Learn and Enjoy the Art of Batik

In a village just north of Ubud, Bali, Widya offers batik instruction, personal or in workshop format, to local and visitor alike.
All materials are provided. We’ll even pick up at your hotel or bungalow, and bring you to and from Widya’s studio in Tegallantang. All you need is your imagination. . . . and a sack lunch.

BATIK TULIS
Batik waxed by hand with a chanting is known as “ Batik Tulis.” This is the original, or traditional, way of creating batik.
>>> photo album of batik’s process

CHANTING
The tool used to apply wax in fine lines is called a “ chanting. “A chanting tool consists of two parts, the handle which is made from bamboo and the front spout which is made of copper. The “chanting” tool, a burner and small wax wok. Many fine details can be incorporated into a batik using the chanting tool.
>>> photos of putting wax using chanting

STAMPING
Stamping, a method later developed in Java, is another way to apply wax. Stamping can be done by hand, or combined with “ batik tulis” Mass produced batiks are often made with the help of machine stampers. Stamps are generally of bronze. Stamping is one of many ways to apply wax to fabric.

DYES AND COLOR
Unlike in many batik studio which use chemically-based dyes, all of the dyes used in Widya’s batik studio are organic and are made from plants, flowers, vegetables and minerals.
>>> photos of coloring process

Some of Widya’s batik color is “ light-activated,” stabilizing and changing to true color in the sun. Other colors change to their true color in the fixing process.

BOILING
When the dyes are set, the batik is boiled to remove the wax. After the boil, the piece is washed in clear water, then dried to reveal the beauty and originality of the batik!
>>> boiling and drying process