"Noton Japanese Design" and "Indonesian Batik"

Noton is a Japanese word meaning balance between dark and light. It is also an art form involving papercutting and positive and negative shapes.
Our first workshop of the term was given by Gail Marsh introducing us to this technique. Although we were only using paper and card, it was easy to see how the designs could be transferred to stiffened fabric. The designs created were certainly dramatic and inspirational. Thank you Gail for motivating us to include Noton designs with our textile art work.

Gail continued to explain how an extension of the composition could be achieved by filling in spaces with zentangles. For those not familiar with this design technique it is worth researching on the internet! I had not realised how popular it had become. Creating structured designs through drawing various repeated patterns has become a therapeutic and relaxing pastime. Incorporting zentangles using fabric pens on a piece of  Noton textile work  gives yet another dimension to creating new and exciting fabric art.

During the afternoon, Tori Riley came to give a talk on "Indonesian Batik". She illustrated her talk with a wonderful rich and diverse selection of fabrics. She gave a detailed explanation of the history and techniques of batik, explaining that using the wax resist dyeing method to decorate fabric was a technique peculiar to Indonesia.
As a child, I too had spent time in Indonesia and can vividly recall the waxed fabrics hanging out to dry. Although it was during my early teenage years, my interest in fabrics was obviously strong and I can remember bringing home the large brass intricate pattern presses used for stamping the designs. Unfortunately over time and limited space, these were discarded during one of our house moves! How I wish I had kept them!! I have since found similar stamps on the internet!

 
www.dharmatrading.com/tools/indonesian-copper-tjaps-for-batik-and-stamping.html

During this meeting we were able to see our completed panel for the Regional Banner. Each Embroiderers' Guild in the Yorkshire and Humber Region was asked to provide an embroidered panel.The idea was to include stitching from each of the members. Our completed piece does justice to this! Stones, ram and trees were embroidered individually, and then appliqued together on a splendid Dales background. We look forward to seeing the final banner.