Bob in SF
Member
A textile designer got several of my "Silkie" pens (http://www.penturners.org/forum/f13/3-more-opalescent-silkies-140774/)
and this morning she kindly commissioned 7 unique silk batik pens - fun tube-in casting project - especially since I hadn't done batik in 40+ years.
Phase I:
Steps (some of which are not shown above):
Wash 8mm Habotai silk yardage in Syntrapol detergent to optimize dye bonding
Stretch silk onto embroidery hoop
Airbush some light background tone using Jacquard green label dyes (done outside, respirator mask, etc)
Melt some soy wax flakes in a wax pot (115-140 degreesF)
Apply wax resist with double or single spout djantings (Indonesian wax pens)
Apply dyes with hand, foam, airbrush
Apply Jacquard silk salt to add textural interest while dyes are still moist
Air dry in the sun
Brush off the salt
Iron the silk batik on medium heat between sheets of newsprint to remove wax - best done several times to get it all off.
Fold silk up in parchment paper, and steam for 2 hours to set the dye.
Tumble dry in the dryer (delicates stetting) or hang and dry outside
Re-stretch the batik onto an embroidery hoop.
Use a foam brush to lightly coat the back of the batik with Mod Podge mat finish glue/sealer, the let dry thoroughly - this ensures that you can next cut the silk without fraying.
Cut batik strips slightly larger than the tubes, then coat strips and 150 grit-sanded brass tubes with thin layers of Mod Podge, let dry partially for 30 seconds (contact cement-style); then wrap silk around tubes.
Let dry for 1 hour, then trim off excess.
Phase II will be much simpler - tube-in pressure casting, turning, etc.
Best regards to all, Bob
and this morning she kindly commissioned 7 unique silk batik pens - fun tube-in casting project - especially since I hadn't done batik in 40+ years.
Phase I:
Steps (some of which are not shown above):
Wash 8mm Habotai silk yardage in Syntrapol detergent to optimize dye bonding
Stretch silk onto embroidery hoop
Airbush some light background tone using Jacquard green label dyes (done outside, respirator mask, etc)
Melt some soy wax flakes in a wax pot (115-140 degreesF)
Apply wax resist with double or single spout djantings (Indonesian wax pens)
Apply dyes with hand, foam, airbrush
Apply Jacquard silk salt to add textural interest while dyes are still moist
Air dry in the sun
Brush off the salt
Iron the silk batik on medium heat between sheets of newsprint to remove wax - best done several times to get it all off.
Fold silk up in parchment paper, and steam for 2 hours to set the dye.
Tumble dry in the dryer (delicates stetting) or hang and dry outside
Re-stretch the batik onto an embroidery hoop.
Use a foam brush to lightly coat the back of the batik with Mod Podge mat finish glue/sealer, the let dry thoroughly - this ensures that you can next cut the silk without fraying.
Cut batik strips slightly larger than the tubes, then coat strips and 150 grit-sanded brass tubes with thin layers of Mod Podge, let dry partially for 30 seconds (contact cement-style); then wrap silk around tubes.
Let dry for 1 hour, then trim off excess.
Phase II will be much simpler - tube-in pressure casting, turning, etc.
Best regards to all, Bob
