workshop ideas

preparing for your silk-painting workshop

painting silk in the serti method using non-toxic water-based dyes -with artist Steve Scheibe - at old Carnegie Library - the present site of Reality - NE corner of Franklin and 7th Streets, downtown Olympia. Map

create a pattern

Seven sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 (normal letter-size) paper taped together (on the 11 inch edges) make a long template for an 11 x 60 inch scarf. Note that the actual silk scarf has rolled hem edges making it about an inch smaller each way.

Create your design in pencil. Just draw the outlines of shapes. These lines will be your gutta/resist lines—barriers to the silk colors. When you are happy with your design, darken it (for visibility for tracing) with permanent dark color or black.
Warning: When tracing your design to silk using water-based gutta resist, any pigment that dissolves in water may transfer (unwanted) onto your silk. So use permanent ink.

Design—Use any shapes to create your design, considering that larger areas of color look most striking in dyes on silk. The dyes like to migrate in larger areas to create beautiful flowing patterns. Consider positive space (objects) and negative space (background). View your design from different angles/directions, making sure that secondary forms are all pleasing and intentional.

Shapes— Consider drawing freehand, or use photographs, photocopies, magazines, web or computer images, fabric designs, wallpaper, any found objects, or natural shapes like leaves. Bring leaves or objects with you to the workshop if needed.

Direction— When creating your design, consider if it will be worn, quilted, or hung like a banner. Which direction does it hang? If worn, which parts will be most visible?

Colors—Maybe try a combination of colors from a reference photo, a favorite pillow, or even samples of paint, upholstery, quilting or clothing fabric you like. Often a leaf or a scene in nature will have many colors within it that work together harmoniously. It is sometimes helpful to begin with a foundation of three colors. Pick out a light, a medium and a dark color. A great website for colors is www.colourlovers.com

During the workshop, Artist Steve Scheibe will mix colors and try to closely match your selected colors. To allow time for him to mix colors for other students, please limit your mixed colors to three. Many pre-mixed colors are also available to add warmth and depth to your mixed colors. Be ready to experiment with the dyes to see what different colors do together.

HAVE FUN! Remember that the simplest of designs look fabulous in dye on silk.

Bring your pattern and colors and samples with you to the workshop.
Other optional items to bring include snacks, a lunch or dinner, and a hair dryer.