I have never done this but it seems like it would be fun. So July is going to be refreshing and cool? When is the deadline and can anybody play?

welcome, mamajack!! sure you can come play!! our theme is refreshing and cool, and that can be whatever it means to you! at the moment some of us are playing with permanent markers and isopropyl alcohol. suggested vodka, but not sure that will work on the art, but pretty sure it will have an effect on the artist! seriously, as if, i took my dh to target to pick up a dish pan, etc and conned him into buying sharpies in 18 colors, 91% alcohol and 2 wash basins--one to contain the alcohol spray 8-). in return i bought him a starbucks coffee. it's really give and take in our relationship. he gives, i take :D. he is a very nice guy! our dishwasher won't be fixed until thursday, so that's why the dishpans in the first place. i'll use them later for dyeing cloth-- probably thursday afternoon. this week end is a heat advisory, and i just can't get stuff done when dh is around. he distracts me:o. i'm not going out in the heavy heat, and he'd have a cow if i dyed in the kitchen ( like i did before, but he doesn't know, shhhh.) it's not as messy as he thinks. he makes LOTS more mess making chocolate egg cremes! i have an idea i want to try, think i'll use muslin first, and if i like it, pima cotton. what is the effect of procion dyes on alcohol treated sharpie permanent markers? anyone know??
jump right in, people! the water's fine!!
good question-- do we have a deadline? i think we just sort of move on to the next challenge at the end/start of the month, no carved in stone date! we don't swap, altho' some of us like to donate once in awhile.

Oooh, are you in for some fun! First thing is to go on into your studio and pick up some fabric and think cool thoughts! There you are started already! :)

No deadlines as nancia mentioned. Just exchanging ideas and WIP to stretch our oft under valued creativity. Welcome to the 'fold'. (Which BTW is a great technique for art Q's............)

Yeah, I have about 5 'great' ideas. Or so I think when I have them.....geez. Sometimes wish my brain would slow down so the rest of me could catch up. I am thinking of experimenting with that lovely shredded cellophane ironed onto fabric to show some air movement. Have you played much with that?

Real Permanent Markers!
 

So I think I have found actual permanent markers. I wanted to make gorgeous fabric instead...but no....lol

So below are my experiments. Ignore the lovely underneath yellow wash, it was a paint experiment. SO with my chinese cheapie markers I tried the rubbing alcohol, then I upgraded to the local brew 'pisco'. The local equivalent of vodka only it is 40% alcohol. (so plenty % to make anything run if it was going to)

Yes, I imbibed the little leftover bit after it didn't work.

The local markers that are washable of course ran out so much it isn't worth the effort. So I am back to paints. sigh. OTOH I have some fantastic markers that hardly run no matter what and they will come in very handy for projects. Maybe I should go into business selling them as a fabulous new art Q product.... :)

Now the question is, can I somehow use some of this hideous experiment in the current challenge?

passed up some fab ice cream fabric yesterday
maybe I'll go back!

Yummmm.... Dotty, that sounds good! Just returned from town and walked into a warmish house so it is a good time to begin thinking of cool. I am thinking of ice cubes. :D

I went back to Linny's post (#95) to look at her sunset and remembered she had done the boat seperately and cut it out and used it as an applique. That is what I am going to do with 'Thomas the Cat'. I want to lay him in grass with a sky background but don't want the colors to run into Thomas.

A couple things I tried with the alcohol (70% rubbing alchohol) is to
1.spray the fabric first and draw with pens
2.draw first and spray a little
3. draw, spray a lot and then, pick the fabric up on one end so where I want the ink to spread is hanging down.

Another idea I had was to draw with pen, spray, and then after drying and heat setting, I might draw with fine line pens and/or thread paint more defining details in.

Also, bringing in my Derwent Inktense pencils might add some interest.
Can't wait to play. Oh rats, I have some deadlines to meet first! :D:D:D


Welcome Mamajack! (Sure wish they had a waving hand icon) Waving wildly from way up north of you in Washington State.

Welcome mamajack3! I know you'll have lots of fun with this challenge. Everyone is so eager to see what each person comes up with...........we'll be waiting. Have lots of fun.

Thats right Sewextreme, you are south of me. We are still cold over here. My DH will be down that way tomrorrow give him some heat to bring back up here. I am going to have to take a couple of days off work sometime to go down there and visit you and your "farm". Then we can play with art quilt stuff together.