For over 20 years now I’ve been through different stages of creating this unusual batik art as a way of living. My first sales started at eclectic little craft fairs in Oregon, local markets, and concert parking lots at various venues along the West coast in the early 90s. In the beginning I gathered together books and supplies from nearby art stores and even thrift stores, and at that time a neighbor serendipitously handed me an antique tool called a tjanting, which I still use (partly reconstructed) to this day. Upon my first brush stroke with molten wax in the spring of 1989, I knew this was my calling. Once I discovered batik there was no turning back, and I have been pursuing it intently ever since.

All my batiks are original freehand paintings made with pure unfiltered beeswax. They are hand dyed, hand dried, re-painted and re-dyed, and finally laboriously boiled clean in a cauldron of water. These batik designs are entirely handmade from start to finish. Naturally, my work is branching into 2 dimensional art pieces, with original pieces showing at the Sweetskins’ Eco-boutique on 8th & Blair Street in Eugene. Along with original hand made batik clothing, my Etsy store also offers fabric embellishments for your own creative projects, and ready to hang matted prints. I am self taught in all aspects of batik art and running a business, along with the help from the Eugene Public Library, the EDev program through the Lane MicroBusiness Center, a lot of trial and error, and the continuous encouragement of some amazing friends and colleagues.

Fun Facts You Might Want To Know About Purchasing From Batikwalla:

All my batik items are original handmade works of art. Many of the items listed are immediately available in a particular size and many are made to order. Feel free to ask me about an item at batikwalla@gmail.com. Also, if you see something yummy that is not currently available in your size or color choice, just send me an email. I might be able to make it for you.

If you're local to Eugene, Oregon and prefer an alternative to shipping (like picking an item up) let me know and I'll edit the charge before you purchase. I often use recycled boxes from our local natural food store (thanks to Sundance Natural Foods) but I sometimes find certain items fit better in the Priority Mail packages or these nice padded mailers I pre-purchase for the smaller items. My recycled boxes are thoroughly inspected to be in excellent condition although they often have interesting branding on them from all types of organic or natural products. Let me know if you have a particular preference for packaging, I can easily accommodate your request if you have one. All batik clothing from Batikwalla is machine wash-n-dry friendly and hand-washing isn't really recommended or necessary. Keep it simple. This will retain its shape, design and color for a very long time.

Other online Batikwalla venues

http://etsy.com/batikwalla

http://twitter.com/batikwalla

http://www.youtube.com/batikwalla

Facebook/batikwalla... just me talking about life and batik projects. All the newest batik designs are posted to facebook, too.