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The Ancient Art of Japanese MarblingDive into the Artistic World of Shibori 11 Jun 2024, 11:40 pm
Shibori: A Timeless Japanese Dyeing Technique Shibori, a captivating form of Japanese manual tie-dyeing, is more than just a way to add color to fabric. It’s an art form that produces stunning patterns through a meticulous process of folding, twisting, stitching, clamping, or compressing fabric before dyeing it. The word “shibori” itself comes from the Japanese verb root “shiboru,” meaning “to wring, squeeze, or press,” hinting at the hands-on nature of this technique. This Japanese technique dates back to the 8th century. Traditionally, a white cloth (usually silk, hemp, or cotton) was folded, bunched, or twisted, then tied, and finally dipped into a natural indigo dye. Over the centuries, artisans have developed many methods. In “arashi,” the cloth is wrapped around a pole to result a striated pattern that mimics heavy rain from a storm; in “itajime,” the cloth is folded accordion style and then held in place with two sturdy pieces of wood to result in geometric grids; in “kumo,” the cloth is tightly bound into tiny pleats to result in a series of spindly spiderwebs. These are some of the more popular styles, and there are other techniques like them. Each one results in a different design, although it can be argued that no two dyed pieces come out the same. Endless Design Possibilities The beauty of shibori lies in its versatility. By manipulating the fabric in various ways, artisans can achieve an incredible range of patterns, from geometric shapes and stripes to organic forms and intricate designs. Some of the most popular shibori techniques include: Kanoko shibori: Creates small circles or dots by bunching the fabric and tying it with thread. Arashi shibori: Arashi, translated in Japanese, means “storm.” This pole-wrapping technique produces a striated pattern that is reminiscent of stormy rain. Itajime shibori: Itajime is a shape-resist technique using wooden boards and blocks that produces bold geometric shapes like triangles and squares. Kumo shibori: Kumo, translated in Japanese, means “cloud.” This pleat and bind technique produces a spider-like ringed pattern. Miura shibori: Involves folding the fabric into intricate pleated configurations. Ne-maki shibori: Ne-maki is a technique that involves wrapping fabric around found objects and cinching them to produce small rings. A Spectrum of Colors Traditionally, shibori employed natural dyes, with indigo being the most popular choice. Indigo lends a beautiful blue hue to the fabric, but modern shibori artists have embraced a wider color palette. From vibrant yellows and fuchsias to earthy greens and browns, the color choices allow for even more creative expression. Beyond Fabric While shibori is most commonly used to create stunning textiles for clothing, upholstery, and home decor, its applications extend far beyond. The eye-catching patterns can be found on everything from lampshades and bags to wall art and jewelry. Experience the Allure of Shibori Whether you’re a textile enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful craftsmanship, shibori offers a glimpse into a rich artistic tradition. Consider trying your hand at this captivating technique, or seek out shibori-inspired pieces to add a touch of timeless elegance to your wardrobe or home. For those who want to delve deeper, there are numerous resources available online and in libraries that provide detailed instructions on different shibori methods. You can also find workshops and classes offered by textile artists who can guide you through the process. With a little practice, you can create your own unique shibori masterpieces!
