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Now is the time of year that for many people, thoughts turn to gift giving. In my family, we celebrate Christmas with an exchange of thoughtful gifts that do not necessarily cost a great amount, but instead may be hand crafted, or tailored to each person’s interests. The thought and care involved in choosing the gift is often more valuable than the actual item
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 This project will cost very little, and be a lovely gift from a gardener…or to a gardener. We will be Discharge Printing a denim vest with botanical material. A Discharge Print is one where, in this case, plant material is placed on a garment, and a bleaching agent is sprayed or brushed on it, leaving the areas under the plant material free from the bleach.
I bought this denim vest in the local thrift store for $1.50, but a sweatshirt, jacket, or skirt will work just as well. Any material that chlorine bleach will react with is fine to use. I just like denim personally.
Materials Needed
Spray bottle
Bleach
Vinegar
Plastic sheet or garbage bags
Bucket or container for holding water
Thrift shop denim vest
Various flowers and leaves from your garden
Paper towels for wiping up
First of all, wear something so old that you don’t care if you get bleach on it. I can assure you that if you do not, some favorite item will be splashed, and bleach spotted. Do not ignore this step. The odds of splashing bleach go up in the same ratio as how much you like what you’re wearing. I speak from personal experience.
I test my garment with a drop of bleach in a hidden area before I get started. It gives me a frame of reference as to how fast the bleach will start to work. Some fabrics will discharge out almost instantly, and other fabrics seem totally immune to bleach. It makes no difference if it’s cotton or polyester, or a blend. Each fabric will react differently, and there are some that just won’t bleach regardless of how long you leave it. 
 Now, go to your garden and collect some flowers or leaves. Flat, daisy type flowers work well, as opposed to dense, multi-petaled flowers that do not have a distinctive silhouette. Deeply cut tree leaves such as maple, oak, or locust are good choices also. For this project, I just grabbed some nearby weeds, which happened to be Bidens, Goldenrod, and Queen Anne's Lace foliage, along with several other roadside fall wildings. Ferns, grasses, and many weeds work nicely, as well as morning glory vines. Try to stay away from the flowers like roses or peonies, unless they are the more open type of flowers. Tulips and iris are nice, but you should pull the petals off and arange them in a flatter shape. You don't have to use award winning orchids to make a pretty Discharge Print, but you can if you wish.
When you have your botanicals selected, go to your work area…outdoors is best if there is no wind, or a garage, porch, or shed. Lay plastic down where you will be working. Make sure you put down enough for two of whatever it is you will be discharge printing. This step is important. I also cut a piece for the inside of the vest to keep the bleach from bleeding through to the back side. If you discharge anything made of thin material like a tee-shirt, this is advised also. You'll need to dampen each side well, and bleed-through will ruin your design.
Pour your bleach in the spray bottle, wipe it off with a paper towel, and set it nearby.
Put a couple of gallons of water in your bucket or container, and add a cup of vinegar. This will be for stopping the bleaching process when you are done. The vinegar neutralizes the bleach.
Lay your item on one piece of your plastic and smooth out wrinkles. You can then place your flowers and leaves on the fabric in a pleasing pattern. Keep in mind that underneath the plant material, it will stay the same color as the original fabric. The rest will bleach to a much lighter shade.
Prepare plant material for the back side, and have it ready by your second plastic piece. You’ll want to be able to work quickly when we turn the vest over.
Now comes the bleach part. Spray bleach over the entire item in an even mist. Spray with the nozzle set to a mist, as opposed to a hard spray. The bleach needs to fall down on the garment without pushing the plant material around. You shouldn’t have to soak it, but dampen it well. The bleaching process will start, but you don’t have time to sit and admire it. Quickly pick the plant material off, and flip the garment over on to the dry plastic piece……NOW you understand why a second piece is needed!
Work quickly, placing your plant material on the fabric. You’ll want to keep both sides relatively the same tone, so both sides need to bleach as close to the same time as possible.
Spray the back side, and the process should start. I then remove my flowers, pick up my garment, and carefully spray bleach on side seams and shoulders. This is to eliminate any dark edges where bleach spray may not reach. I even folded the collar of this vest back and sprayed behind it. If you choose to do this, be careful not to spray the developing botanical print. This process can take between three and ten minutes. Use your own judgement about how long to leave it. The vinegar wash will stop the process.
When you are satisfied with your pattern, and want to halt the bleaching process, dunk it into the vinegar water and cover it completely. Don’t be alarmed if an orange color comes out in the water. This is a normal chemical reaction, and it won't explode. I usually let mine soak in this mixture while I’m cleaning up my mess. That’s about five minutes.
Rinse in laundry sink, or with the garden hose, then launder by it’s self.
