Soak + Sprinkle + Spray = Confetti Dyeing!

To create a confetti dyed piece you start by soaking the fabric in soda ash and water for about 30 minutes. Remember this step prepares the fabric for dyeing and accepting the dye in the most colorful way! 

Next wring out the fabric and lay on any surface. I've used a table, the ground and even a bush! Sprinkle the dye powder across the surface. 

There are multiple ways to go from here. Just have fun and experiment! One idea is to hang the fabric on a clothesline and allow the dyes to drip and blend. If you want more interaction try spraying the fabric with a solution of soda ash and water.

Another option is to scrunch the fabric and allow more opportunity for the dye particles to separate and spread. Again, if you want more movement spray the fabric with soda ash and water. 

How about moving the dye around with a found object... go for it and try weird things! 

What do you think might happen if you were to fold your fabric before sprinkling the dye?

I encourage you to go have fun - you can't possibly make a mistake because there are no rules! 

Let me know how your experiments go. 

Indigo Dyeing - First Batch of the Season!

There is something special about Indigo. It connects us to a very ancient tradition of dyeing textiles. The traditional indigo recipe is tricky so I chose to use pre-reduced crystals from Dharma - I know my limitations! 

It is very freeing to grab found objects to clamp or tie into the fabric to create a design. I know there are methods for creating very specific designs but I tend to approach loosely with a free spirit. I am happy to experiment and just see what happens!  

These marks were made using old CD's and hotel key cards! 

The crackle look was created using rubber bands. Once the fabric was washed and dried I sprayed the surface with a bleach/water combination to create the fun spots.   

This piece was loosely pleated and rolled with rubber hands to keep it in place! 

I folded and clamped this piece!

The design came out very different in each section of the fabric! 

I'd love to hear about your Indigo dyeing experience! 

To learn more about the ancient traditions I recommend, Indigo - In Search of The Color That Seduced the World, by Catherine E. McKinley. 

I had a group of artists from SAQA over to enjoy the new Indigo vat. We had a great time! SAQA is an organization dedicated to promoting the art quilt and those who create them! To learn more about SAQA I encourage you to click HERE 

Please take a peek at my Etsy Shop where I sell my hand crafted fabrics! 

I Opened an Etsy Shop!

Opening an Etsy shop to sell my hand crafted fabrics has been on my to-do list for a long time. Finally, I took the time to figure out the details = yippee... it's up and running! 

The shop name is, CarolREatonDesigns and I upload new fabrics at least once a week! I've appreciated the positive feedback so far from folks who took a peek. I am still available for collaboration with artists working on a special fabric color palette and can be reached via email from this blog!  

Thank you for the support! 

Fencing + Paint Roller + Dye + Fabric = Cool Textures!

My friend Barb Olson showed me how she uses a small foam roller to create patterns from wooden blocks and stencils. I have a lot of tools in my studio but no small rollers. I'm in the frame of mind that I should be using all the tools I have on hand rather than running out to buy more so I commandeered a standard size paint roller from hubby.  

I see many possible designs with this piece! 

I mixed up a batch of thickened dye and poured into a plastic paint tray liner. The roller soaked up the color and I was ready to go!  

The fabric was placed on fencing causing the interesting textured pattern.

I stopped rolling when I was satisfied with the coverage. 

The fabric always comes out a little lighter after washing but this photo reads even lighter than the fabric actually is. There are 2 greens coming through and it's a medium brightness! 

The final piece from the batch is Jade. Again, the photo reads lighter than it is. From my perspective the fabric is brighter than the photo and I'd consider it a medium to bright value. 

What is your favorite way to create a textured looking surface on fabric or paper! 

Come Walk with Me!

I just finished this piece titled, Come Walk with Me. I was thinking about my childhood... what was important to my foundation as a person - people, places, and things. I grew up with a strong sense of family and parents who let my creative side run wild. I was also blessed with a Grandmother (Nana) who provided unconditional love - I still smile when I think of her. 

The overall size is 41" X 31". 

The base starts with a traditional Grandmother's Garden pattern. I used the raw edge technique rather than piecing - I know the limits of my patience! I was trying to figure out if the trees should float off the edges to liven it up a bit.

I played with the trees for a while but realized the Grandmother's Garden pattern didn't stand out... I wanted my Grandmother's memory to jump out the same way her personality jumped out. I took a deep breath and started clipping the edges. 

There's no turning back now - the piece is already quilted! 

I added some sparkly white paint here and there to give the snowy background more character.  

I think clipping the edges was the right thing to do. Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and jump in... my Grandmother taught me that!  

~ All fabric created by artist ~

Fun with Dye and a Bathtub Mat!

My buddy Barb Olsen invited me over for studio play time! Barb has gathered many cool and unusual tools  over time. I was amazed when she pulled out a number of bathtub mats in all shapes, sizes and textures. It was instant love... the textures on the top and wonderful suction cups on the bottoms were perfect for printing!

This piece started as a folded and Indigo dyed fabric. I was unhappy with the open white spaces and wasn't sure what would make me happier. The suction cups on the underside of the bathtub mat were a great solution! 

In this detail shot you can see how fun the circles are. I placed the bathtub mat on the table and laid the fabric on top. Using thickened dye on a foal roller I rolled across the surface... voila!
Thanks Barb!