Dye on Silk and Wool:                                                                                While on holiday to “Club Med- Noumea” 15 years ago I first experienced painting on silk.  I was instantly in love with the process and wanted to find out more.  After the holiday I sourced the materials and found books in Dutch and French only.  So it was a matter of trial and error and self education. T here are lots of good publications readily available nowadays.  Due to the age and number of my children it took 6 years to treat my artwork as anything other than a very part- time hobby.  Although I have since branched out into other media, and also use the dyes on Superfine Merino wool, I still love this media.  There are only a few techniques to learn and the colours and effects are brilliant and unbeatable.      It is also incredible how many different ways one can use this method and the things one can make out of it: framed paintings, small mounted pictures and cards, jewellery, scarves, soft sculptures, clothing, purses, pouches and bags, ties and bow ties – the list is only limited by one’s talent and time!  The silk painting can be combined with embroidery, medium for those who think that they have no artistic ability or lack confidence.  All children off all ages love it because they perceive it as “cool”, especially when they see the colours flow and blend.  Painting on silk is also a wonderful medium for the disabled and those with poor fine motor skills.  As a creative medium it is very relaxing and I now find it very “easy “ and fun to do, often doing small silk painting projects in-between more challenging acrylic or oil painting.