Saturday, November 24, 2012

Painting with India Ink on Burlap

I wanted to make a cute  pillow that looked like a grain sack.
 
 
I have always painted on fabric using craft paint and fabric medium but I never really like the finish they left on my burlap and canvas.
 
 
I found this waterproof India ink at Hobby Lobby and thought I would give it a try. I used a 40 off coupon because it is about 4 or 5 bucks a bottle and I was not sure how much I would need.
 
 
I wanted to make some pillows that had a grain sack look to them. I taped off my first stripe on each side. I could have taped all of my stripes at once but I did not have small enough tape. I made my stripe 1" wide. I used a couple of yards of fabric because I planned to make a few pillows. 
 
 
I used a flat brush.


This brand of ink comes with a dropper.


I used a small bowl to hold the ink while I was painting my stripes.
 
 
I wanted a bright stripe so I gave the burlap a couple of coats of the ink. Once it dried I taped off my other stripe and painted it with the ink. 
 
This is how it looks before I cut it and added my images.
 
This graphic is from Graphical on Etsy found here.
 
 
I added a few of my own images and text.
 
 
 
This is the brand of transfer paper I use. I have been using Leslie Riley's Transfer Artist Paper  brand for over a year now and although I have tried other brands, I always go back to this brand. It does not leave a shiny finish. I also use this transfer paper for outlines and then I fill in with my ink or paint.
 
 
 Here are some table runners made using the India ink.

 
I used a stencil and India ink for this table runner.
 
 
This pillow is made from black India ink. I made two different sizes of stripes.
 

I love discovering new ways to be creative.
Have you ever tried India ink?
Leave me a comment how you have used India ink.
If you have never used India ink, I hope you will try it on a project soon.
 
 
Thanks for visiting.
I would love to hear from you.
 
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
 
Love,
Joanie
 

2 comments:

Dawn said...

Those turned out just perfect. The reindeer one is so cute. Great idea:)

Lola and Bea said...

Thanks Dawn.