Introduction: How to Make Batik Style Prayer Flags Using Glue

By Artsy Karma
About: My artistic life keeps growing and evolving and I love being a part of it as it does. I went from painting little pictures for my son's nursery to mixed media artist with a craft tutorial blog, artsykarma.com.…

There are a lot of reasons why I really like this project...

  • I love decor that hangs down from somewhere - knick knacks would just become part of the mess that is my house (kids….and a little me.)
  • I’m into folk art right now.
  • While they're not traditional tibetan prayer flags, I can send a prayer to the world every time I watch them catch a breeze.
  • I got to try the faux batik technique using glue!!


Supplies

Step 1: Cut Linen

Cut your linen to the size you want your flags to be. I did not worry about cutting particularly straight or if the linen frayed at all. Traditionally, prayer flags are meant to fray as a way to acknowledge all things are impermanent. 

Step 2: Draw Design

Decide whatdesignyou’regoingto make. Use a water-soluble pencil or disappearing ink pen to draw your design on the flag.

You could use a lightbox or a tablet to trace the design. You should actually be able to see a printed design under your piece of linen without a light source.

Step 3: Trace Design With Gel Glue

Grab your gel glue (I started off using the generic brand from the dollar store.)

Start slowly and mindfully tracing your design with the glue.


Step 4: Make Sure the Glue Connects Everywhere

You‘re going to notice pretty quickly that the glue will pull away and group together leaving blank spots in your design.

Take the end of a paintbrush or something like it and pull the gathered glue where it’s missing on your design.

Let it all dry

Step 5: Mix the Paint

Mix your acrylic paints with a textile medium.

Step 6: Start Filling in the Design

Start painting your flag with the acrylic mixture.


You can fill each space with a different color as I did. Or you can paint over the glue with one color and make a tie-dye effect.

Step 7: Don’t Worry About Hitting the Glue With the Paint

You can paint into and over the glue. Those spaces will still be white when you remove the glue.

Step 8: Soak Your Flags

Fill your sink or a tub with hot water and soak your flags for at least 30 minutes so the glue loosens.


I ended up soaking them for a while.

Step 9: Remove Glue

Rub the glue parts with your fingers after you’ve soaked it. The glue should start coming off.

Step 10: Let Dry

Lay your flag out to dry.

Step 11: Line Them Up to Sew

Once you have the number you want, pin them together for sewing to a length of ribbon.

Step 12: Sew Together

Sew them together.


I chose to use my sewing machine. But you can hand stitch if you prefer.

Step 13: All Done

And tada!

Aren't those awesome! For another fun project on a string, check out my project using recycled plastic to make flower lights.


Hang them inside or outside and let everyone admire you’re work 😃.


See more of my colorful crafts at ArtsyKarma.com