Fabric Painting Without A Brush

Warm Up to Fabric Painting Techniques

Quilting Daily — Wed, 01 May 2013 06:03:22 GMT

Where I live in New England, it gets dark at about 4:30 p.m. in the depths of winter. So when Daylight Savings Time kicks in and the snow banks start to melt, I'm itching to get outside and do some fabric painting and dyeing.

re: Fabric Painting Without A Brush

Vivika_Blog — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:49 GMT

Sure. A brayer is like a wall painting roller, but it is smaller. (See the image in the blog post above). You can use it dry to make a firm, even impression (such as on the back of a piece of printing paper when making a monoprint) or with ink or paint. Brayer rollers can be firm or spongy, smooth or patterned. You'll usually find them with the printmaking supplies in the art store.

re: Fabric Painting Without A Brush

jenni borders — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:40:05 GMT

Can you describe a 'Brayer' This is something that has not reached my part of the UK yet!

jenni in the Scottish Borders

re: Fabric Painting Without A Brush

Vivika_Blog — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:25:44 GMT

Hi,

Great responses, everyone!

To answer the question about the prayer flags, the inspiration is from the colorful rectangles or squares of cloth strung on a line (like a banner or bunting) often seen in the Himalyas. They usually have writing and images on them, and their purpose is to send blessings out into the world.

Fiber artists have started making them using different kinds of surface design, stitching, and embellishment techniques to convey a thought or positive message.

You can find out more about the prayer flag project I'm involved in here: theprayerflagproject.blogspot.com

re: Fabric Painting Without A Brush

jrsaumweber — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:45:31 GMT

I like the ideas about painting on fabric and look forward to trying them.

Would someone be so kind as to explain what a prayer flag is??? I am not familiar with these but they do sound interesting. Thanks.

re: Fabric Painting Without A Brush

thebluehare — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:20 GMT

I must try this. It looks like fun.

re: Fabric Painting Without A Brush

Nancy Smeltzer — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:50:09 GMT

While I have never made prayer flags, I am always impressed with where they sometimes end up. I’ve seen photos of some left by climbers on the top of Mt. Everest, fluttering and tattered by the storms that rip across the summit. I think it speaks to the need for people to stake a claim to their achievements, which historically has been done by a flag of some sort. Thanks for the easy, clear instructions and "take care" admonitions re: paint amounts and heat setting.

re: Fabric Painting Without A Brush

tearose2 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:58:03 GMT

I just wanted to tell you about my favorite way to print my own fabric. I simply spread a small amount of textile paint on a sheet of plexiglass and cover with a second piece of plexiglass and push the two pieces back and forth smearing the paint around. When you pull the two pieces apart, each sheet will be covered with a lacy very organic design, created by the suction. Just lay a piece of fabric over each section of paint and gently go back and forth with your fingertips to help the fabric soak up the paint. When you lift your fabric, you will have a beautiful design somewhat like lichen. Hang to dry and heat set after air drying. Instant gratification!