Using Fabric Paint for your arts and craft projects

Across the board people seem to be more interested in arts and crafts particularly those which involve customising the home or creating great gifts or personalised greetings cards. People like to create unique items nowadays whether it is for their own personal use or as a gift. There are many ways in which art materials such as fabric paints are utilised and much fun can be had in the creating process. For many people inspiration comes from currents trends and designers like Cath Kidston who evoke a whole new arts and crafts style within the home – any many people want to get the look without paying extortionate amounts of money. Fabric paints are a great material as they can be used on a variety of materials and can create stunning effects. The paint itself can be fixed with an iron after drying on the materials giving the permanence you might require for some projects. This fixable type of textile paint is popular with those of us interested in customising clothing or soft furnishings for instance. For such projects you can purchase stamps or stencils if you are not so confident in your own artistic abilities.

Many people are now even customising cushion covers and household items like kitchen roller blinds – and using fabric paint is perfect for any such project. Fabric paints do not generally disappoint on colour and you can generally always find a shade you have in mind. As with any form of art, it is always advisable to plan out your intentions before you begin buying your art materials, so you don't purchase too much or too little. Linens, cottons and mixed fibre materials are usually best for Fabric Painting and before you commit to any permanence on say, your sofa cushions, you could always test on a piece of scrap material beforehand to make sure you are happy with the results. Colour variations can occur after drying so again, testing that element of fabric paint out is helpful before you commit to anything.

It is good to note that most reputable art suppliers do offer a variety of paints and they may come as individual paints or you may be able to purchase a craft kit that is specific to fabric painting. Craft kits are a great choice for any beginner – as you get just enough paint for a mini project and it allows you to experiment and try out techniques before buying. T-shirts, cushion covers, canvas bags, aprons, curtains and even other clothing and soft furnishings like blinds and dining room chairs can be completely customised with fabric paints, and if you enjoy such projects you can always have a theme running through the house and the great part is that your designs will be unique and completely yours to boast about. Just make sure you always follow the fabric paint instructions in order to maintain the best results from your craft materials. 

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iArtSupplies are established suppliers of high quality  <a href="http://iartsupplies.co.uk/textile-fabric-paint/">Fabric Paint</a>, art materials and art supplies, perfect for any budding artist or professional.

Fabric Paint: A popular medium, great for customising your home

Fabric paint is fast becoming a great craft for many people. Amateur hobbyists and professional artists may want to expand their painting techniques onto surfaces other than the canvas or indeed paper. With new patterns and fashions emerging everyday people are desperate to keep up with trends. Some people may choose fabric paints because they want to customise their own items or create something completely unique, which is completely feasible within this medium. The ‘shabby chic' style is a popular interior choice for many. Customisation of accessories, curtains and items like cushions is immensely popular with the simple stencils and stamp designs available on the market today. Any reputable art supplier with have endless amounts of materials to fulfil your artistic pursuits. Fabric paints in particular need to be of good quality in order to keep your project on track.

There are different methods of fabric painting like dyeing, using silk screen methods, block printing and stencilling. The fabric paints available are also varied, from Indian inks to actual water-based fabric paint.  Each type creates a different effect on the textiles you are decorating, and as with every artistic pursuit it is all about experimentation and developing your skills within the medium. Various types of fabric can be utilised for painting like cotton, linen, silk and mixed fibre fabrics. There are traditionalists within the art world who say that it is done best on 100% pure tightly woven cotton. It is always best to double check the quality by sampling the fabric paint on a small part of the fabric before you embark upon your project or chosen design. Once you are happy with the effect you can apply your design.

Even if you are a beginner and have been hesitant to experiment you still have many options. You can choose to purchase a starter set for example, that usually comes with a sampler selection of paints and sometimes even fabrics. This allows you to experiment and try out techniques before you commit to buying a larger quantity. After finishing with your pattern or painting you can simply iron over the fabric to fix the paint. Of course, it is vital you make sure the fabric is dry before you do this. With good reputable brands you should still have vibrant colours and the paint should not fade. It is best to seek advice from a specialist art supplier because they will have great knowledge of their products and can potentially save you money and hassle by recommending something that suits your needs or style. 

About the Author

iArtSupplies are established suppliers of high quality <a href="http://iartsupplies.co.uk/craft-supplies-UK/">fabric paint</a> and other art supplies