Silk + Sharpies + Isopropyl Alcohol!

I've been working with Silk, Sharpies and Isopropyl Alcohol again = yippee! The more I experiment with this technique the more I learn and look forward to expanding my approach!  

After some trial and error I decided the best way to stretch the silk was to use the largest quilt hoop I could find. 

Using permanent Sharpie Markers I colored across the surface of the silk.

It's a very slow process as I move the hoop around to fill up the fabric surface.

Here is a detail shot of dropping the alcohol onto the colors which gets them to move and mingle! As you can imagine this is why the technique takes so long. After dropping alcohol across the surface I let it dry and repeat the step multiple times until I'm happy with the end result. 

Here is the completed orange, brown and green piece!

Detail - orange, brown and green 

This finished piece combines blue, purple and yellow!  

Detail - blue, purple and yellow

When you try this technique please be sure to have a fan in the room. The Sharpies tend to be smelly - not toxic - but not pleasant either! The good news is they dry super fast and you can keep going. 

Staying on Track!

Life piles up sometimes and it's easy to veer off track managing your priorities! I work full time and I need to carve out daily creative arts time for my overall well being. I imagine many of you feel the same way. Creative people are wired to express themselves through their art in whatever medium they are passionate about. If more than a few days go by without studio time do you feel it? Something is missing right! Make sure YOU are a priority; put yourself on the calendar! 

To manage my projects I recently developed a Project Tracker document that forces me to set beginning and end dates. Having project details visually displayed for a quick review at a glance is hands-down the most helpful. Being reminded that I have 20 yards of ice dyed fabric due in February triggers me to stagger dyeing fabric in-between a different project due this month. It's a very basic system but when life goes sideways I need a reminder so I can pick up where I left off. This may be too rigid for your style but for me staying on track of commitments keeps stress at bay. When stress is reduced it allows for free flowing free time and creative energy bubbles up and jumps out! I'd love to hear your process and tips for staying on track. 

PROJECT TRACKER

CUSTOMER:

DUE DATE:

PROJECT	DESCRIPTION	START DATE	END DATE	RETAIL PRICE	TOTAL SALE
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NOTES: Keep detailed notes of design and color specs!