Have you thought about using Copic markers on fabric to create more than cards? Brandi Kincaid was thinking about it and we are thrilled to have her on the blog today sharing more about her first fabric with Copic project!
Shoppers unite! Okay, now that I have your attention, I’m excited to be back on the blog today sharing a project that combines two of my favorite things: using what I’ve got, and flowers. If you’re a supporter of small businesses like me, you likely get some pretty adorable packaging coming your way with your purchases, which means you might also have a drawer like I do where you save all the pretty bags, tags, and ribbon so you can use it later. The other day I went to this draw to grab something for wrapping a gift and the number of little muslin bags crammed in that small space was nothing short of astounding. Determined to put them to work, and use my favorite new Mondo Wildflower stamp, I grabbed some markers and got started.
I have a pile of these little muslin bags in all shapes and sizes, so I grabbed a few variations to play with, including one as a tester. Before I got too deep in the project pool I did a little reading, and little experimentations to make sure that the inks and markers wouldn’t bleed/run too much, that they wouldn’t be washed away if they got wet, and if they would dry well.
Of course I couldn’t help myself, and I had to pick a color palette next. Though this was 99% about wanting to select some lovely colors to look at while I played, selecting a palette also helps me limit what’s in my space while I am working, and gives me one less choice to make when my brain is busy trying something new.
Because I am coloring directly on fabric with Copic markers, I made sure of a few things as I began to color: the image was stamped using Memento dye ink so that it won’t bleed when I color with the alcohol based markers, I was mindful of the edges of the design because the color from the markers will bleed outward a bit, and while I don’t think a project like this has to be perfect with a capital “P”, I do want it to look intentional, and building room for the color to “grow” makes a lot of difference. I’ve tested Copic on a number of fabrics I have, and noticed that the tighter weaves with more of a fabric blend don’t bleed as much, but these muslin pouches and other pure cotton weaves soak up the ink, so while I want to keep using them, I just try to be mindful of being more gentle with laying down the ink. And lastly, but something those of us who went through the stencil/puff paint phase with all our t-shirts in the 80’s will never forget, put a piece of heavy paper or cardboard under the design so that they color doesn’t bleed through as you work.
What was once a plain little pouch for this gift is now a fun and colorful (and reusable) gift in itself.
As soon as I finished my friend’s gift wrapping pouch, I knew I wanted one for myself to carry my markers around in my bag.
I took the same steps for this one, adding a little sentiment at the end as a reminder to my creative side. I love how quick and easy this project was!
I kept coloring and added a few more wildflower bags to my drawer, giving new life to what was there, and having fun making my stash of recycled bags a little more “me”. Next up, I keep thinking how cute a Mondo Wildflower print hair tie would be…
1 Comment
Do you have to heat set the fabric? Is it washable?? The texture is beautiful!