While on my visits to the Hawaiian Islands, I was able to attend classes that taught how to paint with leaves and flowers. This art of painting is called "Lau Painting". The hotel gave us a splotch of material that was used to learn the art of placing the flowers on. It was about a six inch square piece of white cloth. As you see, I became so inspired that I started painting my own clothing. I have painted on white blouses, shorts, hats, and even tennis shoes.
I will tell you how to make these beautiful works of art for you to wear. Just some acrylic paints, a few leaves, flowers, and a brush is all you need. While on Maui, we used different flowers, leaves, and kukui nut pods for painting.
So, let's get started painting your own blouse, shorts or even tennis shoes if you like.
First, gather different leaves and flowers, like the asparagus fern, boston fern, and the arrowhead philodendrom. For my flowers, I picked the beautiful Plumeria flower and orchid blooms. The paint that I used was acrylic paint, which can be bought at most craft stores. I used the kukui nut in husk for my brushes. You could use a regular artist 1/2 inch paint brush to place the paint on the flowers or leaves.
Using your brush, apply paint on the leaf or flower and press down onto the fabric. Make sure to place the paint side is down. Use an old towel or paper towels to keep the paint from getting on your hands. Place the towel over the fabric and flower and then press firmly on the leaf or flower. Remove the towel and gently pick up the flower and the paint will remain on the fabric. Continue with the other leaves and flowers until you are finished. Make sure that you protect the other side of blouse, so that the paint doesn't bleed through to the other side. I used newspaper to place between the front and the back of my blouse. After you are finished, let the paint dry thoroughly. Finally pressing with a hot iron will set the paints. Wash as usual, but if you want you can hand wash your new outfit.
I have painted t-shirts, blouses, shorts, and even tennis shoes. My next item to paint is going to be a dress. I will let you know how that goes. I will have photos of it for you, when I get it done. It is a white dress, and I know that it too will be very beautiful. It will also be a "one of a kind" dress.
Here you see the beginning of the white dress project. It is a plain white dress, and I know it is going to be special when it is finished with the colors of flowers and greens.
I first apply the flowers on the dress. I try to see in my mind where to place each flower. I use different colors of red, yellow, and pink. Once I have decided on where to put the flowers, I apply the paint to the flower, then press it firmly down on the material.
I use paper towels so the paint will not get on my hands, and also allows you to press firmly on the flower. Once you have this done, remove the paper towel, and gently lift the flower. Then on to the next color for your flowers. I try to space them apart, so there is equal space between each color.
After you have applied each flower, it is time to move on to the next stage of your painting. I know add the fern leaves, and the philodendrom leaves to the dress. After I have done that, I let the paint once again dry. The reason that you want to let the paints dry in between each stage, is so the paint will not accidently get smudged. That would not be good. After you have finished with the greens, then you can move on the adding a touch of blue. That is what I do and it adds so much to the outfit. The blue seems to set off the colors and adds that touch of color.
After you have completed your painting, let the paint thoroughly dry. Now it is time to set the paint with a hot iron. Make sure to test the heat of the iron on the fabric first. This should be done so that the iron is not too hot. It could damage the fabric. Once you have set the paint with the hot iron, it is ready to wear. So, the finished dress now looks like this.
Another beautiful creation for me to wear to dinner. You will find that each time you paint, your placing of the flowers or colors will vary. That is what makes each painted blouse, dress, or any other thing that you paint so very unique. It will be your own design and something that you will be very proud of.
I know that you will get many compliments on your new wardrobe. Have fun making your new wardrobe. I know that I did and always get many comments on my blouses and shorts. I have even had those wanting to know where I bought my outfits. So, you can also have the honor of saying that, "I painted my own outfit". You can paint your own outfit too! You will be the envy of everyone.
Once the weather warms up for an outdoor photo of the finished dress, I will put in on. Then you can see the real look of the finished dress. I kow that you have been waiting to see it. I hope it will not be long. Spring is here, so once again I will be able to return outside here in Illinois. This dress is, of course, a warm weather dress. So, return again if you wish to see the finished dress modeled.
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