Hi, thank you for these instructions. If I were to silk paint a saree which is 6 yards long and 45” wide, what kind of frame should I use? And how would you recommend doing a flat wash on a larger area like that?
Thanks for your question @Gayanichathu. You will have to wash the starch out of the sari, and then iron while damp. Since it is a sari length, it may be best to dye the sari first, with a very light colour, before you begin to apply the 'gutta' and then paint. NB. You should add water to the colour, and make a big batch to dye the entire sari length. Depending on your design, you may have to paint the sari in sections, on a screen measuring 38" x 48" Hope this helps!!! All the best!!!
thank you so much! Could you also please tell me, apart from being easier to use and set, what is the biggest difference from dye-na-flow and regular silk paint. Does dye-na-flow give the same color intensity as well as the same after-feel of the silk fabric?
Thanks for your question, but I am not sure what you mean, as this is my instruction for a Beginner's Silk Painting or 'gutta serti' class. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your question @cactus4721, I am not certain what you mean by this, but please check out my RU-vid videos on Silk Painting Tools and Silk Painting Tools: Gutta Serti. Hope these help. Enjoy!
Good Morning @cactus4721, Thanks for your question. The 'outlining' of the design is done with water-based 'gutta'. This is the main ingredient for the silk painting technique. The brand I use is Jacquard's Resistad water-base gutta, which I purchase from Dharma Trading in California. This company caters to artists and crafts people, and so ship internationally. Hope this helps. Do check out my other designs on my Instagram account @claradesignsart Enjoy!
Thanks for your question @jenniferknight66, I have been using water-based gutta since 2003. I find it much easier to work with, and it washes out completely at the end of the process. The gutta I use now is called Jacquard Resistad water-based gutta, which I purchase from Dharma Trading, California. Hope this helps. Do check out my Instagram page @claradesignsart Enjoy!
Thanks for the question . I would ask that you look at a few more of my videos, especially the one which introduces the tools and equipment that I am using. That said, I use Dan-Na-Flow Silk paints, which are made to the consistency of silk dyes, and are very much less toxic. These silk paints I chose, because they are vibrant, and are 'fixed' with a HOT IRON. NO STEAMING NECESSARY! The 'fixing' process, is done, AFTER you have finished painting the design, and when the silk is completely dry. Then the piece is allowed to 'cure' for 24 or 48 hours, depending on the size. Then it is washed with Kieralon industrial wash, ironed while damp, and it is ready to be worn or hung. Hope this helps. Feel free to check out my Instagram page @claradesignsart and enjoy!
You are very welcome Sandeepkokane7069 A few more videos to come, sorry for the long wait. Do check out my Instagram page at:- @claradesignsart and enjoy!
Thank you for your question Susan McMillan. I use Dye-Na-Flow silk paints, which are made to the consistency of silk dyes, and are quite vibrant! Unfortunately, the Chinese Suspension Hooks, are no longer available. Instead, one may use Spring Suspension Hooks, which must be used in combination with rubber bands, and steel pins; that is, if you're using a wooden frame, as do I. These tools may be purchased at Dharma Trading, www.dharmatrading.com . The company that is based in California, and works well with artists and crafts people. They also ship internationally, if needed. I do hope this helps, and continue to enjoy your silk work!
@@claraapplewhaitedesigns7463 I did find a company in Canada that says they have them. I may chance it and call them before I order . any washable, removable ink pins you like? Do you have a special brand of the resistant marker that you like? I’m reading as much as I can. But talking to someone that’s doing it is so much more helpful. Thank you for your time and answering. I appreciate it.
@@susanmcmillan1548 Good Morning Susan, I am not certain if I answered your question about a resistant marker. I do not use resistant markers, I use Jacquard's Resistad, a water-based gutta. I use Identipen markers to sign my pieces. Hope this helps. Continue to enjoy!
Thanks for your questions Janet Sammons and @partnertuff. The frames I use are wooden stretchers that artists use. These can be purchased at any art store. (Some people also use PVC pipes as their frames.) The silk paints I use, are called Dye-Na-Flow Silk Paints, which I purchase at the art stores, as well as Dharma Trading, which is based in California. This company is really suited to artists, and they ship internationally. Hope this helps.
Thank you @wylyastley for your kind remarks. I do have a course for Beginners, which you can find here:- skl.sh/3VcQw5s I am still working on an intermediate course, which covers stretching, and that is coming soon. You may contact me with any concerns or questions at clara@claradesigns.com Hope this helps!
Clara - yours is the best description of how to do each phase of painting that I have found in the two years I've been trying my hand at silk painting. The details you provide are extremely helpful. Thank you!!!
