Handpainting Fabric: Easy, Elegant Techniques [Paperback]

Michelle Newman (Author), Margaret Allyson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

Now it’s easier than ever to transform plain fabrics into beautiful handpainted clothing and home decor. In Handpainting Fabric, authors Michelle Newman and Margaret Allyson show readers how to use readily available paints, dyes, and art supplies—along with simple, innovative techniques—to create stylish wearables and eye-catching accents for the home.



Following an overview of basic materials and tools, readers will learn practical tips for composition and layout, along with invaluable advice for adapting visual references from nature, ethnic traditions, exotic locations, and ancient cultures. The techniques chapters present step-by-step lessons in painting, dyeing, discharge, printing, using wax resists, and creating special effects on a variety of fabrics, including silks, velvets, and sheers, all with stunning results.



Inspirational examples of fun and elegant clothing (scarves, wraps, vests, skirts) and dazzling decorative accents (pillows, throws, curtains) provide ideas for using embellished fabrics creatively. A chapter on adding stylish details such as linings, tassels, and fringes is also included.




• Makes each step of fabric painting
and dyeing easy

• Author Michelle Newman is a frequent television guest known for her fun, anyone-can-do-it approach

• Features a variety of inspirational designs and projects, all beautifully presented

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michelle Newman is a textile and crafts designer who works closely with manufacturers in the fashion, crafts, and home furnishing industries. Mary McFadden and Vera Wang have used her handprinted fabrics in their couture collections. Her work has been featured in Paint Décor, Decorating Ideas, and the Miami Herald. She is also a frequent guest on HGTV’s The Carol Duvall Show. She lives in San Antonio, TX. Margaret Allyson has served as editor of several national crafts magazines, including Needle & Thread and Michael's Arts & Crafts. She has also authored books on quilting and weaving. She lives in Fort Worth, TX.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; 1st edition (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823016269
• ISBN-13: 978-0823016266
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #739,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, Fabulous Ideas, March 21, 2004

By 

"[e-mail]" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handpainting Fabric: Easy, Elegant Techniques (Paperback)

Whether you're new to fabric painting, or have been working in this rich art form for years, you'll find something to love about this book. The methods are beautifully presented and the writing is clear, concise and expressive. Authors Margaret Allyson and Michelle Newman inspire through techniques that range from simple to advanced, always providing enough information to get you started on your own project. The artistry of handpainted fabric is shown along with clear craft and design elements that inspire you to begin your own projects. Techniques range from simple to advanced and you can find your own pace to begin working in this ancient, and beautiful art form.
This book should be on the shelf of every quilter, fiber artist and painter.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I ever bought, March 24, 2008

By 

S. Dalton (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handpainting Fabric: Easy, Elegant Techniques (Paperback)

This book is fantastic - as I knew it would be. From start to finish, it is clear, concise, easy to understand and full of ideas. I also bought another 5 star book that I wish I hadn't. Handpainting Fabric tells you exactly what you need to know without long narratives - which I hate. The pictures are fabulous and techniques are easy and written extremely well. This book makes you want to get started immediately. My suggestion is if you are just starting out, this is the book for you - it tells all you need to know. And why not - its Michelle Newman.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lots of photos, little substance, August 8, 2008

By 

Valery Kepley "Frunchy Mama" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handpainting Fabric: Easy, Elegant Techniques (Paperback)

I returned this book, because it wasn't what I wanted. I skimmed it over, and there are a lot of pretty pictures, but it is mostly about silk, only cursory information about other materials, lots about one authors specific projects. Most of the instructional info can be found free on the internet.