Liquid V Ice dyeing - What's the difference?

Many people have never heard of 'Ice dyeing' before seeing my work.

Some of the most asked questions I receive are:
"What is Ice Dye?'

"What's the difference between Ice dye and traditional Tie Dye?"

"Why do I choose to Ice Dye?"

I can talk and explain and use all my fancy words and jargon, but I personally much prefer a visual to follow along with.

Come take a look at the difference between these two techniques, you may be as surprised as I was at the results.

To make it easier for you to explore and compare the images as they progress down the page, I've kept all liquid images on the left side on the screen, and ice dyed on the right. 

For the purpose of this experiment all factors were kept exactly the same.

For example - SAME fabric, SAME spiral fold, SAME dye colours used.

Teal Blue | Moss Green | Golden Brown | Rust Brown | Maroon | Power Berry

Time to apply dye:

Liquid dyeing took one hour - each of the 6 dye colours were to be individually mixed and dissolved in water before slowly applied to their specific section.
Squeezing and adding liquid dye at a fast rate has it splashing and spreading outside of its segment. Slow and steady is the key for liquid dye.
Ice dye took 7 minutes - It's much faster and more accurate in using a teaspoon and sprinkling small amounts of dye into the individual sections of the spiral.
I can be more precise with my dye application when adding dye in it's powder form.

After batching (sitting while the ice melted and the dyed bonded to the fabric. 24-48 hours is best)

Before opening the fabric, I believed that my heart would instantly prefer the Ice dyed piece.

The Results

The Liquid dye gave the strong, bold, solid result I was anticipating.
The Ice dyed piece showcased the watercolour, marbled, softer style that I was expecting.
What I wasn't expecting however (for me personally) was to be instantly drawn to the vibrancy and depth of the liquid spiral.
It sucked me right in!!!!!
Was it how the liquid dye's individual colours seeped and blended together?
Was it that the Ice dyed piece had white, unsaturated area's?
Over the years, I've learned to embrace white in my designs - I think it highlights the other colours.
Was it that this is the first time I've seen these Earthy tones liquid dyed together?

 In Conclusion

 What's the difference between Liquid and Ice Dyeing?

Art is in the eye of the beholder.

Here's what some of my clients had to say when choosing there preferred technique:
Lisa ~ They are both beautiful but the liquid dye one has won me…You managed to change my mind.
.
Amy ~ I have to agree with the liquid dye, in this instance, being my fav too. The colours are so intense!
.
Kerry ~ I'm an ice fan. It's gentler and delicate.
.
Kay ~ They both look spectacular! I'd buy ice one as love the effects the ice leaves.
.
Catherine ~ Going against the grain but I like the ice dye because it is more intricate.
.
Kaylene ~ I like the ice dye as I love the uneven white bits still showing.

 

I would love to hear your thoughts on these two vastly different techniques and results.

If you love this look, and would like your own (in YOUR choice of colours) you can find more information HERE.

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