Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Trial and Error


For some time now, I have been wanting to try using inks and paints with Aloe Vera gel as a medium to blend colours in painting on fabric. I don't like to feel as though I am "wasting" time or supplies.......but you know how it is......if you wait for the right project to come along it may never happen.
So I took that same doodle from last week and drew it on fabric again, changing it slightly each time I traced it. I used a brush to apply the clear Aloe Vera Gel ( the stuff you use for sunburns) onto my image.

Then began applying the paint or ink to each one. I photographed the results with text showing each medium used below it so you could see the end result.
Each one ( ink or paint) was used straight from the bottle and applied with a brush. I found that I had the most control with the paints as the ink is very thin and you have to be extra careful that you don't get "bleeding"and even though I was extremely careful I still got some colour bleed, I know that it would not bother most people but it really bugs me when it happens, and too me, ruins the piece....... ah, but not really.
I used it as an opportunity to do something I had not originally intended. So with the ruined piece I pressed some paper backed fusible to the wrong side, cut it out and put it onto a red background for a completely different look.

12 comments:

Karen S said...

I've been trying to learn how to use those inks too -- I have found that if you're going to use a brush, you need to mix them with the aloe vera gel. Otherwise, the best way to apply them is to use those little "stick things" that work like markers that you dip into the ink. But I'm still learning -- haven't quite gotten the hang of them yet. I use paint (the same ones as you) when it's important because I am most comfortable with the results.

Good save putting that on the red background -- it looks really good there.

Anonymous said...

I'm sooooo impressed! firstlove your quilting.
All of the flowers are so pretty and each so different..
I use the Tide pen to correct any bleeding that happens to me,its not as strong as the Clorox pen.
You paint then quilt is that correct? I quilt then paint.....but I plan on changeing that pretty soon.

SewCalGal said...

Thanks for the great insights! Can't wait to try it. Beautiful example too! I think it would make some cute cards or mini-quilts!

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Diane J. Evans said...

These are simply wonderful! I have to find some new phrases to use with your work -- there aren't enough superlatives in the dictionary.

Tell me why you used the aloe gel -- what does it do to the surface to enhance the paint or ink? And do you need to heat set it when you're done?

Thank you, my teacher!

Grasshopper Diane

Finishing Lines by K.Sperino said...

wonderful!

Robbie said...

I've read where others have used the aloe gel but really like you should us examples of different paints and inks! Thanks so much..actually all three pieces look great!

Jaye said...

Are those Tsukineko inks? I have wanted to work with them as well. I have a bunch and a CD and just haven't gotten to it yet. Soon, right?

I love it that you are using one of the CPP responses and repurposing it. I think it allows you concentrate on the task at hand rather than worrying about the design and the medium.

Sandy said...

Love them! The colors are wonderful. I have some lutradur and plan to start messing with fabric paints soon--this blog entry was very helpful in showing the different types. Thanks!

Quilter Kathy said...

Aloe Vera gel?? Never heard of that! Very cool!

Rian said...

Gorgeous! Of course I love color, but I still have to say your b&w ink doodles are just fine without any color at all. The graphics speak for themselves. I have "Sweet" on my desk by my computer and it captivates me every time I sit down at my desk.

Carol said...

Great ideas. Looking forward to trying some of them.

Unknown said...

Just a little hint....when I do my doodles and then paint them for my fabric lines, I use "gesso" on the fabric or canvas first!!!
Linda

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