Preparation
Butcher paper or plasticUtility paintbrush in desired widthSilk paint1 yard silk crepe de chineIronSynthrapol or other gentle laundry detergentCutting matScissorsStraight pins or clampsMetal straight edgeRotary cutter
Protect your work surface with butcher paper, plastic wrap, or any clean, dye-free cover.
Dip brush into paint and apply to crepe de chine; let dry. Iron fabric for 3 minutes to set dye.
Wash with detergent to remove excess dye that hasn’t bonded with the fibers; let air-dry.
Note: Using undiluted paints will yield the brightest shades, but you can mix them with water or with each other for a more subtle effect.
To make the ribbons, place fabric on the cutting mat and fold it in half diagonally to make an equilateral triangle; cut off excess fabric.
With scissors, cut along the fold. You will be left with two triangles of fabric.
Working with one triangle at a time, fold in half. Pin fabric to cutting mat (or clamp to table), with folded edge to your right. Place a metal straight edge parallel to the bottom of the fabric and use the rotary cutter to cut each strip of fabric.
Martha Stewart Crafts large brush set, $15, all-purpose scissors, $20, and rotary cutter, $25, michaels.com. Dye-Na-Flow fabric paint in hot fuchsia, $3 for 2.25 oz, and 16mm crepe de chine, $10.50/yd, dharmatrading.com.
