiles. There are over 20 stunning projects to try yourself, including a silk square scarf, a paper pastel blind, a batik screen, a picture frame and a cotton sarong. A gallery of contemporary designers' work provides further inspiration for the dyeing enthusiast.

This title helps you learn the classic techniques of painting silk, with creative projects to do at home. There are exciting designs to create, including a Decorative Fan, a Lily Scarf, a Flowery Camisole and a Block-printed Blind. It features a gallery of exquisite silk painting treatments by leading contemporary artists. It includes information about materials, equipment and techniques such as using gutta and marbling. There are 25 original and easy-to-achieve projects presented step by step. It contains over 300 specially commissioned photographs, which clearly demonstrate each stage. This is the definitive approach to a traditional craft. The art of decorating textiles has been popular since ancient times and of all the natural fabrics silk is the most sought after. Increasingly sophisticated dyes have led to new and elaborate decorative techniques, but the real beauty of silk painting is that even simple designs produce outstanding results. This book shows how to create 25 decorative pieces, and contains all the information you need to get started. Types of silk and their suitability for different dyes are discussed, and many basic techniques - including tie-dye, dip-dye, salt scattering, gutta resist, marbling and batik - are explained. Once you have mastered these basics the projects will be easily achieved. The projects vary in complexity so you can start off with a dip-dyed handkerchief before tackling more involved techniques such as the gutta hand-painted parasol. The projects are presented step by step with photographs to take you through the stages. This book is a wonderful introduction to one of the world's most rewarding crafts.