Batik fabric art is simple to create using glue and craft paint. Follow this simple tutorial to make a beautiful wall hanging.
As a child of the seventies I’m continually surprised by how many techniques I see coming back in style. Have you noticed all the macrame hanging planters? At the salon you will probably see someone having a balayage treatment, and tie dying is being used to create a myriad of projects. Another throw back, similar to tie dye or “Shibori” is batik fabric art.
Batik Fabric Art Wall Hanging
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Traditionally this technique was performed by painting wax on fabric, and then dying the fabric with indigo dye. The result is beautiful. However, it is time consuming, and very messy. I wanted to try a similar technique which uses glue instead of wax, and simple fabric or craft paints to create a pretty wall hanging.
Materials
Cotton fabric or Napkins
Colored Elmer’s Glue
Craft or Fabric Paint
Wooden dowel or rod
Ribbon or wire
I thought about using leaves from the garden to make the design, similar to the leaf print drop cloth pillows I made for the porch last year.
Instead, I traced a circle of leaves with a marking pencil, and used the outlines as a guide to make a simple pattern.
The purple glue makes it easy to see your design, and all I did was draw over the outlined leaves, drew in some veins, and added a few swirls and dots.
Let the glue dry completely. It will turn white and feel dry to the touch.
Then paint over your pattern with craft or fabric glue. Since this is a simple wall hanging I used regular craft paint. If you want to be able to wash the design, I would suggest using fabric paints.
Next you can rinse out the paint in the sink, or let it sit longer for a more saturated look. I was going for a washed out antique look, so I rinsed it out pretty quickly.
The napkin I was using had a nice hem, large enough to slip a wood dowel into for hanging.
You can buy indigo dye kits online
However, this batik fabric art wall hanging method was simple process, and I love the way it turned out.
About Patti Estep
I do remember making these in school using the wax, it’s interesting how things come and go from one time frame to another. This is a neat one offering many possibilities. I like how you brought in pieces of nature to create your pattern that makes this a one of a kind.. Very pretty!
Thanks Carole. It really is funny how all things old are new again.
Patti, I haven’t ever tried anything like this. Your idea and project are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Meegan,
I’m so glad you like it. It was easy and fun. My kind of project.
That looks good Patti. I have noticed “old” techniques are coming round again…sometimes with a new twist, sometimes the same. The “old” techniques were probably “old” before that. Your batik art is quite striking with the leaf designs.
Hi Florence,
Too funny but you know, some oldies are often goodies so I guess that’s why they come back around. I’m so glad you like my leaf design. Always trying to keep it simple.
That is very pretty Patti. Thanks for the lovely tutorial.
Hi Mary,
So glad you like it!
Your batik hanging turned out great! I’ve been sooo drawn to indigo this year in clothes, china and fabrics in general. Really like your hanging! Thank you for all the tips about using purple glue or wax to create the patterns. I haven’t done anything like that before. Saved to my Crafts to Make board on Pinterest and will share. <3
Barb 🙂
Hi Barbara,
I know what you mean about that indigo color. It is so rich and pretty but I just couldn’t find the time to deal with the process. Maybe one day soon. Thanks for the kind words and sharing.
I am in love with this color, what a pretty shade. This is a great project since i have lots of fabric that would be perfect for this.
Maria
Hi Maria,
I’m so glad you liked it and I hope you do try this fun craft soon.