As we continue to live in this constant season of #stayathome and #wfh, there is a growing trend for DIY craft and activity kits to keep us entertained and creative in this mundane time of living in what feels like the twilight zone. Enter in Batik Boutique’s NEWEST DIY Kit – Shibori Face Masks (RM 169).
Shibori is an ancient Japanese art form and hand-dyeing technique. The beauty of shibori is that there are countless ways to create the effect; you can tie, fold and manipulate the fabric in any way you’d like, and the possibilities of patterns you can create are infinite.
The kit comes with all the tools and materials you need to get Shibori happy from the comfort of your home, to make 3 different styles 3 layer reusable face masks. There is even a QR code included accessing a video tutorial from a textile designer for a fail-proof process.
If you’re ready to jump right in, here are three steps to get started:
Step 1: Prepare the materials
Batik Boutique’s Shibori Face Mask Kit comes with everything you need to get started; this includes 3 pieces of practice fabric,1 pair of gloves, 20 rubber bands, 4 popsicle sticks, 3 low-impact dyes with nozzle bottles, and 3 three-ply, white reusable face masks.
Step 2: Tie or Clamp
The second step is where creativity kicks in as the way in which you tie, fold or bind your fabric will determine your shibori pattern.
Stripes – be it horizontal or vertical – are a basic pattern for beginners. To achieve this pattern, layout your fabric on your working space and begin folding pleats either vertically or horizontally. Next, use rubber bands or popsicle sticks to secure your fabric; you can space the bands far apart for wider stripes or closer together for thin stripes.
If stripes aren’t your style, find inspiration in Batik Boutique’s video tutorial which covers three different patterns, that are often featured in their collection of shibori apparel and accessories.
Step 3: Dye
Ahead of the dyeing process, some powdered dyes may have to be mixed. Batik Boutique’s kit comes with three dye powders; all you have to do is remove the nozzle, add tap water, place the cap back on and shake each bottle until the powder dissolves.
Here’s a quick tip: if you’d like white sections on your fabric, you should soak your fabric in water just before dyeing. Next, put on your gloves, place your project on your working area or rack and apply your dyes. There’s no wrong way to tie and dye – so experiment with colours and express yourself.
Once the dyeing is complete, place your dyed item in a resealable plastic bag or plastic wrap to keep the item damp while the dye dries. Leave your item to dry overnight, or for 6 – 8 hours. Once dry, remove the rubber bands or popsicle sticks, rinse the item or machine wash to remove excess dye, and hang to dry. Your shibori piece is ready!
While shibori and tie-dye pieces are currently very much on-trend, the process behind the art is also very meditative. Folding, tying, and dyeing without knowing what to expect when you unwrap the dyed piece makes this a low-pressure art form that consistently yields beautiful results – the perfect home activity for those of us in lockdown.
Batik Boutique is still delivering daily through the lockdown. Shipping is free with every order over RM200 and orders within Malaysia ship in 2 -3 days. If you live in the Klang Valley, Batik Boutique can also get your order to you within 1-2 business days for orders placed by 12 PM.
If stripes aren’t your style, find inspiration in Batik Boutique’s video tutorial which covers three different patterns, that are often featured in their collection of shibori apparel and accessories.
