Design Magic for Paintstiks on Fabric by Shelly Stokes, softback published by Cedar Canyon Textiles. ISBN 978-0976791612, price 22.95 USD available from www.cedarcanyontextiles.com

I had Shelly’s first book and DVD, so was eager to get my hands on this. Shelly has a straightforward, easy to understand style and her skills as a teacher stand out throughout this book. She takes you through everything you need to use paintstiks (Markal in the UK) on fabric by designing your own stencils. Discover whole cloth stencilling and five projects to get you going. She even includes two free stencils with this book. Tips and techniques throughout. I know of no-one else who has experimented with these techniques quite like Shelly. She is the magic behind her designs. Recommended.

Paintstik Inspirations DVD by Laura Murray availble from www.lauramurraydesigns.com and www.cedarcanyontextiles.com

This is so exciting – this whole DVD is dedicated to the many ways in which you can paint fabric with Painstiks. Laura Murray brings this subject to life and explores many methods of application. I watched this through in one go, but it has a menu and you might need to take all the information in bite-sized chunks as there is a lot to digest. I’m sure you will refer to this time and again and I am also prefectly sure that you will get hooked on this. 

Laura Murray transforms plain fabric into eye-catching designer fabrics by using Painstiks in stimulating ways. Laura’s style is superb and she provides comprehensive instructions for using Paintstiks. . You can immediately see the possibilities here and you will want to experiment and discover all the many ways to use these sticks. 

If you have not already got Shelly Stokes book, read the review and buy that too. The DVD and booklet  work together very well for a complete understanding of Painstiks. Shelly features in the DVD too in a questions and answer session. Over one hour of inspiration. Recommended.

Paintstiks on Fabric by Shelly Stokes, softback booklet published by Cedar Canyon Textiles, Inc, USA, price 16.95 US dollars from www.cedarcanyontextiles.com

This is an incredibly useful 32-page booklet, brimming with information on Painstiks. If you have never heard of these remarkable sticks – find out about them now, get your hands on a copy of this booklet and on the DVD by Laura Murray. Painstiks have conquered the textile market as the easiest way to colour fabric, but also have many more applications on wood, clay and so on.

This booklet takes you through all you need to know about Painstiks including colour, application, uses, fabrics, heat setting and more. Clear text – if you have ever read how-to instructions and thought – I can’t follow that – there is something missing – you won’t find that with this booklet – everything is crystal clear. In all, there are five ways of applying Painstiks to fabric. The text is illustrated with colour photographs showing fabulous work and the possibilities of versatile Painstiks. Compact and very comprehensive – let your imagination do the rest.