I began my batik career by waxing designs on cotton, then surface embellishing and quilting them into wall hangings. (Pic. #1) For this type of project I used Dharma's batik wax, better quality tjantings and Procion dyes. I made my first dyeing frames from old reinforced window frames. Primitive, but they worked.

Then, about 3 years ago I decided to try wax batik on silk, painting with Dharma's Sennelier Tinfix dyes. I built a dyeing frame to exact dimensions so I could make a series of a dozen 44” x 44” silk chiffon scarves (Dharma's pre-hemmed scarves) for a ceremony in my women’s group. (Pic. #2) I ordered the silk sample kit to help me choose the right fabric for this project and I still refer to these samples whenever I order new silk.

As my interest in silk painting has grown, I have refined my dyeing frame design several times. My husband helped me design and build a 45” x 108” “universal” cedar frame that adjusts to many scarf dimensions. I can even adjust the tension of the piano wire that runs around the edge of the frame for perfect sizing. Now I can dye 44” x 108” silk Habotai dancing scarves! (Pics. # 3 – 4 show my big frame and the first and second layers of my first batik dancing scarf.)

I recently created a website www.silkenwind.com where you can see many more of my scarf designs (Pics. # 5 - 6) and see the results of my first workshop for beginners. Thanks to Dharma's support, expert advice and great products, I don’t feel like a beginner anymore! I have also been positively inspired by the work of other artists showcased on the Dharma website.