How to Create a Batik Stencil
The Javanese art of batiking uses the old adage that "oil and water don't mix" to create intricate patterns in intense colors on cloth. Traditionally, the "oil"--actually melted wax--is applied with a bamboo-handled spouted copper pot called a tjanting. Many patterns are applied with stencils, a welcome aid for those uncertain of their hand-drawing skills. Stencils can be made of a variety of simple materials that tolerate the application of wax. Creating your own stencils adds a new level of originality to batiking.
Things You'll Need
- Stencil pattern on paper
- Permanent marker
- Plastic coffee-can lids or plastic of similar weight
- Artist's stencil-knife (one brand is X-Acto)
- Adhesive-backed shelf paper or freezer paper
- Embroidery or other fine-tipped scissors
- Commercially-made plastic wall or furniture stencils
- Metal cookie cutters
Instructions
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Use plastic coffee-can lids or other household plastics of similar weight (not heavier) to make small batik stencils.Trace your paper pattern on the plastic with a permanent marker. Cut along marker lines to make your batik stencil. Stars, hearts, and other simple shapes are easiest to produce this way.
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Try out adhesive-backed shelf paper (one brand is Contac) and embroidery scissors to make more complex batik stencil patterns. Trace or draw your pattern with the permanent marker and cut out. This method works well for designs with curving lines and delicate details. Peel off the paper backing to let the adhesive hold the stencil firmly to the fabric before painting on batik wax. One crafter reports good results with freezer paper.
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Experiment with adapting kitchen and other household items into custom stencils. Metal cookie cutters provide a wide variety of shapes. A coarse-toothed grater or a potato masher has interesting holes that can be filled with wax. Cut a ring from a fluted plastic gelatin mold with kitchen shears to make a large flower. Take apart a Valentine candy box to make a heart stencil.
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Remember that batik is a wax-resist process. Areas covered with wax will not absorb liquid dye. This is the opposite of many printing processes. When an artist paints a picture, she plans the colors that will be applied. In the same way, when applying batik wax, think about the colors you want to preserve. For example, to make a red t-shirt covered with white and yellow butterflies, begin with a white t-shirt. Stencil on the butterflies you want to remain white, and cover the stenciled area with batik wax, then dye the shirt yellow. Dry it, and stencil on the butterflies that should remain yellow. Dye it red. When the wax is removed, you will see white and yellow butterflies, preserved from the red dye.
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Tips & Warnings
Try out new potential stencils with hot wax and several sheets of newspaper. This lets you see how your new batik stencil will perform when wax is applied. Now you are ready to use it on fabric.
Beginners often comment that planning colors in batik involves thinking backwards. They are absolutely right. Always plan from light to dark, and remember what colors you want to preserve.
Take care when cutting stencils from plastic materials. Sharp plastic edges can produce nasty cuts.
