Summary of Techniques
Silk Painting and Dyeing

The majority of my work is based on the traditional techniques of silk painting, batik and shibori.
Silk Painting is normally done by stretching a piece of silk over a wooden frame, applying a resist and then painting inside the shapes with a brush. There are many products and techniques which can be used to enhance the basic process.
Batik is a sequential resist-dyeing process, where hot wax is used to block out areas of the fabric before it is dipped into a dye bath. This is traditionally done on cotton fabric.
Shibori is also a resist-dyeing process, but uses thread (tied or sewn) or clamps to mask off areas of the silk before applying the dye.
The Dyes and Paints I work with are iron fixed silk paints, steam fixed silk dyes (acid dyes) and procion MX dyes, as well as a wide range of other products for resists and embellishments.
I use a number of different designs of Silk Painting Frames, depending on the requirements of the project. I particularly like Siesta Bar Frames and Artys Easi-Fix Frames, and have recently made my own custom silk painting frames, which have been popular with my students.
Silk Painting is normally done by stretching a piece of silk over a wooden frame, applying a resist and then painting inside the shapes with a brush. There are many products and techniques which can be used to enhance the basic process.
Batik is a sequential resist-dyeing process, where hot wax is used to block out areas of the fabric before it is dipped into a dye bath. This is traditionally done on cotton fabric.
Shibori is also a resist-dyeing process, but uses thread (tied or sewn) or clamps to mask off areas of the silk before applying the dye.
The Dyes and Paints I work with are iron fixed silk paints, steam fixed silk dyes (acid dyes) and procion MX dyes, as well as a wide range of other products for resists and embellishments.
I use a number of different designs of Silk Painting Frames, depending on the requirements of the project. I particularly like Siesta Bar Frames and Artys Easi-Fix Frames, and have recently made my own custom silk painting frames, which have been popular with my students.
Start silk painting today!
Can't wait to come on one of my courses or live too far away? Want to get started now? You can buy my Silk Painting Starter Kit online from my shop.
This is the most comprehensive silk painting kit currently on the market, containing everything you need to get started. Just add a jar of water and a couple of sheets of kitchen towel! Full contents: Instructions, silk, 8x6 inch painting frame and pins, 2 brushes and palette, fadeaway pen, gold outliner, 5 bottles of iron fixed silk paint.
Bonus: Free pre-outlined silk card design for you to paint (with card blank and envelope too!). |
Note: My kit now contains a gold Silkcraft outliner rather than the previous brand, as I find the Silkcraft and Marabu outliners much more reliable to use. My kit also now contains larger bottles of silk paint for the same affordable price - exciting times!
My kit is also stocked by www.silkcraft.co.uk. Thanks Alison! :) |
Ceramics
I mainly work with hand built and slab built ceramics, using stoneware clay. I love making happy little creatures, and experimenting with textures.
I often use underglazes in my work as I enjoy the bright rainbow colours.
I often use underglazes in my work as I enjoy the bright rainbow colours.
Fused Glass

"Glass Fusing is defined as the heat bonding of separate pieces of glass in a kiln. In addition to fusing, other methods you might use while working with kiln-glass include slumping, casting, printing with powders or enamels, torchworking, kilncarving, coldworking, and many more." (Bullseye Glass)
I use a number of these processes, as well as others, to create my fabulous handmade glass pieces for your home and lifestyle.
I use a number of these processes, as well as others, to create my fabulous handmade glass pieces for your home and lifestyle.