Book Reviews - It's all about paint

Hi, Lynda here. I love dyeing. However, there are times when I just don't want to mess with all the steps from prep to clean up.

In my library I have two books that focus on painting instead of dyeing. I wanted to share them with you today and then for the following two Fridays I'll be showing you some techniques from these books.

The two books are Fabric Surface Design by Cheryl Rezendes, and Intentional Printing by Lynn Krawczyk.

Intentional Printing is a brand new book from Interweave.  When I received this book to review, I questioned whether there could be anything new that I didn’t already have in my library. I was pleasantly surprised!

I really love Lynn’s writing style. I felt like I was in Lynn’s studio sitting around talking about printing. An easy read, I devoured the book in one sitting! The title describes what is in the book: Intentional printing.  It’s not about printing as much fabric as you can in one session. It’s about setting your intention. Lynn’s approach to printing really opened my eyes and made me think of how I was creating my art. While reading I was nodding my head. She was talking to me!

After that first chapter she moves into the nuts and bolts of printing including tools and setting up the workspace.

Printing Tools

The next three chapters include her fabric-printing techniques, handstitching, and layered printing. Even though some of this information was not new to me, her approach was different.

Fluid Printing

I absolutely loved her chapter on layers. I love layers, but I’m often afraid to push myself to add more. She takes the reader step-by-step through the process showing her fabric as she adds more layers. She gives her readers much needed tips to push through the anxiety.

She ends the books with nine projects including this Reclaimed Intentional Banner.

I really love this book. If you'd like to win it, comment on my blog post at http://www.bloombakecreate.com/2014/04/blog-hop-giveaway-intentional-printing/
before 8 am CST Saturday (that's tomorrow!)

Fabric Surface Design by Cheryl Rezendes has been out for a year. With fabric paint the process is so much simpler than dyeing and Cheryl believes you can get similar results. She was really going to have to work hard to sell me on this.

On her  “Designing with Original Fabrics” pages, she includes pictures of clothing she has made using these techniques with paint.  For each piece of her wearable art, she explains in detail the fabric used and her techniques. They are absolutely beautiful like the one below.

For each project she gives a supply list, step-by-step directions, detailed pictures, and additional ideas for exploring the technique. Here are a couple sample page spreads.

Basic Fold and Color

Stenciling with Shiva Paintsticks

She includes a helpful list of textile paints and how each can be used (sunprinting, spray painting, etc). A great resource for beginners.

Interspersed between the chapters are artist profiles and samples of their work. Several of the artists are new to me, but many are my favorites. I love being introduced to fabric artists! This book is an encyclopedia of fabric surface design using paints. I was amazed at not only all of the techniques, but the beautiful results.


So for any of you who have not wanted to tackle using dyes or maybe you want to introduce your kids or yourself to fabric surface design using fabric paint, both of these books are great additions to your surface design toolbox.

I'll see you next Friday for the first of two posts on painting on fabric. I look forward to hearing about your experiences too.