I love to experiment with different mediums when I create fiber art. Playing with things like paints, crayons, markers and more can teach you new techniques, inspire art and lead to whole new pieces for you.
But not everything is actually meant to work on fabric. Some products look amazing, but will wash out - even if you’re only dabbing the surface with a damp cloth.
Unfortunately, pencil crayons are one of those things - I love the way they look on canvas, but they can smudge and run if you’re not careful. Generally, the fiber art I create isn’t meant to be washed at all anyhow, so I haven’t worried a lot about it, but what if you want to protect your work?
Fiber artist Sandra Leichner has come up with a very clever way to keep the look of pencil crayons on fabric but keep them from smudging. Her method - textile extender!
Textile extender is meant to thin out paints for airbrushing or to replicate the look of water color paints, but in this case it seals the pigment - and makes it safe.
I wouldn’t try and use this on garments that are going to get a lot of washing, but for an item that will be lightly handled, it’s great.
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