A FASHIONABLE HANDICRAFT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 128, 20 August 1927, Page 18

A FASHIONABLE HANDICRAFT

PAINTING ON MATERIAL (By MOLLIE LITTLE.) Handiwork of every description is very fashionable just now, and of all the many branches of this feminine art there is none more beautiful, more interesting, or easier for the amateur to accomplish than that of painting upon material. I have just seen a display of the loveliest frocks, scarves, shawls and household accessories, all decorated with the most charming hand-painting. There was a dainty white chiffon frock painted in a fairylike design of cool, delicate greens. There was also a white crepe-de-chine shawl upon which a very wonderful stork, in various shades of blue, pink and dark grey was disporting himself among various coloured blossoms. Every bit of the white background had been coloured in graduating shades of grey. CUSHIONS AND COLOURS Crepe-de-chine cushions were decorated with gorgeous coloured parrots and flamingoes, and there were all sorts of Chinese dragons and fearsome beasts and birds whose sole virtue lay in there unconventional beauty. Now, any girl with average artistic abillity can do this type of work, through naturally, a girl who has a “flair for colour” can achieve happier results than the girl who hasn’t. Unless you can design your own pattern, it is better to buy one all ready printed. Many embroidery patterns are suitable, or you can procure patterns specially designed for this type of work. Place the design upon a board and pin the material over it with drawing pins. Now trace the pattern through to the ninon by means of a wax pencil provided for the purpose. This waxed line divides the colours and prevents them from running into each other as they otherwise would do. This useful little tool is packed in a box with several bottles of paint and other necessary little articles, the whole outfit being procurable for a few shillings. BEGIN MODESTLY When the actual painting is in progress, a sheet of clean white blotting paper should be placed between the material and the drawing-board. After you have had a little practice at this delightful work, you will be able to get the loveliest shaded effects, but, at first, it is better to use only one colour between each little waxed enclosure. Perhaps one of the most economical features of this fashionable hobby is the fact that the materials thus decorated are so easily washed in warm rain water and the very best soap flakes. The material must be rins- d very carefully, and the flat iron must not be too hot.