Dry-Erase Doodle Pillow

Inkodye is no more, but SolarFast is here to save the day! This tutorial works even better using SolarFast than it did with Inkodye! This project is a perfect way for kids to help make gifts for their parents. You can let their imaginations run wild with an expo marker in hand. Then, transform their doodles into prints that will last for years!

My niece and I had just as much fun making this project as we did giving it to her dad for his birthday. She especially loved watching the print develop in the sun! Prior to the tutorial, I asked her to draw a nice picture that we would make into a simple pillow. A baby and daddy dinosaur is what she came up with -- so cute!

All you need for this project is Inkodye, a glass plate (I got mine from a picture frame) and a black Expo marker. I recommend using Expo brand markers specifically because they block sunlight really well (you could also use a transparency instead of a glass plate).

Shopping list:

Let's get started!

Used in this tutorial: 

Green Blue

Prepare. Aside from your dry-erase drawing, you'll also need a brush, light colored fabric for printing (cotton, linen, rayon, silk, etc), and of course Inkodye!

What you'll need

Dye. We decided to use two Inkodye colors, Blue and Green, to create a color gradient. Start with your first color.

Choose your colors

Brush. Cover half of your canvas with your first Inkodye color...then follow with your second color on the other half!

Half one color, half the other

Blend. Create a gradient between the two colors by going over the areas where they meet.

Cross the streams

Wipe. Collect the excess Inkodye on your canvas by wiping it with a paper towel. This step is necessary because you'll be covering the canvas with glass and excess dye can turn into condensation that can make your print spotty. You just want your piece to be a little damp to the touch, so don't be afraid to really wipe hard.

Be sure to blot excess

Compose. Place your image wherever you want! You can have the color gradient in the middle or more to one side. We were going for a grass and sky look in this one. Make sure you put drawing side of the glass down onto the fabric (don't worry, the dye won't ruin it) - if you put the drawing side side up your print will be blurry!

Block out the sun with any sketch you like!

Expose. Bring your creation out into the sun to begin the color development.

Full exposure in the sun

This was my awesome doodle

Watch. Within just a few minutes the colors will deepen. It's like magic! We left this project out for approximately 7 minutes.

And this was my awesome doodle with sun power!

Reveal. Remove the glass plate to reveal your lovely print! To prevent further development of the dye throw your print in the wash with laundry detergent. We recommend using a hot water wash with Synthrapol Textile Detergent or even doing two washes. We want to make sure all the excess dye is removed.

Take it back inside and remove the cover

Trim. Fresh out of the dryer, cut your fabric to the desired size of your pillow. Don't forget to leave an extra 1/2 inch on all sides!

Wash dry and cut

Sew. Now you can put together your pillow! For instructions on how to sew a simple pillow click here

Sew up and stuff your pillow

Display. Now you have an art piece that's not just confined to your fridge! This pillow is the perfect addition to a family room or a kiddie's bedroom.

Finished project 1

Finished project 2


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