Trying to figure out how to use our fierce southwest Tennessee sun as a catalyst for some fabric dying/inking - The sun-tea has been getting very dark, very strong this summer. So maybe the moist tea on fabric in the sun would work.
Problem...I dragged my feet too long making it happen. Finally, I used the wet loose tea after making sun-tea - spread it on top of folded and scrunched fabric. I added some drops of pigment ink (burgundy and tangerine) and a double handful of ice cubes. I set it out in the sun - and about an hour later, it clouded up and rained. So I moved the fabric onto the porch - waiting for day 2.
The next day was overcast - but that's OK - ultraviolet rays still penetrate. But then the rains started again - we were in the direct path of the Tropical Depression #5 today!! We received over 6 inches of rain.
But some interesting patterns showed up anyway - I believe it is because the damp tea leaves held the dye in certain areas. Interesting enough to warrant trying it again - later - when the sun returns!!
There's a perfect heart on that one piece! Given the weather, you got some good results...imagine how cool it will be when the weather cooperates.
ReplyDeleteWonder what a dry absorbent product like dry rice or oatmeal flakes would do? Would the dye wick to the area of the particles?
ReplyDelete