Using Dye-na-flow and stencils to sun print! -by Cristin

Hello starshines!

I've had some Dye-Na-Flow inks for quite some time... however, until now I had only ever used it in paintings. I knew they could be used on fabric and I wanted to explore!

I started with a tie-dyed piece of cotton fabric. I bunched the fabric up, rubber banded it and tossed it in a ziplock back. From there I poured in Midnight Blue, Turquoise and Bright Green. I set it aside for about an hour and then pulled it out to air dry. Once completely dry, the fabric can be ironed to heat set the dye. Pretty awesome right?

My discovery doesn't stop there...

I also found that I could use the dye to create sun prints!

To do this I placed the fabric flat on a canvas panel and used a foam brush to add thick layers of the inks to the fabric. While the inks were still wet I placed the new Artistcellar Block stencils on the fabric and took it outside in the sun. I let it sit outside for just about an hour and then brought it in. When I removed the stencils it was like magic!

This technique is SO much fun. It requires just a bit of patience but the payoff is so great.

I loved the results so much I decided to give it another go... this time with an even bigger piece of fabric. After brushing the ink on, I played Artistcellar Blocks stencils and the Chakra series pocket stencils and placed it out in the sun.

This time, when I brought it back inside I added white pearl and black fabric paint with a brush and a Tim Holtz metal embellishment. Then, I grabbed a wooden dowel rod and super glued it to the back of the fabric, and finished it off with a piece of thick string to hang it up. A tapestry!

I love using these dyed fabrics to decorate in my home. They make a perfect pop of color and my personal favorite is using them to help display my crystal collection.

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