Grannies G

Has anyone done the sharpie and alcohol process on or in quilting fabric and how did it go?

Judith1005

Alcohol and sharpies are so much fun. I have played around a bit with this technique. But, I have only used them on postcards. Non-washable items.

Alcohol and sharpies and a spirograph.


Alcohol and sharpies and embroidery


Alcohol and sharpies and applique


These are just small 4 x 6 projects. But, you get different affects depending on the size of sharpie dots or streaks and the amount of alcohol. I've tried small spray bottles and glass eye droppers from Wal-mart to disperse alcohol. I dry thoroughly and heat set after. But, I have never tried washing a quilt square. Should probably do that at some point. I will be watching this thread to see others tips and photos.

Rhonda K

Well you are having too much fun there, Judith! Those are just delightful! I haven't heard of that technique so thanks for showing pics and explaining the details.

Judith1005

More Alcohol, sharpies and embroidery.



Alcohol, sharpies and crayon and embroidery. I had a few issues with the sharpies running. Not a complete fail, just learned a lesson on where to put the color and how much alcohol to use.

WANNABEE

Those are adorable Judith. For those ignorant of this process could someone explain. Thanks.

Judith1005

You just mark the fabric with permanent sharpie markers. Then, spray with the alcohol or use an eye dropper or paint brush to apply the alcohol to the ink. It will slowly start to expand and soften the area of the sharpie marks. And, swirls, dots, streaks all leave different "dye marks". Pinterest has some great tutorials. And, more alcohol makes the ink run more, less alcohol does the oppositel. I would suggest playing with small test pieces first. (Which I've done.) I have not used or tried the knock off brands. I've heard to stick with the sharpies. I always "dye" my fabrics first. Or at least I did on most of the examples I posted. The little girl one, I used the alcohol after I colored and embroidered. Hence, some issues with ink runnage.

Here's some interesting tutorials. These two were particular favorites.
https://www.creativeinchicago.com/20...ther-easy.html
https://www.creativeinchicago.com/20...uper-easy.html

RedGarnet222

Judith! Those are so fun! Have you tried the inktense colored pencils? They are fun to work with too.

Judith1005

Thank you, I haven't, But, I so want to. I will have to start at least researching them on Pinterest to see how to use them and what not. I have heard so many good things about them!

mandyrose

Wow! those are beautiful i never heard of alcohol/sharpie technique, on quilting arts i saw a technique with shaving cream forgot what they used for the color, and heard of the crayola crayon/iron technique never tried any of it, your work is beautiful.

Judith1005

Thanks mandyrose. It's a very inexpensive process to experiment with. Especially now with markers being on sale for back to school. And cheapy Wal-mart alcohol works just great.