Batik is the art of decorating cloth using wax and dye. This technique, practiced for centuries with plant based dyes, was perfect for my Botanical Inspired Bar Cart.
I used White Canvas Banner Pennants to create a simple batik banner, hand-dyeing with paint and using wax repellent to create the word "BAR" (you can also create botanical elements). It served as the perfect themed detail to for the bar cart.
First, use a wax resist stick or a Crayola® crayon to write letters directly onto each canvas banner flag. I love this method for batik as it doesn't need to be removed and it's ready to dye immediately.
Next, dye the fabric with a watered down acrylic paint. Add a little water to your paint color, mix and apply to the banner with a paint brush, or dip the fabric into a larger volume of paint. Let the paint dry.
Next punch holes in the top corners of each banner flag. Thread jute through each hole and tie the flag into position on the Bamboo Garland.
Again, using jute, tie the garland (with flags attached) to the bar cart.
Once in position, use pieces of fern from the Fern Garland as accents on your banner.
The banner, spelling "BAR" is now complete. You can also create fern or floral designs or additional letters for an extended banner.
I hope you enjoy creating this simple DIY batik banner. Check out How to Style a Botanically Inspired Bar Cart for more tips and ideas on creating a naturally inspired vignette.
Photography: Photography Hill