One of our most popular posts is the
Bleach Pen T-shirts I did back in February. I get a lot of comments and e-mails about using bleach pens. I have made several T-shirts, decorated skirts, made the boys some shirts in the last 8 months. Recently I tried using bleach pens on woven fabric instead of just knits. I decided to share some tips on using bleach pens and hopefully this will help those who have experienced some trouble.
Click here to see the Bleach Pens I use.
Last week I made some linen blend table runners.
I used 1/2 yard of linen blend fabric for each table runner, added simple pin tucks on the ends and finished the sides. Then I grabbed my bleach pens and started to design.
I will share what I have learned working with bleach pens through repeated use and gaining experience by making mistakes.
Use simple designs and lines. Too many details and it will just all blend together. Even though the bleach is gel-like in the pens, it does bleed into the fabric somewhat.
You need to keep a steady hand and make sure the bleach gel flows well. Frequently shake the bleach to the tip. Over a rag of course.
Use a rag to wipe away extra bleach from around the tip, you do not want extra bleach to get smeared all over your beautiful work and you want crisp lines. Wipe away bleach bubbles. When you see those, wipe them away, do not get them anywhere near the fabric and get the thick gel flowing before you apply it. The bubbles are trouble! They are liquid bleach, that will make your designs run. If you make a mistake, you cannot wipe it away. Take a deep breath and make it part of your design.
In my experience the bleach pens work much better on cotton knits. I had more trouble on the linen table runners. I practiced and practiced on some scrap linen fabric before I attempted a table runner. And the first one did not really turn out. As long as I strategically place a vase on it, no one will be able to tell. By the way, I am NOT showing it here. The second was much better and I was happy with the last two.
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I love this idea, Dora. I wonder if it would look good copied to a valance to match the runner... or maybe even throw pillows?
ReplyDeleteVery cute, and I love the colors! I have never used a bleach pen. Thanks for the heads up. Visiting from Chic on a Shoestring.
ReplyDeleteThis is soooo cool!!!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! Thanks for the tips. Love this idea:)
ReplyDeleteSuper cute and will look great with your personalized porcelain ware! What a terrific holiday gift idea too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete(I saw you -twice- on Marvelously Messy)
Thanks Julie! Great idea, I should have taken a picture with the plates I decorated...
ReplyDeleteYou're making me want to try this... I guess I'll do cotton first!
ReplyDeleteDora, these are beautiful. I love the fantastic colors of your linens and the sense of spacing, line and either-way-is-up designs! (I'm more tempted to buy that teal one, not just make one for myself...)
ReplyDeleteLove this idea!
ReplyDeleteI love both of these. Your designs are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHi! Stopping by from Handmade Tuesdays link party. Your designs are really pretty on those cool colors of linens. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using a bleach pen to make such amazing things!
ReplyDeleteBeth @ Hungry Happenings
Do you wash them immediately after drawing the designs? I'd be worried about the bleach gel running as soon as you got it in the water!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project! :) I've featured this post on Craft Gossip here:
ReplyDeletehttp://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/bleach-art-linen-table-runners/
If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here:
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteThe bleach gel dries pretty quickly, after about 30 minutes it is dry to the touch. Recently I had some a bit of trouble on another bleach pen project I was working on. At this point the only tip I can offer is that you use cold water for rinsing. I am thinking about trying to use an old rag to rub off the dried bleach before I actually rinse it. Hope this helps!
I love your runners, especially the red. So pretty! Thanks for the tips, I really want to try this.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Beautiful effect, very striking. Thanks for the instructions and tips.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
lovely design :) a bleach pen just went on my list for the next trip to the grocery store!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! I'm going to pick up a bleach pen today. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThese look great - what a neat idea!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Idea!!! They look great!
ReplyDeletenewest follower!
What a cool and simple idea! Stopping by from Night Owl Crafting
ReplyDeleteI totally love this! It's really beautiful the way they turned out. I would love to have you link up with Creative Me Monday at The Southern Institute! My linky party runs all week long. Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2011/09/creative-me-monday.html?utm_source=BP_recent
Hope to see you there! I'd also love to be added to your linky party list if you would. :)
Jenny
this is great! i've done this before with t-shirts. i love your designs!
ReplyDeletei would love for you to come link up this or any other amazing project at my creativity party going on right now!
letbirdzfly.blogspot.com
thanks so much for sharing!
WOW! Love this...going to try it for sure! Tweeting too! Thanks for sharing! Popping by from Pop Art Minis from the Commercial Break Link Up!
ReplyDeleteThese are BEAUTIFUL! I've been eager to try some bleach pen tees. I might have to try a table runner now too. Now following!
ReplyDeleteAngela
bingecrafter.blogspot.com
These are great! Love both colors. I did something similar using stamps. Thanks for all the great tips!
ReplyDeleteYou've been featured on Fabulousity Friday at Sweet Tea Serendipity. Be sure to pick up your award here: http://sweetteaserendipity.blogspot.com/2011/09/fabulousity-friday-14.html
ReplyDeleteThis is super cute! I am always adding color with paint and it never occurred to me to take color away! I love this!
ReplyDeleteI've been playing with bleach pens too, very fun! Great tips, Dora! Thanks for sharing what you've learned!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! It reminds me of Swedish textiles.
ReplyDeleteso so cute!! I love this idea!!! the blue one is my fav!!!
ReplyDeleteLove these! Did you start with colored fabric or did you dye it yourself first?
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteI did not dye the fabric myself. Just got the solid color linen blend at my local craft store. I have tried using solid colored quilters cotton and it works great too. Hope this helps!
I love these!! I bought a bleach pen this past summer and never got around to trying your shirt idea. I love the table runners. Such lovely art work!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. The tips are good.
ReplyDeleteOne question, please: I read something about adding a nib to the bleach applicator... are you doing anything to the applicator, or just using it as is?
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteBleach pens have two ends, one with a brush, the other with a small round tip. I just used the small round tip to draw with.
You can stop the bleaching process with regular white vinegar. Just splash some on. It will stop your current work but it's better to put it on hold than to totally ruin your project. Hope that helps.
ReplyDelete~craftgawker friend. ;0)
I think scarves would be fun, the ideas are endless :)
ReplyDelete