April 2023 BOM Painted Fabric
Do you have a color scheme in mind as you enter your favorite quilt shop? Are there values and shades of colors that you prefer? Strong and vibrant or perhaps muted or soft? Do you search endlessly for the perfect fabric only to tell yourself “this is close, it will have to do”? There’s a remedy for this situation….and it’s easy and oh, so satisfying!
I set out to identify a medium that allowed me to create my heart’s desire when it comes to painting fabrics. I tried a variety of crayons, paints, markers, blocks and pencils. I took the time to learn and understand each process…
- what type of fabric works best
- whether it needs a fabric medium to activate it
- how to heat set if necessary
- research the number of colors available
- how to blend colors
- will the colors bleed
- the tools needed in the process
- value for my money
- transparent and/or opaque
- most important…was I able to stitch over it successfully
As any quilter knows, color is key to the success of your piece. It’s been a journey that I’ve very much enjoyed as I’ve learned so much and arrived at a conclusion…. Derwent Inkense pencils with aloe vera gel!
Derwent Inktense pencils are available in a vibrant and stunning range of colors. The pigments are water soluble and come alive when activated. The pencils can be applied in several ways. Below I’ll describe my preferred method.
Supplies:
- Derwent Inktense pencils (available in a set of 12 for beginners)
- aloe vera gel (offers control and doesn’t bleed)
- pencil sharpener
- cotton fabric
- small slanted paint brush
- parchment paper
- paper towel
To begin, give yourself the gift of a practice piece of fabric. In doing so, you’ll be granting yourself permission to experiment and play.
- Tape your fabric to a larger piece of parchment paper.
- Use the pencils to color the shapes on your fabric. Blend colors as desired. Experiment.
- Pour a small amount of aloe vera into a container. Dip the paint brush into the aloe vera and gently apply over your added colors.
- Allow to dry for a few moments or iron over your work if you’d like to continue painting.
- Add additional color if you’d prefer darker values or choose to blend colors. Be aware that the colors will lighten a bit as they dry.
- Once fully dry, the inktense is permanent.
- Dip the brush in a bit of aloe vera and wipe on a paper towel to clean or to change colors.
Thoughts to keep in mind as you work:
When working with inktense pencils, begin by shading. Turn the pencil tip on its side to fill in a shape. Streaks will appear if you use the tip although this technique may be appropriate for your work. Once shaded, apply aloe vera gel, blending as you work. Continue shading, adding layers of color and gel (even when dry). Add additional aloe vera gel as needed.
When working in layers, begin by applying the base color or background. Progress to using midtones and finally apply highlights.
Texture Medium can also be used to activate Derwent Inktense pencils. I prefer aloe vera as it is less expensive, doesn’t bleed and only slightly changes the hand of your fabric.
A few final thoughts on Derwent Inktense pencils:
- vibrant and blendable
- water soluble
- can be applied wet or dry to achieve a variety of effects
- allows for fine detail
- colors become permanent once dried
- able to be layered
- able to be purchased in a variety of sets or individually
- metallic colors also available
- painted piece is able to be stitched
This process can also be used to “recolor” fabrics. Give it a try! Derwent Inktense pencils will open up a whole new world of color for you!
Happy painting,
Kathy