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Since I am a flamboyant, punky type who creates with a twist of glamour, I've worn my artwork utilizing fabric paints I've created on clothing, hats, shoes, purses and my home decorating projects have not escaped my passion for creating. If I can embellish it and put my unique stamp on it, I DO!

My favorite methods of making my own fabric paint start with one of the many textile mediums available in today's market, washable fabric glue or fabric paint, adding colors and textures by utilizing a range of items from glitter to sand to food color to regular paint. The key is to experiment with mediums that will adhere to fabric and withstand washing.

When using washable fabric glue, make sure it clearly reads that it is non-yellowing if you are going to use it in a clear state on a white background. It depends on the look you are going for. I've had some projects "yellow" with age and look fabulous!

Some examples of the types of fabric paint I've made:

Shimmery look with a hint of color . . . add glitter and food color to washable fabric glue, changing the intensity of the color by adding more color or glitter to the mix. I like to mix at least three different shades starting off with one batch of paint, ending up with at least three. There is also a wide variety of glitters on the market that ranges from very fine to very course in texture and from iridescent to opaque in color.

Shimmery look with opaque color . . . same method as above, using washable fabric paint. Vary the opaqueness of the color by using a textile medium that varies the color transparency.

Misting fabric with a concoction made of water, glue, and a bit of color if desired. This mixture is put into a spray bottle and "misted" on the surface of the fabric. This is how I start off many of my creations, creating a blank canvas with a nice background. While the fabric is still wet, carefully sprinkle glitter if desired. Make sure to wash bottles and sprayers as the glue will render them useless otherwise.

Let your creativity go wild! Look at simple items such as aquarium gravel and sand to give your fabric paint the texture it needs for the desired effect you are looking for. I've found that the one of the best items for creating texture is tiny cut up pieces of fabric built up and mixed in with the fabric paint you have created.

Have fun and create a style that is uniquely yours!

Learn more about this author, Gina Alfani.
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