When we got the materials for our retreat they said that we’d be doing a tie dye project so we brought our pre-washed white shirts along. I had anticipated standard tie dye…rubber bands, string and dipping in dye baths or squirt bottles.
When we got to the building we found out that it was tie dye with Sharpie Markers and rubbing alcohol. I’ve wanted to try this technique since Elizabeth blogged about it. Of course, there are always so many techniques and so little time.
It’s a very simple process…you just make dots. Seriously. You can create what ever you want. I’m sure you could draw as well but dragging the marker on the material isn’t always the easiest.We had a piece of cardboard between the layers of the shirt so it wouldn’t bleed through to the back.
We did learn that certain colors of Sharpies spread more than others. Not sure why. Also the bigger the dot…the more it spreads. As well as the more alcohol you put on the further is spreads.
Fun and much less messy process than dye baths.
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I also wanted to say “thank you” once again to Patty for the wonderful birthday surprise. Look at the sweet package of goodies I came home to on Sunday.
Patty was kind enough to share some of her “new” quilt pieces with me and one of her lovely looking and smelling lavender wands.
This is new to me. I will have to try it with my grandson. Thanks.
You girls really got into some fun making at the retreat…the tie dye gives instant gratification too!
I knew the piece of old quilt I sent you would not make up for the one you gave away, but I thought you might have a use for it … the chenille looks like it will be good for dying too perhaps. Hope you are still celebrating Halle! ♥
oxo
Patty is always so considerate. Leave it to her to be early or on time. And I am late, which we both know (per our e-mails) is nothing new.
Glad you liked the process. And thanks so much for the shout out on my sort of tutorial, too.
It was good to read that Little J didn’t whine, especially since she was not especially fond of going at first, anyway. But in the end, it seems all turned out quite well, and you had what appears to be the perfect weekend to not just have an art retreat, but celebrate as well. Again, happy Birthday two days later. Keep enjoying it.
shirt-dying and birthday treats…sounds like a good time! the shirt looks great, how was the alcohol smell? thought it might be a bit strong with a bunch of people in one room…but really cool technique!
How nice to find a technique that is so much less messy than the usual tie dye method – and how fun for the kids to have more control – writing words and drawing pictures. It looks like it was a great success!
Happy Birthday! It sounds like it was a very special weekend :)
I did not know about this method for dying. But, thanks to you, I will be trying this in the near future. Fun stuff thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for popping by and leaving kind comments. Keep smiling and creating