Wax Wave & Rabbit

A lovely non-work Wednesday! I attended a Frances Hider workshop on 'Beautiful Batik on Silk' organised by the Guild of Silk Painters - Glasgow & West of Scotland branch. I've only ever tried batik a couple of times previously, and never on silk, so jumped at the chance to have a go. I should point out that my photos here are not of the finished pieces! The work has gone off to be steam-fixed; to set the dye and remove the wax. It will be interesting to see how the removal of the wax changes the image. The first piece is inspired by a photo of a wave. Layers of wax and dye were built up using tjantings, brushes, splattering and dabbing.
The second piece was inspired by a photo of a rabbit in silhouette. Using a paintbrush with its bristles coagulated in wax takes some getting used to, as it doesn't quite flow as you would expect! Layers of progressively darker dye were built up to create the image. By the end of the workshop I had noticed that on the wet surface the dye colours had shifted a little... Here's hoping that when my piece is returned my bunny's ear hasn't fallen off!

Sketchbook creatures

I have entered the hand embroidery network on-line exhibition, as usual I'm a little behind schedule, but getting there! The topic is living organisims, and to get me in the mood here are some pen & pencil creatures from my sketchbook.
I particularly like the rather cheeky look of the oyster catcher - though I'm not sure if oyster catchers will really 'fit' in my final piece!

One other thing to mention is that the knitting group I go to is now on the web! Check here to see the lovely work that has recently been completed & how I'm still stuck in the land of rib!