The post Dive into the Artistic World of Shibori first appeared on Suminagashi.Get Ready to Hydro Dip! 13 Aug 2023, 11:56 pm
Let’s talk about learning to Hydro Dip. Once you learn how, you’ll be dipping everything you can! Have you ever wanted to give the daily objects around you a splash of color? Maybe you want to add a cool pattern to a plain-looking item like your shoes or phone case? Wondering how to do this without shelling out a ton of money? There’s a simple and fun method you can use! With just some paint and water you can turn almost any object’s surface into a colorful, patterned delight. How to Hydro Dip with Spray Paint Hydro Dipping, also known as object marbling, sumingashi, immersion painting or water transfer printing, is a process where paint is applied to an object by dipping it in a water bath. Most any three dimensional object that can get submerged under water will work. Hydro dipping is a fun and creative way to personalize your belongings. It’s a process of transferring a design from water to an object, and it can be done with a variety of materials, including spray paint. Over the past few years Hydro Dipping has gained popularity and it is a fun and creative DIY activity. So, let’s get started! Materials: The item(s) you want to dip (you can dip most anything, really). Ceramics, glass jars or bottles, Crocs, flip flops, guitars, white planters and terracotta pots work great! Hint: Don’t dip anything you are going to eat or drink out of. Rust-Oleum Bonding Primer Spray Paint Rust-Oleum Spray Paint (pick 2-3 of your favorite colors – you will need at least 2 different colors and no more than 4). Plastic or metal tub for water (make sure it’s a tub you don’t care if it gets dirty, it will get paint on it. Also be sure it is large enough to fit your item(s) and the water is deep enough to be completely submerged). Rubber gloves Rust-Oleum Clear Enamel Spray Paint (optional, apply for added protection) Instructions: Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hydro dip with spray paint: Prepare your object. The object you want to hydro dip should be clean and free of any dirt or grease by degreasing it with soap and water. You may also want to sand it lightly with a Scotch-Brite scratch pad to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. This is an important step so that you don’t get pin holes in the design when dipping. Before applying the primer/basecoat, use masking tape to block off any parts of the item that you do not wish to have an image printed on. Make sure the object you are dipping is for decorative use only since spray paints are not safe for food or drink items. Apply a primer. If the item(s) you’ve select to hydro dip are slick, you will want to make sure to put down a coat of primer for a good base. The paint will adhere better and you’ll have better results. Wait for the paint to completely dry. A primer will help the paint to adhere to the object and prevent it from peeling or fading. Use a spray primer that is specifically designed for hydro dipping. Choose your colors. You can use any colors of spray paint that you want. If you want a more complex design, you can use multiple colors. Create your pattern. Once you have chosen your colors, you can start creating your pattern on the water. You can do this by spraying the paint in different patterns or by using stencils. Start spraying your first color onto the top of the water in your tote. Make sure you spray in the middle as the paint will spread towards the tote walls. Take your second color and spray directly onto the surface of the water, again in the middle. Repeat. You’ll see the paint will start to look like a striped circle on the water Dip the object. Once you are done spraying your paint, you’re ready to dip! HINT: Make sure to wear gloves for this part. You will hold your item above the water and slowly start dipping it into the water. Make sure to take your time, so the slower the dip, will provide better coverage. So go ahead and slowly dip the object into the water, making sure to submerge it completely. The paint will float on the water and adhere to the object as it is dipped. Remove the object. When your item is completely submerged, move it around underneath the water with one hand. With you other hand start clearing the surface of the water in a fanning motion, this will allow you to pull your project up out of the water without getting more paint on it. Carefully remove the object from the water and let it dry completely. Lift your item out of the water and gently shake off excess water. HINT: You can use a blow dryer to push off the remaining water droplets (use the low setting). Apply a clear coat. Let your project dry completely overnight. For added protection, coat with a clear finish. A clear coat will protect the paint and make it more durable. Use a spray clear coat that is specifically designed for hydro dipping. Here are some popular examples of things you can hydro dip with spray paint: Plastic Sandals and Shoes (Crocs, Flip Flops etc) Sneakers and Hats Holiday Ornaments Bicycles and Motorcycles Bike and Motorcycle Helmets Electric Guitars, Drumsticks Phone and Electronic device cases Skateboards, Surfboards Furniture, Picture Frames Vases, Urns, Planters Jewelry Gun and Rifle Elements Decorative Household Items Revitalize Thrift Shop Items And anything else you can think of! Hydro dipping is a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your belongings. With a little creativity, you can create some amazing designs. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try! Here are some additional tips for hydro dipping with spray paint: Use high-quality spray paint. The better the paint, the better the results will be. Apply multiple coats of clear sealant paint. This will help to create a more durable finish. Be patient. Hydro dipping can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the end. Go slow and avoid the dreaded double dip! Have fun with it! Experiment with different colors and patterns to create your own unique designs. Here are some videos of hydro dipping:
