It was about Christmas time last year when I retrieved the thin silver ribbon from the top closet shelf. I had just begun to wrap packages when the phone rang. So, snipping off a length of about a foot, I ran to answer the phone. Upon my return, that piece of silver ribbon was missing. Hmm. Had I really cut that piece? Being the age that I am, one can never be sure, know what I mean? Honestly, I didn’t give it another thought until about two days later when, from the corner of my eye, I see a silver flash dart past me…like a silver worm flying thru the air. What the heck, worms don’t fly! Doing a double-take, I note that in all actuality the silver flash was really our cat Friend, a length of silver ribbon protruding from his lower orifice. He was aghast by that thing that fluttered from his hind quarters and around the room he flew, almost airborne, silver ribbon flapping as he went. I am sorry that I do not have a video to share of that moment, but I think you already have a picture in your mind of the scene. And I apologize for that. When I got over the initial shock I decided to take evasive action. After all, one should not have a piece of silver ribbon permanently attached to…well, there. Not even a trouble-making cat should have to endure that. So, I took a chance and grabbed the end of that ribbon as it flew by me. Out it came. No intestines with it, thank heavens. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, I did throw away that piece of ribbon. I did not use it to wrap a gift. THIS SCARF was done from a fantastic Rick Ward photo. Rick is married to Liz Miller, owner of the wonderful shop Artful Endeavors in Raleigh, NC where I teach most every November. Liz and Rick have wonderful cats and Rick kindly gave me permission to paint his photo. I happened to be painting scarves that week, so it became a scarf. And besides, I thought a scarf would be fitting – the long, narrow dimension of a scarf sort of goes along with our theme this week. He, he.
This particular scarf is a batik. Yes! Layers of wax and color, just like one of our regular batiks. If you’d like to give it a try, use paraffin and the very same process that’s used in my packets. Layer wax and paint, always saving what you want to ‘stay as it is’ with the wax. The only thing that changes is the paint. You must use FABRIC PAINT. I used DYNA-FLO on this scarf, but SETACOLOR also works very well. They are both watercolor soluble and very easy to use. Just iron afterward to remove the wax AND set the paint all in one step. You can order both of those brands of fabric paint from Dharma Trading Company. Dharma is the online authority for any type of fabric painting, including batik. If you go to their website, you can find a wealth of information – supplies, DVDs, short demos on technique and the fabric to use it on. They are a one-stop shop. Some of you have asked me about soy wax. Yes, you can certainly use soy wax. It melts at a lower temp than paraffin. I also find that is ‘runs’ more…oozes outward more. Paraffin tends to stay where you put it, and I like that. So, while I tried soy for a bit, I have decided to stick with paraffin.
Oh Friend. What a cat. He’s always coming up with something. I’m on my way to MISA (Madeline Island School of the Arts) in the Apostle Islands, WI. So, my husband is entrusted with taking care of the ‘boys’ while I’m away. He knows about the ribbon problem.
Thanks so much for reading!
Kathie xo
[inlinkz_linkup id=437840 mode=1]
I LOVE this idea. Thank you for sharing.
What a hoot. Back in the 70s I had a St. Bernard who had a similar issue but it was a yard stick and plopped in the front yard, as if it was a monument.
Oh MY GOSH…are you kidding about this? A yardstick? hahaha. And I think I have problems with Friend. Right now, I’m counting my blessing.
My Tuesdays always start with a laugh from you! I love Friend! You should write a book!
You never cease to amaze me with your many talents. The scarves are beautiful. Did you use silk?
Yes, Judy it’s silk, which you can purchase from Dharma. Not very expensive either…..$3.97 for those you see.
I forgot…I had an Old English Sheep dog, we knew what he ate when we cleaned up after him. Like Friend, whatever interested him was fair game…like the aluminum that comes with frozen baked potatoes, decorative toothpicks, etc
Beautiful scarf! Wonderful story! Thanks for Tuesday Tidbits!
Thank you for that wonderful visual this morning – I had a fabulous laugh
Great description of Friend and his “extra” tail in the wrong place. Appreciate your advice about paraffin, and definitely right about soy wax spreading. Might try a mixture to see if the soy spreads less. Wish I was able to make the MISA class, but working on projects for Art in the Park show next month. I’m sure you will have a lot of fun. xoxo
I wax all whites first. Then do lightest value wash over everything ….or as much as you can handle at a time…then save as much of that as you want when it’s dry. To save it, you just wax the pieces you want to keep. Then more color, getting a bit darker. Dry and save with wax.
When I get home from traveling so much, I’ll do a short video with steps to better show how to do it! It’s really fun. Thanks michaelin.
We miss you here at MISA. I could use your suggestions with the scarves. After all, you are the expert!
Similar story but it was with a Boston Terrier and it was silver tinsel off the Christmas tree…Beautiful scarf Kathy!
I love the scarf. I can’t wait to try it. Hope you have a great time at MISA…..don’t eat too many cookies. haha
Say Hi to Sandy. Spoke to many of your students at Hoot and the Yupo class was great. Their paintings
looked wonderful. Wish I had gotten into the class. When are you going to put it into a packet? You always expand my creativity…..thank you.
Love reading your blog and trying your ideas. Your humor and descriptive abilities are wonderful and always so funny. Thanks for sharing.
Had a cat that had a thing for plastic bags, enough said! Love your scarves (and your writing!), do you do the whole thing at once or do you do a section at a time? (the scarf not the cat!)
I wax all whites first. Then do lightest value wash over everything ….or as much as you can handle at a time…then save as much of that as you want when it’s dry. To save it, you just wax the pieces you want to keep. Then more color, getting a bit darker. Dry and save with wax.
When I get home from traveling so much, I’ll do a short video with steps to better show how to do it! It’s really fun. Thanks michaelin.
Kathie, you not only brought us another great technique but a smile as I can picture your poor, but very active cat and his ribbon trail or should I say tail..☺☺
Too funny. Thanks for the laugh. I guess there is something to be said for pets that are picky eaters. Love the scarves. They are beautiful. Thanks so much for all of your sharing. ♡
So enjoy these stories Kathie. And I want to paint scarves now. What to do what to do? Gotta find one of your classes close to home. Thanks for the laughter you generate when I read your posts. Love you
Aww thanks , Martha. I appreciate your comments!
Your story and my imagination are way better than any video. Thanks for sharing…I think!
This is a bit of a late post because I was at MISA, what a great time we had, lots of laughs and cookies. Thanks Kathie for a wonderful fun week. I learned so much. What a wonderful group of artists, I was amazed at the diversity of the group, and the wonderful talent. I hope we can keep connected. Thanks again for a wonderful week! Christie