The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-01-24
SHADOW PAINTING
WILL BE FASHIONABLE
ON SUMMER GOWNS

Hand-painted gowns and dress ac-
cessories decorated in a similar man
ner are considered quite exclusive and
will be fashionable for summer wear.
Not only silks, but inexpensive muslins,
lawns and organizes are Transformed
into beautiful fabrics by this simple
means. As the method is within the
reach of anyone, the deft-fingered wom-
an can obtain surprising results.
An exquisite party gown recently
seen was worn by a young girl. who
whispered into the ears of an admiring
friend that the entire costume cost less
than SIS. This statement was explain
ed satisfactorily by the informant, who
said that she had decorated the costume
herself.
The dress was soft white diaphan-
Gus affair. made of organdy. and with
row after row of billowy f1ounces. The
entire gown was sprinkled with viO-
lets, single and in clusters. A soft white
fichu of lace hung in long loops in front,
and at the end of each one was sus
pended a bunch of violets made of rib
bon, and tied with violet louisine silk
bows. Violets were also painted on the
white kid slippers worn with the gown,
and three or four stray VioletS were
painted on the white fan.
This effect was obtained by the use
of violet dye, which was applied with
a brush, after the flowers We're OUT
lined on the fabric. Blotting paper was
placed underneath the cloth while
paintinS it, to absorb all moisture and
to n cyora The
material was then left to dry. aud af-
terward another coat of d. lighter vio-
let was put on the blossoms to shade
them. A green leaf here and there add
ed to the artistic effect of the gown.
1t is a good plan to experiment first
on cheap muslin before attempting any
thing more elaborate. There may be
some trouble at first with the dye or
water color paints spreading, but with
a little care this difficulty can be over
eems.
One of the prettiest gowns seen
decorated with this shadow painting
was a white silk painted with wild
roses. The white mousseline boa
edged with ruching, had a wild rose
dotted here and there on the edge.
A white silk head scarf, edged
with a three-inch chiffon fiounce,
was also decorated with roses.
Another clever idea for painting on
fabrics is to take daintily colored
picture Of the desired size and design
and lay it upon the cloth. Prick holes
in the picture with a needle, follow
ing the outlines closely. Then take
a small bag filled with lampblack or
fine crayon and rub over the perfo-
rated outlines. When the paper is re-
moved the design will be found out
lined on the material. OF course.
there should be a contract between the
fabric and the powder used in out
lining.
For this mode, before beginning TO
paint, stretch the silk fabric upon
a board on the table. Paint with
fine pointed brush, being careful that
the outlines are exactly followed, and
that the colors match the design. Lay
the water color paint upon the fabric
lightly at first, for, if it is too thick,
it may crack and ruin the picture.
Before using, the paint should be
thoroughly mixed with gold size" or
opaque mixture. Should the work
look dull when finished. it can be
brought out by using sicatif light
ly upon the surface. Another good
plan IL to pace the colors on blot
ting paper two or three days before
using, so that all the oil will be
absorbed.
This latter mode of decorating is
more appropriate for sofa pillows,
pin cushions. portieres and such
articles. than for dresses and furbe-
lows.