Instructions for Decorating Canvas & Textiles

Materials Required:

  • Canvas Bag
  • Jo Sonja’s Textile Medium
  • Paints
  • Serviettes
  • Sponges (pre-wet before use)
  • A soft brush
  • Water

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Background Colour (Optional):

    • Wet the canvas with clean water to aid paint blending; note that more water increases bleeding and drying time.
    • Mix the paint with Textile Medium in a 2:1 ratio, then add a small amount of water to achieve a runny consistency.
    • Apply the mixture onto the canvas using a sponge, adding more water as needed for blending.
    • Allow to dry until touch dry, using a hairdryer to speed up the process if necessary.

  2. Apply Tissue Patterns:

    • Separate tissue into fine layers and tear to desired patterns for easier blending.
    • Optional decoration techniques: Use rubber stamps with Stazon, Momento, or Versafine inks on the plain tissue layer for added effects.
    • Apply the torn tissue using Textile Medium. Place it flat, load the brush with medium, and apply gently from the centre outward. Ensure ample medium is used to prevent tearing.

  3. Drying and Setting:

    • Allow the canvas to dry thoroughly, which could take up to a week depending on conditions.
    • For a waterproof finish, once completely dry, cover the canvas with All Purpose Sealer (APS) and allow another week to dry.

  4. Adapting to Other Materials:

    • This method is also applicable to other materials, such as canvas shoes.
    • For clothing, follow the same process but heat set the design by ironing on the reverse side or through a protective layer instead of using APS.

Tips:

  • The drying time varies based on material thickness, water usage, and room temperature.
  • Experiment with blending and layering techniques to achieve unique effects on different textiles.