Thanks for your question Gitanja. First, I try not to paint large areas of colour, because it is difficult to paint flat colour without getting ‘hard’ lines on my backgrounds. These are lines formed at the edge of dried silk paint. NB. While painting large areas, one MUST be sure to keep the ‘front’ line of the paint WET! This is particularly difficult to do on large areas, as one must work very quickly! Therefore, we deisgn ‘cut-off’ points within the design itself, to prevent unwanted ‘hard’ lines in the background colour. Next, the only time one uses water on the silk, is when one is doing the silk painting watercolour technique, where one spritzes the silk with water before applying the silk dye or paint, and then sprinkling the silk salt for the textural effects. Again, working quickly! Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me with any other questions or concerns that you may still have, at my business email:- clara@claradesigns.com, and for examples of my work at:- www.claradesigns.com and @claradesignsart on my Instagram page. All the best.🖌️🌺
Hi Clara, Thanks for your lesson and advice. I wonder what type of silk are you using? Maybe I missed this information. Or what type of silk do you suggest is the best. I am new to painting on silk. Thank you
Manmohan, thank you for your question. I was taught to have the design drawn under the silk, NOT directly onto the silk. NB. The lead on the silk is sometimes hard to remove once applied. Hope this helps.🌺🖌️
Hi there Manmohan, Look at the RU-vid video above carefully, as far as seeing the design through the silk. 1. I use a black Sharpie pen to draw the design onto the bright white paper. 2. The design on paper is stuck to the underside of your frame. 3. The silk is attached to the top of your frame, and the gutta is applied. Hope this helps.🌺🖌️
Thanks for your kind words Vicki. Getting ready for a few more videos, while working on my new collection. All the best! Don't forget to check out more of my new silk creations on my Instagram page @claradesignsart Thanks again!
Thank you for your request. I have searched, but the only place I can advise that you purchase the Chinese Claws, is at Dharma Trading, which is based in California. (They do ship internationally.) I strongly suggest that you visit their website at www.dharmatrading.com and check out all of the equipment and tools, they carry. I do hope this helps. Remember you may also see more of my work at www.claradesigns.com and at my Instagram account @claradesignsart Enjoy!
Thanks for your question Yvonne. The gutta I use is a water-based gutta, called Jacquard's Resistad, that I purchase from Dharma Trading in California. Once you have applied the gutta, you must let is dry thoroughly, BEFORE applying your colours. The colours I use are Dye-Na-Flow silk paints, which are made specially for silk painting. They are also quite vibrant, and are heat-set by using a very hot iron. (This eliminates the use of the Industrial Electric Steamer.) Much easier for a beginning silk painter. Hope this helps. You may also check my Instagram at @claradesignsart for more examples of my work, as well as www.claradesigns.com
Hi Clara: I applied gold gutta on silk that wasn't stretched and now when I stretch on the frame there's some wrinkling. Should it be done while the silk is stretched?
Good Evening Janet Gorelick, The silk MUST be stretched on the frame before any application is done. Remember, the silk filaments are woven, so one must be be sure that the gutta, which ever you choose to use, must go through to the other side, so as to prevent the flow of silk dye or paint from one side of the gutta to the other. Applying the gutta after stretching, will help to eliminate the wrinkling. Don’t forget to test on a small section of stretched silk. Hope this helps. Clara🌺🖌️
2:03 I am planning to use gold water-based gutta (either Jacquard or Pebeo) and will steam the completed project. This will be a wearable so will the gold lines stay in?
Thanks for the question Marianna Ferrer, My expertise is in silk painting and printmaking, not painting on canvas, for example. However, there are special mediums to make colours lighter if you are working with acrylics or oils. Hope this helps.🖌️🌺
Good Morning Vickie Palmer, Thank you for your kind words. I am happy that you are enjoying the process, and wish you more exciting projects ahead! See you again soon. Don't forget to check out my Instagram:- @claradesignsart All the best!
Thank you so very much for sharing your techniques and knowledge, Clara. You have such a steady, organized and nicely paced presentation. As a beginner, I truly appreciate your style!
Thank you for your kind words Marsha Kaforey. Remember, to view my videos at least twice, to understand why I use the tools I use, and you'll be fine. I am pleased that you are trying this technique, and wish you well. Contact me with any concerns or questions that you may have, at clara@claradesigns.com All the best!
I am sooo happy to have found your channel!! I have the silk, silk dyes and resist (unfortunately the rubber based 😒) and want to get started. Thank you! I can’t wait for your instructions. I think I will get the water based resist first. Much easier to get out after steaming.
Thank you for your kind words Grimingo! Remember, I am using silk paints that need to be 'heat-set' with a HOT IRON, no steaming! These silk paints are called Dye-Na-Flow. The water-based gutta that I use is called, Jacquard Resistad. All of my equipment and silk yardage, I purchase from Dharma Trading in California. Check out their website, by the same name. ( They do ship internationally, as well.) Check out more of my videos, for other painting techniques on silk. Hope this helps.
