Color my world!!!!!

Although I've been mostly offline for several weeks taking a break from spending what felt like too much time sitting in front of the computer, it definitely pays to cruise the hyperlink byways on the 'net from time to time.

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Would you believe I made these magical colors on fabric in my very own utility room???

It all began with "daisy yellow", which led me to Fannie Narte, which led me to Caran D'Ache Neocolor II wax crayons.  So, I go to my local art supply store,  Keeton's Office and Art Supply, but for some frustrating reason they don't stock the Caran D'Ache water soluble pastels.  They do have a cheaper substitute, however.  Since I'm always on a budget and since I had a 40% off coupon plus the usual 10% savings Keeton's gives to local artists, I was able to purchase these beauties at a give-away price.

A Binney & Smith (of Crayola fame) product

So, back to the 'net and back to the helpful and free tutorial I had found on the above mentioned Fannie Narte blog (which actually included a link to a Squidoo web site)  Whew!!!  All this travel has a girl in a whirl........ anyway.....

In addition to limited cash, I also have limited work space and no real outdoor place for complex fabric dying and drying operations.  The beauty of this color process is that it is non-toxic and requires no gloves, vats, chemicals, or extra ventilation.  I mostly work on small art pieces, so I don't need to dye yardage. I do want lots of little pieces in a wide variety of color combos.  I can use them for backgrounds, or cut them even smaller for applique.  Water soluble means just that, however, so any finished piece is NOT WASHABLE.  

So, tickle me pink (and lime green.)  In the Squidoo tutorial, no one mentions how to get the little 'belly button' of fabric that was twisted around the bead ironed out, but I'll play some more and maybe next time I'll scrunch and fold instead of twisting.  A 1/2 yard cut of Kona white goes a long way when you only need 8" x 8" pieces.

I'll play with the less costly substitute (and invite my grandkids to join me!) until they are used up, and then treat myself to the real deal - a small set of the Caran D'Ache Neocolor II water soluble wax crayons.  BTW - whichever brand one uses, they work beautifully on paper too!!!

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