Batik Workshop

After seeing these textiles being produced, we wanted to try them out. From our trusty Lonely Planet guide we knew that when we arrived in Ubud, Bali there would be opportunities to do a batik workshop. We asked around and found one, a little bit outside Ubud. The guy there runs a commercial studio creating fabrics to sell. We were lucky enough to have his attention all to ourselves and spend 2 days experimenting with the various ways to apply the hot wax to the fabric. It was an amazing workshop; being in Bali, drawing and painting away. Perfection. We even discussed the possibility of starting our own studio. What an amazing life that would be! We all chose to draw Balinese dancers, based on a series of water colour postcards we picked up. Here's how it went...

The studio backdrop

I start using a tjanting tool to draw with the hot wax...

The professional at work

The studio

Amy and Maya in deep concentration

Amy drawing on some extra detail

Amy's first layer of wax

Maya applies her first layer of dye

A little correction was needed when the wax dripped

Amy's first layer of dye

Amy's first layer

Maya's first layer

My first layer

Maya uses copper stamps dipped in the hot wax

Several copper stamps, all custom made designs

Close up stamp

The tray of hot wax on the left, the stamps on the right

My 2nd layer hangs out to dry

Amy painting with the hot wax

Close up pre indigo dip dye

Close up 2

Close up3

The fabric gets immersed in natural indigo dye

Maya's creation

Maya's best Balinese dancer impression!

Amy's creation

As dark falls, local men come sit and play cards

I'm the last to finish!

Our first finished Batik creations

Mine and Mayas fabrics

Group photo with our lovely teacher