When discussing techniques that use the resist process, batik is what probably first comes to mind. Batik is the process of creating patterns on fabric using wax resist that prevents dye from penetrating the fabric in the areas in which it is applied. Hot wax is applied to the fabric with a tool called a tjanting or copper stamps called tjap. The process is repeated over and over as multiple layers of wax are applied to different areas of the fabric after each dye bath. The cracking effect of the wax throughout the process further enhances the patterning created. The art of batik can be found any many countries like China, India, and Sri Lanka with the batik of Indonesia being the most well known.
I am especially drawn to batik techniques, as it is a medium in which my father worked for many years. As a child, I fondly remember hovering over a hot pot of molten wax, tjanting in hand, being allowed to doodle and express myself on fabric. I would marvel at the colors created as my work moved from dye bath to dye bath and learned color theory at an early age! I loved watching my dad created pieces on a larger scale like the dress and shirt pictured below that he made.
So by now you are probably wondering why I am talking about fabric techniques when I am supposed to be writing about paper! If you like the wax resist look but are strictly a paper crafter, there are various ways to achieve resist patterning on paper. Using items you probably already have on hand like glue, ink, wax paper, and embossing folders you can create batik inspired backgrounds and textures for your DIY paper crafting projects. I love being inspired by other mediums when working with paper and enjoy the challenge of adapting a technique one would usually find on fabric, metal etc. onto paper. If you would like to add resist techniques to your next paper crafting project, check out one of these techniques to get you started:
1. Creativity with Crayons – Use a white crayon on white paper to achieve this easy resist effect.
2. Dry Embossed Wax Resist – Pull out those embossing folders for this high impact yet super easy technique.
3. Water Color Resist Painting – Add a sprinkle of salt to your watercolors and watch what happens!
4. Emboss Resist Technique – This easy to follow video will give you step by step instructions on how to create resist techniques on tags.
5. Wax Paper Resist Technique – All you need are 4 supplies and this video to get achieve the wax paper resist technique.
6. Rubber Cement Resist – Simple and affordable with amazing results.
7. Watercolor Cards – Love this soft, pretty effect…moving this tutorial to #1 on my “to try” list!
8. Kid Friendly Wax Paper Resist – This tutorial says it’s for kids, but all ages will have fun with this one.
Have you used resist techniques before?
I started scrapping in 2006 and was quickly addicted!I was an avid scrapper until late summer of 2010 when we started our adoption journey, at that point I was overwhelmed with paperwork (and emotions!) and I had to put something on the back burner in my life but I knew I would eventually come back to it.
We welcomed our daughter home from China in December of 2011 and a few months later I found my groove again and pulled out all of those supplies that had been tucked away.
I started out scrapping again doing traditional layouts, but at the beginning of this year I jumped into Project Life and I love it!
When I’m not scrapping I am usually spending time with our daughters which means library time, going on walks, thrifting (they love it as much as I do!) or watching Kung Fu Panda for the millionth time.I also have an Etsy shop Panda Eight Designs where I sell scrapbooking flair that I design.
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