You have now successfully created a Discharge Print
Many artists use this process for various projects. By being creative, and using your imagination, you can use discharge prints in many different situations. Colored tee-shirts are nice, and fabric handbags. Just make sure whatever you intend to discharge can be washed. If you really feel artistic, you can highlight areas with fabric paints, beads, metallic crayons, or other embellishments. The sky's the limit!
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I come from a long line of Kentuckians who love the Good Earth. I love to learn about every living thing, and love to share what I've learned. Photography is one of my passions, and all of the images in my articles are my own.
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Subject: discharge print it is.
Posted by slowtornado (from Belle Plaine, KS) on November 12, 2007 at 10:29 PM:Thanxx for the Xmas idea. I spend weeks looking for the perfect gift for my sister, and here it is!:-) ...
Subject: An interesting craft! Thanks.
Posted by Annepaola (from Manahawkin, NJ) on November 12, 2007 at 10:03 AM:As a ardent gardener, and an ardent thrift shopper I am intrigued. I think I may try something like some place mats or a table cloth as a first project. Thank you. ... Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on November 12, 2007 at 10:22 AM: You're most welcome!
It's a great craft, and you can get pretty detailed if you want to.
Remember that interesting branches and grasses work as well as flowers. It's a wonderful creative outlet. ...
Subject: Awesome vest & great instructions!
Posted by momof2d (from Des Moines, IA) on November 12, 2007 at 6:32 AM:Wow - this is on my "to do" list in the spring/summer - thanks Melody, I want to do a shirt & a skirt!
Jill ... Posted by gardenwife (from Newark, OH) on November 12, 2007 at 6:11 PM: That is great! It would be a good thing to do with a garment that has already fallen victim to a bleach spot - Dying such an item would not work, but bleaching the rest of it would! ...
Subject: Thank you Melody
Posted by UniQueTreasures (from Beaumont, TX) on November 9, 2007 at 12:12 PM:I hope you don't mind, but I've added a link to this article in the Artisans Cafe. You gave wonderful instructions for this project and included some excellent photos. I know this will be a big inspiration to many of the artists here on Dave's. If you get a chance, please stop by the Cafe and post more photos of your beautiful art. As you said, many people will be making hand made gifts for the holiday season and you are definitely an inspiration! Thank you for posting clear, concise instructions and helpful tips.
Janet ... Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on November 9, 2007 at 12:31 PM: Thanks so much Janet. I appreciate the kind words. Glad you liked the article! ... Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on November 11, 2007 at 11:02 AM: unique treasures--when you say to stop by the cafe-are you speaking of a physical place or somewhere on the website? i have seen you mention the cafe before and always thought you meant a place you opened but this time it sounds like maybe it is a place to try on the computer? do i just type in cafe in the search? ... Posted by UniQueTreasures (from Beaumont, TX) on November 11, 2007 at 11:17 AM: planolinda, there is a forum here at Dave's called the Artisans Forum [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
Within that forum, about 2 weeks ago, an Artisans Cafe was started [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] Many folks from Dave's have posted their beautiful artworks there. It's very fast paced and to keep the threads manageable for dial up folks, Traci creates a new thread (or floor, as we sometimes refer to it) about every 2 days. At this moment, we are on page # 7. You can find all of the threads in the main Artisans Forum. I'd recommend getting something to drink and starting at the first one, posted in this paragraph, working your way forward, just so you don't miss any of the incredible art that's been shared. Dave's is full of incredibly talented folks. There is a lot of fun in the threads as we all get to know each other. We welcome anyone and everyone to the cafe. It's a beautiful place to hang around and get to know folks. ... Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on November 11, 2007 at 11:36 AM: oh goody!!!! can't wait to visit! thanks ...
Subject: Love it!
Posted by roadrunner (from Hereford, AZ) on November 9, 2007 at 9:24 AM:Melody...once again you have shared your wonderful talent with us.....off to the thrift stores! Jo ... Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on November 9, 2007 at 9:28 AM: We went to Ellen's last weekend. Guess where this vest ended up? I wrapped it and gave it to her for Christmas! ... Posted by roadrunner (from Hereford, AZ) on November 9, 2007 at 9:39 AM: You're so good...Although I have now lost 18 pounds...I would still need an X-Large....LOL
I know you enjoyed visiting with Ellen...and she with you! Wish I were there.
Oh...have you heard anything about Dori's Memorial Bench? We need a picture. Jo ... Posted by McGlory (from Southeast, NE) on November 9, 2007 at 9:52 AM: Oh, my goodness! You are absolutely amazing! It must be wonderful (especially for your friends) to be both gardener and artist. You definitely have a talent, Melody. Great article and super pictures! ... Posted by Elena (from Nashville, TN) on November 9, 2007 at 11:03 AM: Well, it doesn't look as good on me as it does on Mel, but I am one happy lady with my wonderful vest. Talk about surprised! I am delighted with it and don't have a way in the world to tell anyone how much I love it.
