PeaceHeart

The basic design seen here is at least 20 years old...although details vary from one batik to another. I am currently incubating ideas for a new series of batik wall hangings, and they too will be anchored by my favorite icon, the peace sign.

PeaceHeart, Teri Johnson

Hot-Wax Batik w/Rit Dyes

Sign of Peace

This is a detail from my SweetPeace Design banner/sign:

This is a view of the whole sign...batik on heavy cotton drapery panel, Procion mx dyes and hot-wax resist applied with tjanting.

Pics of batik process:

Thickened dye has been applied, after background was waxed (tjanting tool). Next, dyed areas will be waxed, leaving spaces to create final outlines in the design. A trip into the freezer will chill the wax and help make the crackle sharp, then a deep black overdye will be applied, to create crackle and outlines (spaces left unwaxed).

Below, the black overdye has been applied and air-dried. After removing excess black dye on waxed areas with wet papertowelling, wax will be removed by ironing. I don't steam or boil out my wall hangings, as I like to leave a little wax to provide sheen, and added weight and body to a hanging. In this case, the combination of wax residue and the heavy nature of the fabric makes this sign hang well, even in outdoor venues, and store easily when rolled up (and no wrinkles if not squashed).

Batik by Teri, sign construction by Virginia.

Peace Witch

Detail from a batik I made some time ago, using Rit instead of Procion mx dyes...I have always loved to slide in a peace sign if at all possible, and since I draw the picture... .

Full view:

Witchy Woman

Teri 1991

Hot-wax batik, Rit dye, deep brown crackle and overdye