By: Delores F. Ruzicka

Materials Needed:

• Crafter's Pick Batik EZ Resist Medium
  
• RIT Powder or Liquid Dyes, 2-3 colors
  
• DecoArt Paper Effects paints, choice of color
  
• Watercolor paper (Strathmore Series 500 90# 100% cotton)
  
• Spray bottles - one per color of dye
  
• Paint brushes - bristle or foam
  
• Foam/rubber stamps
  
• Newspapers to cover work surface
  
• Sponge
  
• Paper towels to line bottom of microwave

General Project Instructions:

1. Cover your work area with several layers of newspaper, overlapping edges.



2. Images using foam/rubber stamps: Using a paint brush or foam stamp apply Batik EZ Resist Medium to the stamp and then press onto the watercolor paper. Repeat using the same stamp or other stamps until satisfied with design.



Mix RIT Dye:

• Powder: In spray bottle, add 2 teaspoons to 1 cup hottest possible water, shake spray bottle until dissolved.
  
  
• Liquid: In spray bottle, add 1 teaspoon to 1 cup hottest possible water, stir thoroughly to mix well.
  
  
• Note: For darker shades, use more dye; for lighter shades use less dye.
  
  


3. The Batik EZ Resist Medium does not need to be dry; spray the RIT dye onto the watercolor paper. You can spray, drip, drop, and drizzle the liquid dye solution over the entire piece of watercolor paper. You may also control and highlight certain areas with a selected color if desired, such as green on leaves.



4. Line the bottom of your microwave with paper towels for easy clean-up. Place the wet watercolor paper into the microwave and set on high for 1 minute to heat set the dye.



5. Remove from the microwave and rinse in sink. Use the sponge to lightly rub over the stamped area; the Batik EZ Resist Medium will easily dissolve and a batik effect will be exposed.



6. Lay wet, rinsed watercolor paper onto a flat surface to dry. To speed up the drying time or to make the paper lay completely flat, press with an iron.



7. When paper is dry, DecoArt Paper Effects paint can be used to create a fine outline of each stamped area.



8. Rubber/foam stamps and brushes can be easily cleaned in warm water.

When your new paper is dry, it can be used to make cards, collages, framed artwork, or scrapbook pages. The possibilities are endless as foam stamps, colors, and designs are limitless. This is a very easy technique that creates a very original, "no two the same" design.

Clean-up: Clean microwave by scrubbing with hot water and bleach or cleanser if necessary. RIT Dye may remain in the spray bottles for later use.