Cyanotype and Photo-Reactive Dye on Fabric

Also called Heliographic Art by some, sun painting or printing utilizes either the radiant infrared or the ultra-violet rays of the sun to create images on fabric. It works because the paint or the dye you are using reacts to the sun in some way. There are three different products we carry that can utilize the rays of the sun to produce art on fabric or clothing.

Dharma Trading Company is an excellent, professional online store that offers a wealth of information. You can also purchase products from Dharma and, the best part about Dharma, you can call the number on their website and a person will answer and talk to you about products and processes. 

Go to this link to read more about the process and see products. 

https://www.dharmatrading.com/techniques/sun-painting.html

Videos

Justina Silva

Pumora

Other Sources

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K1YZBQC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B08K1YZBQC&linkCode=as2&tag=pumora00-20&linkId=8fd3122f774a89a5347e19f448180fdf

Pre-treated fabric sheets for cyanotype.

Important - Make sure you are buying FABRIC sheets. 

Do not buy PAPER sheets.

https://www.jerrysartarama.com/jac-cyano-10pk-8-5x11-fabric?gclid=CjwKCAiAioifBhAXEiwApzCztkRqKx0lwVqtuAZTCZWiIKXbNktX3KJ_7Mq8lspnTcqaoV_X557TfRoCjWkQAvD_BwE

or

https://www.amazon.com/Jacquard-Cyanotype-Pretreat-Fabric-30-Pack/dp/B010MN3NDA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZBSA0PAME7VC&keywords=pre+treated+fabric+sheets+cyanotype&qid=1675784280&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=pre+treated+fabric+sheets+cyanotype%2Carts-crafts%2C96&sr=1-2

Sun Dye

https://www.kraftkolour.net.au/sun-dye-kit-moods-ocean-made-in-australia

Link below shows instructions. 

https://www.instructables.com/Sun-Printed-Fabric/

Catherine Ellies, Information and Resources for Natural Dye

 

https://blog.ellistextiles.com/

Catharine Ellis has been a weaver and a dyer for over 40 years. After three decades of teaching the Fiber Program at Haywood Community College in NC she is now dedicated to studio work, focusing on natural dye processes. She also does specialized, selected teaching, in the U.S. and internationally. Recent projects include teaching natural dyeing in Guatemalan through Mayan Hands.

Catharine is the originator of the woven shibori process and author of the instructional book, Woven Shibori (Interweave Press, 2005). Her textile work is shown extensively in exhibitions and shows. She is currently working collaboratively with the Oriole Mill in NC to produce specialty Jacquard fabrics.

Catharine is actively involved in the Surface Design Association, the World Shibori Network, and is a founding member of the Southeastern Fiber Educators Association. She has served on the boards of Penland School of Crafts and the Center for Craft, Creativity, and Design and established the Western North Carolina Textile Study Group in 2012.

Website: https://www.ellistextiles.com/about/

Links for Materials and Resources

 

Dharma Trading Company 

Take the time to explore the website for materials and ideas. If you are new to textile/dye, I suggest calling before you purchase to make sure the materials you selected are the correct choice for your project. The phone number appears on website. I have also included below. 

• https://www.dharmatrading.com/
• (800) 542-5227

A few suggestions for fabric from Dharma Trading Company.

• Kona Cotton PFD. Prepared for dyeing, no pre-washing, ready to place in dye pot (with a pre-soak in clean water). Also available in 60". Link to 45" below. 
• https://www.dharmatrading.com/fabric/cotton/kona-cotton-pfd-45-inch.html?lnav=default.html
• From the website:
• Generally speaking, a PFD item:
• Has had no optic whiteners added and is off-white in color.
• Is sewn with cotton thread (so the stitching dyes the same color).
• Is usually cut oversize because it is understood that the garment is going to be dyed and will shrink.

• Silk. Option to purchase with hand-rolled-hems (this means the edges of the silk are not rough cut (not frayed, have a finished edge). 
• https://www.dharmatrading.com/scarves/habotai-silk-sarongs.html

Botanical Colors

In-person students - the dyes we use in class are ordered from Botanical Colors. The website is a wonderful source of information and included dyeing instructions. I also suggest signing up for the newsletter. Check out the site in case you want to order your own. 

• https://botanicalcolors.com/

Stony Creek Colors

Purchase natural dyes, recipes, tutorials. 

https://www.stonycreekcolors.com/

Fab Scrap 

You can order bundles of recycled fabric. 

• https://fabscrap.org/about

Spoon Flower 

This company will print your design on fabric. 

https://www.spoonflower.com/

Catherine Ellis

She is our guru of North American natural dyes. Catharine teaches and travels internationally in order to gather as much information as she can, and is eager to share. Blog link:

https://blog.ellistextiles.com/

Turkey Red Journal

http://turkeyredjournal.com/