DIY Sharpie Tie Dye Scarf Tutorial

You will need:

• Sharpies in various colors and points

I really love to use wider-nib markers so they create bigger designs, but the techniques are SO endless.  It’s beautiful to create big washes of color, then go back with a fine point to define the lines.  Play with it….make a couple “sample” scarves to find the design technique you like best.  I use both of these Sharpie marker collections with great success:  Sharpie fine point and Sharpie chisel point.   Sharpie ultra fine are great to use after your watercolor design has dried –  you can go back into your design and add detail and definition with the thin black line it makes.

       

• Scarf blank

I like to use silk because it “bleeds” the marker design evenly and creates a beautiful watercolor effect.  Scarves come in many different dimensions, so chose one that compliments your final design.  I have found great silk blanks at many online retailers, like Amazon and Dharma Trading. I usually use the 8″ X 54″ scarves because they are so versatile, but some people like square shapes, longer rectangles, whatever!  There are so many options – it’s good to have a collection in various shapes, sizes and designs.

• Rubbing alcohol

Just regular ol’  rubbing alcohol will do.  Keep your Grey Goose for the company.  BUT, if you love doing these Sharpie tie-dye designs, invest in a big bottle of rubbing alcohol.  It’s cheap, and you always have your craft supply on hand.

• Spray bottle and/or dropper

This is used to apply the alcohol – but if you find a method you like better (like a paint brush), then rock on, Sister Scarf Maker.  I love to use pipettes because they hold a lot….and I hate to keep drawing alcohol while I apply it to the scarf.

That’s really it.  The rest of the supplies are up to you – they’re used to minimize the mess.  And you know how I feel about messes – I encourage making them (in the name of art and fun, of course).

I put newspaper, then butcher paper under the scarf and tape it down (lightly).  This allows the scarf to be taut while I draw the design.  You decide what layers work for you (and your work area).

Draw your design.  BAM.

Involve your family (sans the Sharpies for the little ones).

Just keep drawing!  Have fun! You seriously CANNOT make a mistake on this project!

If you thought you had fun making your design, PUT ON YOUR ART-FUN SEATBELT  for the next step because it’s even MORE EXHILARATING!

**Before this step, I put towels underneath the scarf so the alcohol can be absorbed, and doesn’t “sit” underneath the scarf.

Using the spray bottle or pipette, apply alcohol to your design and let the marker lines turn into running watercolor.  I know.  It’s almost too much excitement for one project.

Let it dry – which doesn’t take long, because it’s alcohol – it has weak molecular bonds. But you knew that.

That’s it!  If you want, go back with a fine point black marker and re-define the shapes. The finishing steps are up to you…the artist.  But whatever you do, enjoy your beautiful new wearable work of art.