Batik fabric art is simple to create using glue and craft paint. Follow this simple tutorial to make this relief technique into a beautiful wall hanging.
Batik Fabric Art 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 throwback, similar to tie-dye or "Shibori" is batik fabric art.
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.
Supplies
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 making 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 paint. 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 a simple process, and I love the way it turned out.
Batik Fabric Art with Glue
Equipment
- pencil
- Paintbrush
- scissors
Materials
- Cotton fabric or Napkins
- Colored Elmer's Glue
- Craft or Fabric Paint
- Wooden dowel or rod
- Ribbon or wire
Instructions
- Trace a circle of leaves with a marking pencil and use the outlines as a guide making a simple pattern.
- Use colored glue to go over the outlined leaves. Then add some veins, and a few swirls and dots.
- Let the glue dry completely. It will turn white and feel dry to the touch.
- Then paint over the entire piece with craft or fabric paint.
- Next, you can rinse out the paint in the sink, or let it sit longer for a more saturated look.
- To hang, slip a dowel rod into the hem of the napkin and attach a ribbon or twine.
Kathy Hardess
I know that my grandma has told me about this technique at some point, but I have never used it. It really sounds difficult if you're using wax, but what you have managed to achieve really looks impressive. It is simple, yet it is a nice wall art that you can hang anywhere and everywhere.
Thank you, this has really made me very curious. Will try sometime soon.
Patti Estep
Hi Kathy,
Yes, this method is very do-able. I try to create things that inspire others in a way that isn't too costly, time consuming or difficult. I'm so glad you like it and I hope you get a chance to try it soon.
Maria Brittis
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
Patti Estep
Hi Maria,
I'm so glad you liked it and I hope you do try this fun craft soon.
Barbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal
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 🙂
Patti Estep
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.
Mary
That is very pretty Patti. Thanks for the lovely tutorial.
Patti Estep
Hi Mary,
So glad you like it!
FLORENCE @ VintageSouthernPicks
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.
Patti Estep
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.
Meegan Fast
Patti, I haven't ever tried anything like this. Your idea and project are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Patti Estep
Hi Meegan,
I'm so glad you like it. It was easy and fun. My kind of project.
Carole West
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!
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. It really is funny how all things old are new again.