exploration #1

For this discharge technique you need:
Q-tips
paper towels
newprint
plastic covering( for work surface)
household bleach
distilled white vinegar
2 shallow bowl
dark or color fabric
Cover a flat hard surface with the plastic, then spread a layer of the newsprint on top this to protect your surface. In one bowl combine one part vinegar to two parts water. Into the second bowl combine one part bleach to two parts water. You will have to work fast. Select a dark or vivid colored fabric for your surface design. Any size you want your project to be. Dip q-tip into bleach mixture and use this to draw your design onto the fabric. The color will start to lift immediately, so you have to work fast. Once you have the desired effect you want, dip fabric piece into vinegar and water mixture to stop the bleaching process. Don’t let the bleaching stay on to long or you’ll end up with a ugly yellowing color.

After I finished my design, I let this dry thoroughly. Then I Ironed my fabric with a medium setting on both sides. I decided to use rayon thread to do some stitching to outline and embellish this piece.The red stitching made my design really pop. I will further embellish this piece wiht some beads. Photo of finish piece later this week…. My next exploration will be……..?

Tags: bleaching, discharging, exploration, fiber art, fiber post card, tutorial