Batik-specific carved wood blocks: how to use them, why they're special. Watch my process here!

[@dropalike846]

Amazing work!

[@pouponcrazycat5987]

You have been an inspiration to me

[@waxonstudio]

That's so kind, thank you!

[@easyknits]

Thanks so much for this ! Love these blocks so much . Do you know when you’ll be getting the paisley one ? I’ve seen a t on their site but will wait til you have it. Thanks kim

[@waxonstudio]

Thanks Kim! Sorry I'm just seeing this. We are working on a paisley! Stay tuned to my mailing list to know first.

[@easyknits]

@@waxonstudio bought it from you already

[@nadyahhilmi6071]

What temperature does the wax have to be at

[@waxonstudio]

I keep mine at about 220... more info on my blog! waxonstudio.com/blog

[@Atheyani]

When I try it the wax stays on the wooden block instead of printing the fabric. I use 100% beeswax, any idea why that’s happening?

[@waxonstudio]

@@Atheyani my suspicion is that you are using a block that is not designed for batik. This is common. A lot of people bring their hand carved wood blocks from India into my shop and show me excitedly, and then I have to bum them out by letting them know that is a block designed for printing inks or dyes onto fabric! In order to suck up and release wax, it needs to be carved into a wood with a very specific porosity and into the end grain. Where did you get your block?

[@Atheyani]

@ thank you so much! Very interesting I didn’t think about the wood porosity at all. I just used some basic pine cleat i had at home and carved it myself with a dremel. I specifically took the hardest piece I had thinking it would be the best option 😅 I guess I’d have to use a more porous wood. Do you have any recommendations?

[@waxonstudio]

@@Atheyani Well, I absolutely love your commitment to DIYing it! I still just recommend using mine, because they are how I make my living obviously!

[@pouponcrazycat5987]

Where can I buy the blocks??

[@waxonstudio]

shopwaxon.com/collections/kits-supplies/products/batik-woodblocks-carved-exclusively-for-waxon

[@Jeanyjeany-s2w]

I want some blocks please help

[@waxonstudio]

shopwaxon.com/collections/kits-supplies/products/batik-woodblocks-carved-exclusively-for-waxon

[@lilatekani6033]

just wondering why you don't use paraffin wax in with your beeswax

[@pouponcrazycat5987]

Parafin smells awful and dies not leave the lines like Beeswax does

[@waxonstudio]

I am so sorry, how am I just seeing this a whole year later?? I don't use paraffin mostly because it's a fossil fuel and I don't like the idea of breathing petroleum fumes unless I invested in a fancy ventilator... and breathing beeswax just smells so much nicer!