Multicultural Perfectly Patterned Examples by 8th Grade Students Batik Grades 7-12

Description: Batik is a method of dyeing fabric using wax resists. It is centuries old and has been adopted by many cultures. The word "Batik" is Javanese in origin and the tjanting needle, a widely-used wax applicator tool was developed in Java. Examples of the batik process can be found in Indian, African and other cultures. This introduction to traditional batik methods gives students experience in color theory and in creating repeating patterns. The results can be used as hangings, part of a pillow cover or a book cover. This is a multi-step process and will take several class periods to complete. CAUTION: A crock pot is mentioned as a heat source here because wax has a low flash point and can start on fire. Crock pots heat slowly and operate at a safe temperature (below 160° F).

Objectives: • Students will demonstrate knowledge of traditional batik methods by creating their own batik. • Students will demonstrate understanding of repetition and pattern by creating their own design. • Students will display knowledge of color mixing by creating a design in which the mixed colors remain clear and bright.

Materials: Manila Drawing Paper, 500-Sheet Ream, 50-Lb., 12" x 18" (027267-705) Saral Graphite Transfer Paper, 12½" x 12-Ft. Roll (459257-705) Bleached Fine Weave Muslin, 5-Yd. Piece, 36" Wide (406382-705) Aluminum Foil, 18" x 500-Yd. OR (458387-705) Plastic Table Cover, 54" x 90" (444311-705) Rust-Free Push Pins, Box of 100 (452072-705) Professional Batik Formula Wax (447728-705) Hamilton Beach 6-Qt. Slow Cooker (403965-705) Tjanting Needles, Set of 3 (444014-705) Batik Brushes, Small (411017-705) Batik Brushes, Large (444794-705) Batikit Classroom Kit (433484-705) Newsprint Paper, 30-Lb., 12" x 18" (027255-705) You will also need: Pencil Crayons or Colored Pencils Masking Tape Cardboard or Drawing Board at least 14" x 20" Buckets for Dye Iron and Ironing board or surface Newspaper Needle and Thread or Sewing Machine Dowel Rods if using batiks as hangings

Directions: 1. Wash the muslin, dry and iron it to remove sizing. Cut it into sizes that will fit the designs of the students with about an extra inch all around. 2. Melt the wax in the crock pot. Keep it below 160°F to prevent smoking. Wax can ignite if hot enough. 3. Prepare the dyes according to package directions and set out in buckets in an area well protected by layers of newspaper. 4. Begin by showing students examples of batik. Find examples on the Internet or in books. Explain that the white and lighter colors were waxed first, resisting the dye. The deeper colors were waxed later or not at all. Working out the sequence of waxing and dyeing may be the most difficult step in this process. 5. Begin by having students develop a grid that fits on a piece of 12" x 18" manila paper. The grid sections should be no smaller than 2" x 2". Within that grid, have them apply alternating simple motifs. They may keep the angular lines of the grid as part of the design or develop other ways of dividing the design (see examples). 6. Now the color sequence must be addressed. Parts of the design should remain white, so leave those areas of the paper design uncolored and number them 1. Next, the students should color in the parts of their design with a light color such as yellow and number them 2. The second and final color will be a darker color such as dark green, brown or black. Students should color in those areas and number them 3. 7. Explain that the colors will not appear exactly as they are in the drawing because the second dyes will be added over the first color. You may want to discuss color mixing, referring to the color wheel. 8. Students should now tape the corners of their muslin to a table so that it is taut, overlay a piece of transfer paper, and tape their design to the transfer paper centered on the fabric. Have them trace over their lines, checking to make sure they are transferring to the muslin. 9. Remove all tape and set design aside. Each student should cover a large piece of cardboard or a drawing board with foil or plastic table covering cut to size. This will prevent the waxed fabric from adhering too tightly to the board. 10. Students should tape their muslin to the covered board. 11. Demonstrate applying wax with a brush and a tjanting needle. 12. Have students refer to the design and wax the areas they have numbered #1. 13. Be sure the students are protecting their clothing. 14. Have the students dye their waxed muslin with the light color they chose for the areas numbered #2. (When dyeing, leave the fabric in the dye until it is a shade darker than you want it to be when dry.) 15. Let the fabric dry. 16. Repeat Step 10. 17. Have the students wax the areas they labeled #2. (If your 1st dye color was yellow, wax all the areas you want to stay yellow.) 18. Dye with the second color, the one chosen for the #3 areas. 19. Let the fabric dry. 20. Put a piece of clean newsprint paper on both sides of the batik. Add a thin layer of newspaper to both sides. Iron with the hottest setting. The wax will begin to melt off onto the paper. 21. Keep changing the papers and ironing until much of the wax is removed. 22. Fold in the edges of the fabric twice. 23. Stitch the edges. Leave a channel for a dowel at the top and bottom edges if using as a hanging. (Note: This method does not permanently set the dyes. Do not wash the finished batiks.)

National Standards: Content Standard #1: Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes. Grades 9-12, Proficient: Students apply media, techniques and processes with sufficient skill, confidence and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks.

Content Standard #2: Using knowledge of structures and functions. Grades 9-12, Proficient: Students create artworks that use organizational structures and functions.

Content Standard #4: Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures. Grades 9-12, Proficient: Students differentiate among a variety of historical and cultural contexts in terms of characteristics and purposes of works of art.