Painted Birds

I am loving LuminArte Twinkling H2O paints. They have enabled me to make a bird with black fabric. I had been wanting to do that, but using just black or even subtle printed black fabrics just didn't appeal to me ... or at least there were none in my stash that did. I wanted that iridescent sheen that shines from black feathered birds. Now I've got it for this red-winged blackbird.
The subtle fabric for the bird below was chosen because I knew I could add that iridescent sheen of real feathers to it too. Previously, I would've considered this fabric choice a bit too subtle ... and boring to work with.
The paint is added after the birds are constructed, but before the beaks are glued on. I work on separate areas at a time, usually starting with the head, then down to its back, then the wings, and finally the under body. I've found it works best to brush just water onto an area before applying the paint. Mostly I'm after the iridescent colored sheen of these paints. I like that the fabric patterns and colors are not obscured. Although, a heavier application of paint will change the fabric color if that is desired ... as I did the yellow in the fabric of my giveaway gift bird for One World - One Heart.

These LuminArte Twinkling H2O paints are recommended for paper, canvas, rocks, wood and even Easter Eggs! It is also light fast which is a good property in regards to my birds. I have tested the color fastness on fabric by heat setting it with an iron. There wasn't too much loss of color when I rewet it and then ironed it again over a piece of white fabric. There was a lot of loss of the iridescence, however. I would not use this paint on any project that required washing. My use will be limited to art pieces.

Now, I'm off to hunt up some dark and black fabrics to play some more with my new set of paints. The aspect of FUN in making so many birds had begun to dissipate, but now it's back. Woo Hoo!