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Experimental Indigo Body Art | |
Application Technique | |
Experimental Application Technique | |
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Above. Celtic style indigo design, dye on. | |
Materials | |
Small paint brush | |
Water colour pencil | |
Alternitively | |
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To Make Up: | |
Make a mini indigo vat Using Ancient Blue Crystal Indigo. These experiments have been done using one quater of a teaspoon of dye crystals in a shot glass of warm water. To make up the dye put warm water in a cup and add the crystals to the water. Do not stir. Introducing extra oxygen to the water will exhaust the dye. This is an alkaline solution and should not be applied to thin, broken or sensitive skin, it is unsuitable for prolonged contact. The pH of the dye vat can be varied using the dilution guide in the chemistry section. If you experience any irritation rinse with plenty of water. Consult a doctor if irritation persists. | |
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Above. Mini Indigo vat, Ancient Blue Crystal Indigo plus water. | |
1. Sketch out the design with the water-colour pencil. | |
2. See mini vat above. Add a quater of a teaspoon of dye crystals to warm water in a shot glass to make a dye vat. Do not stir. Introducing oxygen to the water will exhaust the dye. Let the dye rest for a few minutes then begin. | |
3. The surface of the dye will oxidise and form a scum or crust on top of the dye, this is normal, as you dip your brush you must go through this layer collect fresh dye. | |
4. Apply the dye to the skin with a fine brush and allow it to dry to a maximum contact time of about one minute. | |
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Above. Tribal style design, first dye application. | |
5. Remove the dye by washing it off with plenty of water. | |
6. Dry the area thoroughly and repeat from step 4, building up the design by tracing over the faint mark left from the first application. Repeat the process as many times as it takes to reach the desired colour. The illustration below shows a design drawn on the inside of the wrist, panel one shows the colour after three applications of freeze dried indigo paint. In panel two you can see how it is possible to work into the design using the re-application technique to add depth and texture by picking out parts of the design. | |
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Above. 1. An Indigo Stain 2. Add depth and texture by picking out parts of the design. | |
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Above. A finished multi-application design by Catherine Cartwright-Jones | |
Safety and handling: Pure indigo is approved for use in food and cosmetics. Ancient Blue Crystal Indigo is a plant derived dye which has not been refined. Batches may vary. Dye powder should not be inhaled. Do not use Indigo on or near eyes, mouth, and genitalia or on children under the age of 16. Use only on healthy, unbroken skin. Indigo is a highly concentrated dye, which can permanently stain fingernails, hair, clothing, furnishings and work surfaces. | |
Application Technique | |
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