A FULL DAY WITH INSTRUCTION

What to Expect

11am-12:30pm(ish) Idea and drawing time!

1. A full day of silk painting starts with your pencil drawing. This can be the most challenging part of the day as you decide what you'd like to create and figure out how to go about making your drawing. It can be helpful if you have an idea or even a drawing when you arrive, but never fear! Relax and enjoy the creative process! Take inspiration from drawings or people in the studio, or you are welcome to use one of the drawings other artists have been generous enough to leave in the studio.

2. If you do want to make a drawing ahead of time, you'll want a drawing with closed spaces...think coloring books.  You will be working on either a 11"x11" or 21"x21" silk. Scroll down and you can see some examples of drawings of varying complexity and hover over them to see that they have been made in various ways. Because I couldn't draw my way out of a box, I tend to use photos outlined as my drawings, as you can see in some of the examples.

3. After you have completed your pencil drawing you will trace it with a black sharpie so that you can see it through the silk.

4. You will then trace your drawing onto the silk using a special water soluble ink pen.

5. Next, trace the drawing one last time, but this time using wax on the silk.

12:30-1:30ish Breaktime!

1. While the wax dries you can have lunch and/or do another craft. Some folks have particularly enjoyed making alcohol ink outlet covers or coasters at this time while eating lunch that they brought. Others have enjoyed going to one of the excellent nearby restaurants in downtown Erie.

1:30-Time to paint!

1. Once the wax is dry, it's time to paint! I will show you a few techniques for painting, but you are the artist!

Follow-up

1. The dye should sit on the silk before it is set for at least 24 hours. I will set your painting for you over the next couple of days and you can pick it up or I am happy to mail it to you.

2. If you are interested, I do have some framing ideas and supplies available in the studio. I can frame your painting for you or we can schedule a time for you to return and do it yourself. There will be a $20 charge for framing time and materials. Once a painting is framed you will have to pick it up as I'm not sure how it will hold up with shipping.

A couple of tips:

• You can wash your painting after it is set, but the first time you wash it, you should wash it alone in case some of the dye should run.

• Once your painting is set, you can iron it on a silk setting (very cool iron) and wear, hang, or frame it as you choose!