Yes, we had a wonderful visit last Saturday. Lisa came too and we decided that it qualified as a roundup since there were three of us DGers here. Bet you would have been here also if you had known it was a roundup, huh Jo? That is wonderful about your weight loss. Keep up the good work.
Now how in the world will I ever think of a Christmas gift for Melody that would come anywhere close to what she gave me???????????
Thanks again Mel! ...
Subject: Discharge Print Vest
Posted by spidra (from Berkeley, CA) on November 9, 2007 at 4:02 AM:Neat idea! ... Posted by Sheila_FW (from Fort Worth, TX) on November 9, 2007 at 8:12 AM: The crafter in me has wheels turning!! Placemats, aprons, totes, purses....etc. Thanks for the step by step! ... Posted by cathy4 (from St. Louis County, MO) on November 9, 2007 at 10:42 AM: Beautiful denim totes for Christmas this year, woohoo! Thank you for the instructions, you have solved my gift giving for this year. ... Posted by beckygardener (from Sebastian, FL) on November 9, 2007 at 11:32 AM: What an awesome idea, Melody! The instructions in the article were well written ... enough for even me to understand! And the photos are perfect because I am a "visual" person! :-) Thank you for giving me a neat idea for Christmas presents this year!!! :-)
Sheila - Good idea about doing this with placemats and aprons! Love it!!!! ... Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on November 9, 2007 at 11:50 AM: Practice on something that you don't care to trash the first time out. It's an acquired skill, and there's a small learning curve. Still plenty easy for the average Girl Scout Troop, but you might want to understand the process by doing a test piece before the 'real' gifts. ... Posted by cathy4 (from St. Louis County, MO) on November 9, 2007 at 11:58 AM: I was looking around the yard to see what is still decent for use (heavy frost). I have holly bushes, should I flatten the leaves before spraying? Will dried flowers work? How about wood letters to spell a name or a saying? My brain is spinning! ... Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on November 9, 2007 at 12:09 PM: All will work. The items don't have to be totally flat, you'll figure it out as you go along, but as long as they leave a silhouette, they'll work. Get a 'test piece' of fabric and do a bit to see if you're getting the desired effect.
Lightweight cardboard cut-outs are nice. (animal shapes for kids)
Ferns are wonderful. Done quite a few fern items that turned out great.
Silk flowers, dried flowers, plastic kid's toys ,silverware (chef's apron)
Anything that won't dissolve when wet, or bleach won't hurt.
edited to say that fall leaves are great too. Even if they are dry. Visualize maple and oak leaves discharged. also interesting twigs and branches, grasses, your begonia leaves, and philodendron vines...
This message was edited Nov 9, 2007 10:15 AM ... Posted by cathy4 (from St. Louis County, MO) on November 9, 2007 at 12:14 PM: now this is really cool. ... Posted by beckygardener (from Sebastian, FL) on November 9, 2007 at 1:06 PM: No kidding! Looks like the sky is the limit!!! Thanks for introducing all of us to such a neat craft idea, Melody! :-) :-) ... Posted by cathy4 (from St. Louis County, MO) on November 9, 2007 at 1:16 PM: OMG, I have a sack of flat plastic animal buttons that I just KNEW I would use some day. All I have to do is find them, lol. ... Posted by Kelli (from Los Angeles (Canoga , CA) on November 9, 2007 at 2:40 PM: Now I know what I can do to redeem some shirts I have that have bleach marks and other stains that make them unfit to wear in public. Thanks! ... Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on November 9, 2007 at 2:53 PM: I always use Clorox brand bleach. I had some disappointing results with a 'store brand' once and have since stayed with the real deal.
The el cheapos are not as strong, thus, you don't get a good print all the time. ... Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on November 9, 2007 at 9:25 PM: Melody, my daughter wants you to make her a vest, too. x, Carrie ... Posted by Sharran (from Calvert City, KY) on November 10, 2007 at 12:48 AM: Great article, Mel....good job! ... Posted by Sis_E (from San Jose, CA) on November 10, 2007 at 3:24 AM: Zowweeee, I love that vest!!, I have got to get a piece of scrap and test! I have everything just sitting around the house. Thank you, Melody! Fantastic! ... Posted by melody (from Benton, KY) on November 10, 2007 at 10:11 AM: Thanks ya'll! Glad this was such a hit. Just be careful about where you do this, and what you wear.
Famous last words..."Oh, I'll be VERY careful" If you have to be very careful about splashing bleach, then you WILL splash it. Make sure that you have a good place to do this, and curious cats are excluded from the festivities. You know how they love to get between you and whatever you are doing. ... Posted by Sheila_FW (from Fort Worth, TX) on November 10, 2007 at 12:17 PM: The bathtub in my birthday suit is looking like the spot for me! LOL! ... Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on November 11, 2007 at 10:59 AM: cloth napkins for thanksgiving!--table runner--thanks so much for the great idea--i love working with cloth for some reason--this should be fun ...
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