kind of fabric markers

[Beth A.]

We did this in Indian maidens years back and made "camp pillowcases" with our names and various symbols of our tribe, campouts, etc. They have been washed MANY times, and the colors are still beautiful, if a bit softened.

We colored our pictures on PAPER using fabric crayons, although I have now heard that regular crayons work just as well and have brighter and many more color choices. We then blew off the extra bits of crayon and turned the paper face down onto the pillowcase. We put some blank newsprint underneath (freezer paper would probably work, too) and some newsprint on top and ironed SLOWLY with a very hot iron. the pictures came out well, and washed well, to boot.

Only problem is that if you are writing words, you have to create the crayon drawing in reverse. (Try running it on the computer in reverse and then copying that.) We had a ball, and the girls got very inspired. Sure, we had some transposed letters, but as the years went on, that only added to the charm.

This is a very fun project for kids and moms, alike.

BethMI

[Judith T.]

Beth, that would probably work better for a 3 year old than trying to color on fabric. I will have to give that a try, too. Thanks. We start this week. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

Great idea Beth. It sounds like a lot of fun. I might just try this out and will definately file this in the future project box. Time to find a cool coloring book and heat up the iron. Cheryl

[Judith T.]

Cheryl, a coloring book is a great idea. Why didn't I think of that? My 3 year old DGD loves coloring books. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

Beth, do you have to press down really hard on the paper with the crayon. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

I just thought of something else. How about some of those mosaic color books or stain glass color books found in craft stores. HUMMM!!!!! the possabilities could be endless. Cheryl

[Judith T.]

[Judith T.]

not working...I tried the crayon drawing with my DGD. I had to go over the picture and fill in the holes. Then I tried to transfer it to the muslin block and after pressing with a hot Rowenta, I could barely see the design. I had used a kind of newsprint paper. Then we made another picture on printer paper and could barely see that. So I outlined the pattern and she colored directly onto the fabric. Why wasn't this working? Do I need to use drawing paper or coloring book paper? Actually drawing directly onto the muslin was good enough. I think I will have to go over her coloring to fill in the holes again. Judy in AZ (who is too old to take care of a 3 year old for 2 days)

[Beth A.]

We colored on regular old copy paper. You should color hard, making the colors very dark so there is a nice thick layer of wax on the paper. Then blow off the excess bits of wax, turn the paper over.

I remember putting a couple layers of newsprint or copy paper down on the ironing board, then the fabric, then the colored paper (face down), then another piece or 2 of paper, then the hot iron. Now that you mention it, I do remember pressing long and hard -- even scorching some of the paper a bit (but not the fabric).

A couple of times, we pulled the paper up only to find that it was not yet dark enough. After a couple of "test" presses, however, we figured out how much pressure and time it took and it went smoothly after that.

Remember -- the more wax you put onto the paper, the more color there is to sink into the fabric. If it is too light, try more crayon. If the child doesn't have the patience to color that hard or long on the project, maybe you could go over her work. Because it will be her design and her colors, she will probably never even notice.

Good luck.

BethMI

[Judith T.]

Thanks, I will apply more color and give it another try. Judy in AZ