Batik: The Process of Designing Fabric Prints

Each yard of these sumptuous fabrics is unique. The fabric is hand-stamped and then hand-painted multiple times, with many different pairs of hands working on every yard. The process, wax resist then dye, can be repeated over and over again to create beautiful designs of multiple colors. Most of the work is done outside, so the weather greatly influences the results. Due to this specialized hand-process, there is a consistency to color and pattern, while maintaining subtle color variations that are so important to this traditional technique.

 ”Batiks” origins can be traced to Asia, India and Africa. The word "batik" is of Malay roots and translates “to write” or “to dot.” Although the exact origins of batik are unknown, it is most common on the island of Java, Indonesia. Batiks belonged only to royalty and families of wealth and position; it was considered the hobby of royal women. Aristocrats and royalty had certain designs identifying a family, social status, or geographical location on the island. Many of these designs have survived to this day. It is believed that certain patterns have special meanings and are thought to bring the wearer good luck, wealth, prosperity, and health.  

To see the step by step instructions and suggestions for Batiking check out' Batik Basics With Fiber Reactive Dye.

Sale of the week – Batik clearance sale $6.00/yard at FabricMuses etsy shop.

Happy batiking - Vicky 

If you try your hand at this process, please post a comment letting me know how it turned out.

Preparing for Vendor Sales Events

It has been a busy couple of weeks preparing for a table at Full Life Family Church parking lot sale. I had a wonderful time, made a lot of new friends, gave out business cards (woohoo future business potential), had a great sale!!!!!

Things I'd do different: Take a table cloth and something to hide the boxes and materials under your table (it probably wasn't as important for a parking lot sale), forget about anything that causes stress while your preparing, work daily as if preparing for an event, and don't sweat the small stuff, smile and be yourself - the customer will never know how much time you spent preparing unless you're totally unprepared.

There are many online blogs about preparing for vendor events. Just do a web search and look how many results you get. If your knew to this, do yourself a favor and read up, get prepared, know what to expect.

I wish the best to all my sister and brother sellers at events this weekend! As for me, I'm taking a much deserved few days off.

Blessings to all of you!
Vicky

What have you learned about preparing for events that would benefit the rest of us?

Crochet and It's Benefits

No one knows the exact beginnings of Crochet. However it is thought to have been brought to America by Irish peasants fleeing the potato famine in the 1840s. It quickly emerged as a less costly alternative for the more expensive lace product. It was considered to be an imitation status of the middle class; frowned upon by the upper class who could afford expensive lace. In an 1854 needlework manual, Ann Stephens said crochet was “One of those gentle means by which women are kept feminine and ladylike in this fast age.”

What are the benefits of crochet?

 The health benefits of crochet are reduced stress levels. Whither it’s the rhythmic nature of crochet, or the altered focus to what your hands are doing, crochet has a calming effect on the mind and the body.

If you are a multi-tasker and/or don’t enjoy doing nothing while waiting to see the doctor, the wait times during the many activities we take our children to, or, just waiting for dinner to finish cooking, try crochet. The mental calming effects alone are worth it, not to mention the reduced agitation of waiting. The necessary materials take very little space to carry along, a ball of yarn, crochet hook, possibly a pattern.

Last, but not least, crochet is fun! Who doesn’t like to see the outcome of what they produce: a beautiful doily, table scarf, lace edging, afghan, adorned pillowcases, mittens, hats, cowls, tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, and so many other things. 

This was one of my favorite projects:

Lovely 26: pineapple doily, made by me in 1988

Vintage Pillowcase Set / Gold & White Crochet Edging 

by FabricMuse http://etsy.me/17Jl4L9  via @Etsy

 What crochet projects are you involved in? 

 

Patriotic King Size Log Cabin Quilt

Sometimes we are lucky enough to have creative people in our lives who share not only their lives, but their God given gifts and talents. This quilt, like it's creator and owner, is one you will want to keep around for a long time and enjoy it!

Patriotic prints and colors: stars, stars and stripes, oh, and one floral print, red, white, off-white, and blue. What a beauty! This king size quilt measures 107" wide x 98 " long. The backing and binding are made with a coordinating red floral print and quilted with a lovely modified heart pattern.

King Size Log Cabin Quilt Set 107 x 98 / Log Cabin by FabricMuse http://etsy.me/14r4DbK  via @Etsy

Craft Stamps - Good For More Than Scrapbooking

For those that are following my blog, I have just celebrated my fourth sale at FabricMuse. I know there are a lot of newbies, myself included, searching the web for ways to improve and/or promote their site, sales, and views; I'll continue blogging my progress. I am still following the steps given in my prior post "Using Social Media to Promote Your Website."

I spent the last few days reviewing and uploading stocked stamps to FabricMuse. Stampers will fall in love with Butterfly Script - a lovely combination of butterflies, script writing, and cutwork borders, and Blue Beech Leaves stamp. I can envision a handmade muslin bag using sepia/vintage brown color without any fill, and the addition of a few embellishments on the bag, complimenting the aged look. There are so many uses for these stamps - cards, post cards, crafting newsletters, art jounaling, scrapbooking, book covers, and many more. What would you do with these lovely stamps? 

 
Leave a comment. What would you do with these stamps?

Creativity is Life
Vicky

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