What Exactly is a Batik

Over a thousand years ago the people of Java, an island in the East Indies, wanted to put pictures of the fruits, flowers, and birds which they saw around them on their clothes. They knew that wax would resist water, so they covered the designs they had made on the cloth with melted wax. When the wax was stiffened the cloth was dipped into a cool dye made from vegetables and fruits. After the wax was removed by melting it again with hot water, the light pictures showed clearly against the dyed, colored background.

Today this process, as well as the cloth itself, is called batik. You can make a batik yourself with wax crayons and a package of dye. Suppose you want to make a batik scarf. First draw your design, perhaps some fruit, or flowers, or a bird, just as the Javanese did, on a piece of cotton material. Cover the design solidly with the wax crayon. Dip the cloth into the dye, following the directions on the box.

After the dyed cloth has been thoroughly dyed, wash it with soap and hot water. You will find the crayon washes and you have a real batik. This same method can be used to make a crayon batik on paper. Instead of dye you can use black water-color paint. Draw your picture on the paper and this time use all the bright colors you can. Press hard on the crayons and cover the design solidly. Then brush the black paint over the whole paper. When the paper is dry you will find that the beautifully colored picture shines out of the dark background

David is the author of many articles including Best Friend Quotes and also the author of Best life quotes

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