The post Get Ready to Hydro Dip! first appeared on Suminagashi.Learning about Traditional Crafts in Tokyo 29 Oct 2019, 10:18 pm
Tokyo’s image is bright flashing lights and thronging crowds, a thoroughly modern metropolis. But as a city with over 400 years of history, there are plenty of quiet alleyways that equally tell various aspects of the city’s story. This time of year, one corner of Tokyo celebrates the history and efforts of the cloth dyers that kept the city’s population clothed throughout the 20th century and continue to ply their craft even today. It is called Konya Meguri. History of Fabric Dyeing After the Japanese capital of Edo became known as Tokyo (ie, from the 1860s), Tokyo Komon continued to be popular, but now larger patterns and a wider variety of colors, a type of dyeing known as sarasa, also became popular. With Tokyo’s population growing rapidly, there was high demand for attractive kimono fabrics in the capital. Many craftsmen relocated from the traditional craft centers of Kyoto and Kanazawa to be closer to their customers and thus better able to serve their needs. By the early 20th century, Tokyo’s population had burgeoned; the center of the city was crowded and polluted. Cloth dyers (some-ya) in the city center near Asakusa, Kanda or Nihonbashi found they could no longer get the clean water they needed for their work. Many relocated to an area along the banks of the Kanda river and its tributary, the Myoshoji River, in what is now the northern part of Shinjuku-ku (Takadanobaba and Ochiai), where they continue to work to this day. Even in our modern times, traditional fabric dyeing tends to be a cottage industry comprised of small workshops or studios where fabric designs are painstakingly handcrafted. If you were just walking through the neighborhood, you might not even recognize that there was any such work going on. Fortunately, every Autumn, several of the some-ya of this area open their doors to visitors in what they call the Konya Meguri (Dyer’s Tour). The eastern shops were open from Oct 23 to Oct 27; the west will be open from Oct 30 to Nov 3. Sumingashi in Tokyo A style of dyeing many might not think to associate with Tokyo at all is suminagashi, known in the West as marbling. While there is some contention over whether this style of dye began in Japan and moved west, or whether it began around Turkey and moved both east and west, it has become a traditional craft in many cultures. It involves placing drops of dye onto slightly gelatinized water, tracing through the drops with string, a stick or a rake to produce the marbling pattern and then placing cloth stretched on a frame onto the surface to pick up the pattern. About the Tour Nine workshops in the western area are participating, each with different opening days and hours. Yoshizawa Yunoshi and Some no Sato Futaba-en, the largest establishments, are both open daily. All nine are open on Nov 2 and seven are open on Nov 3. Download the schedule (in Japanese) here. Many are offering hands-on experiences (for a fee), although this often requires advance reservations, as small workshops have limited capacity.
The post Learning about Traditional Crafts in Tokyo first appeared on Suminagashi.Step by Step: How to Make Marbleized Easter Eggs 2 Apr 2019, 7:15 pm
What You’ll Need Egg blower (optional) 12 eggs Several mixing bowls, shallow and deep Measuring spoons Liquid measuring cup White vinegar Food coloring Spoon and fork Olive oil Paper towels Step 1 With an egg blower, pierce the top and bottom of each egg, puncturing the yolk; carefully expel the contents. Rinse, and let dry. P.S. You can also use regular hard boiled eggs! Step 2 In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and a few drops of food coloring. Place egg in dye, and leave it submerged until it turns the desired shade. Step 3 In a wide, shallow bowl, prepare a second batch of dye — which will provide the swirls — in a darker shade or a different color. Liquid should be 1/2 inch deep. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Run a fork through this mixture, creating curlicues of oil on the surface. Step 4 As oil swirls, place dyed egg in mixture, and roll it once around the bowl to pick up oil streaks; remove the egg. Step 5 Gently pat egg with a paper towel. Step 6 Let it dry. You can experiment with color combinations: Vary the base tints and the swirls to achieve striking contrasts, subtle shadings, or multi-hued richness. Want to see the step-by-step demonstration first-hand? Watch our video to recreate these mixed colors and whirly-swirly patterns.
The post Step by Step: How to Make Marbleized Easter Eggs first appeared on Suminagashi.Video DIY: How to Marbleize Easter Eggs 15 Mar 2019, 7:08 pm
Sometimes, taking the path that twists and turns yields the best result: On marbleized eggs, colors come together in beautifully abstract designs. Step outside your normal Easter egg dyeing routine and try this fool-proof technique for adding swirling, marbleized patterns to the Easter tradition. You won’t believe how easy it is!
The post Video DIY: How to Marbleize Easter Eggs first appeared on Suminagashi.