Book Review- Fabric Surface Design

I haven't done any silk or fabric painting in quite a few years and this book is so timely because I've been wanting to paint some silk shawls lately. Since it was never a subject that I knew much about, reading this has given me a lot more insight into techniques and tools.

It starts with an introduction to materials, the author talks about choosing the fabric paints, how they work and has a good chart to refer to how different paints can be used. She also discusses fabric types and how to choose and pre-treat your fabrics. The introduction to fabric surface design also explains the basic tools you'll need. How to make a good work surface and how to stretch fabric if it needs stretching.

Then it's into the techniques, and this is where this book shines for beginners or people like me who are getting back into fabric painting after years. She explains different methods in detail with clear photos and product suggestions and reviews.

You will learn how to:
painting fabric
using resists like wax or gutta
use salt in fabric painting for neat effects
how to paint things in ombre shades
2 methods for marbled effects
printing fabric using all sorts of methods
doing transfers
fake tie dye effects with a gorgeous watercolor look
Spot effects like using oil crayons and embroidery
foiling using a few methods
stenciling

Along with all of this are some great artist profiles and photos of finished pieces as examples. The book finishes with an explanation of color theory to help you with palettes.

She doesn't give you step by step projects, just all the information you'll need to create the fabric of your dreams. I was originally planning just to paint a couple of shawls, but after reading this, there are so many more ideas I want to try.

There is a good resources section at the back for finding the supplies she suggests using, a suggested reading list, and a good, complete index.

If this is a topic you have an interest in, I absolutely recommend it.

And yes, when I do paint those shawls, they will be posted here.


I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.