How to make inexpensive stretcher bars for painting silk scarves:

How to make inexpensive stretcher bars for painting silk scarves:

1. I have been painting scarves for about six months.  But before I could begin, I needed stretcher bars.  The options online were pretty expensive, so I came up with my own idea.  

1. At the hardware store I purchased 1 inch pvc pipe in sufficient length to make a double stretcher assembly.  That way I can work on one scarf while the other one dries enough to remove it from the rack.
2. 1. The silk scarf blanks I usually buy are 11" X 60".  Adding 4" to those measurements I came up with the dimensions for the stretcher rack: 
   2. 1. 3 - 64" lengths
      2. 1. 4 - 15" lengths
         2. 1. 2 - T's
            2. 1. 4 - 90 degree corners
               2. 1. There is a very inexpensive tool that cuts the pipe quickly and smoothly (much easier than a hacksaw).  You can find them at the hardware store, too, for under $10.
                  2. 1. I did not glue the sections together.  They are tight enough that they will not come apart while you are using the stretcher frame.  By not gluing it, I can take it apart for storage, or to change the dimensions when I want to make larger or smaller scarves.
                     2. 1. I support the stretcher frame on 4 cans (pumpkin pie filling -- if you must know), stretched across two tables to get the stretcher frame at the right height.  Underneath, I stretched some old muslin to catch drips and the salt that I use to add texture to the dyed scarves.
                        2. 1. Last, the scarf is attached to the stretcher frame with 3" rubber bands wrapped around the pipe on one end and a silk hook on the other.  Silk pins or hooks are available online, too.
                           2. 1. Now you're ready to get out your dyes and brushes and make some beautiful scarves.  Have fun!