Creating is not only my passion, but a necessary need for the health of my soul, just as water is to the body to stay alive. I create from my heart with hopes to bring inspiration to others through my art dolls, mixed media collage, assemblage, fiber art, and sometimes jewelry. Would love to meet you at one of several workshops I teach across our beautiful country.
Today I created some journals. I haven't done that in a long while. Rather than packing all the blank journals, thought I would create something with them today. Listed in my Etsy Shop. More to come. $35.00 special.
Okay, when my dogs were pups, I trained them to lie on blankets. Now, when anything drops to the floor, they think it's a blanket. This is our Bailey girl, going on 14 years old. She still has a lot of pup in her, but I know her days are numbered.
Bobo is off to the left corner. He has a LOT of pup left in him!!! He is 12 years old.
This art doll is offered in my Etsy Shop. It feels good to have a few things created and offered in my shop. I love how she turned out. She is very gentle and peaceful. I love the antique rosette she hangs from.
I created this fiber collage yesterday with my dad in memory. It was his seventh year since passing into eternity. I'll never forget him and miss him every day. My heart goes out to my friend Carol, who just lost her mom today. It is never easy letting go of our parents and sometimes it just seems so strange when they are no longer here. But it is the memories of them that keep them alive in our hearts. Time also heals our broken hearts.
With both of these pieces, many of the fibers I hand-dyed in the tutorial below. I really enjoy using them in my creations.
Life is good. Ron is really coming along well. This gives me so much joy. I am back to creating with my old self. I've also been packing for our anticipated move to Arizona this coming fall. It is unbelievable how much stuff we accumulate. I keep purging more and more as I move along. Lots more to go.
Well, back to my studio for now. Thanks for stopping by.
I dye fibers using my microwave. It is quick and simple with great results. I just saw on TV a study on how SAFE the microwave really is, so don't be afraid of it. But if you don't own one, there is an alternative. Info at the end using Urea Water.
I use PRO MX Reactive Dye from www.prochemical.com . Once you order from them, they send you a great chart of their wonderful colors.
I must give credit first, to my special friend, Carol Mania, from Rhone Island. She is the one who taught me this via the telephone and internet. I now pass it on to you, what I have come to do, hoping you too will be inspired to create your own wonderful colors of fabric for whatever mixed media project you are doing.
These dyes work with Cotton, Linen, Rayon and Silk. This is just a small sampling of all the colors they have to offer. I have also ordered Reactive dyes from Dharma Trading.
It might seem a little overwhelming at first, but trust me, it is so easy.
MICROWAVE DYEING SUPPLIES: (Based on Prochemical.com)
Reactive Dye - Your favorite colors
PRO Dye Activator
Synthrapol
Select the fabrics you want to dye. Make a water bath using 1/2 tsp. of PRO Dye Activator AND 1/2 tsp. of Syntrapol PER POUND of fabric. NOTE: (i DON'T WEIGH) The water is suppose to be HOT, 140 degrees (I don't pay attention, I just get it hot from the tap) works for me.
This step prepares the fabric for dyeing, removing any dirt, oil or sizing.
You can do this in your washing machine, but I have a front loader, so I haven't done that. I do it by hand. Wash well, rinse and ring. Simple as that.
Chose your dye color. I like to take a small container, air tight, and scoop up a bit of dye powder. I don't measure, but maybe I start with a half of teaspoon. I mix it first with a little bit of water - shake well. Then I add it to my tub of water.
Small container I use to mix a little dye and water before adding to my large tub of water.
ALERT: Where GLOVES!!! Dye in a place where you aren't worried about the dye staining stuff. I happen to have SEALED Granite counter tops at the moment and a copper sink, so I'm not to worried. Think about your working place first. Wear clothes you are not worried about getting dye on.
When you make the paste/small container of dye with water, mixed well, then add it to your sink/tub of water. Add your fabrics. The fabric will instantly grab the dyes.
I'm using GREY BLUE dye here:
Various fabrics will pick up the dye differently. It is kind of a surprise and very fun to see.
Used Fuchsia here: Notice how light it is - I rinsed it after dying to release the dyes intensity. I like a soft vintage pink look.
Play with the fabrics in the dye water bath for a little bit, not too long. Take them out, ring them dry. Set aside.
Set fabric aside for 15 minutes, placing it first into a glass microwavable glass dish.
(Have to say this: all the items used for dyeing should be for that only. Don't use items you will after-wards serve food in. I have an old microwave I place outdoors for this purpose.)
Meanwhile, make this mixture -
1 -1/2 tsp of PRO Dye Activator to 1 cup of warm to hot 110-120 degrees.
15 Minutes after you have dyed your fabrics -
Pour over fabric just enough to get it wet. I mix it around to make sure all the fabric has come into contact with this mixture. (Again, I don't pay too much attention to how hot the water is)
Cover it with plastic wrap and put it into the microwave for two minutes.
Be careful when you remove the plastic wrap, as steam builds up.
Take your fabric and wash it in the tub a few times until the water runs clear. Wash in hot water, 140 degrees, adding 1/4 tsp. of Synthrapol. Make sure the water is clear as you rinse. NOTE: okay - said this already, but I don't watch how hot my water is. I just use the hot water from the tap. It works for me.
WITHOUT A MICROWAVE
I haven't done this yet, but you can read these directions using UREA Water to set the dye instead of a microwave.
Please read these directions from www.prochemical.com for further details. I have explained how I do it. I try to make things as simple as possible and so far I have had great success in dyeing fibers for my art projects.
If you try it, please let me know.
Here are some of my end results.
Soft Pinks
Another NOTE: I love over dyeing with other colors. My favorite is using ECRU after I have dyed my fabrics in their original color. I am really not liking using coffee these days for aging my fabrics. I would rather dye them for these wonderful effects. Coffee dyeing gives me too many streaks and I really don't like the after smell. Tea is a bit better, I think. But over-dyeing is the best. Try it, you might like it :)
