When I travel, I’m always keen to meet local craftspeople and learn about their traditional methods. On my recent trip to Mexico I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet artist Tim Hinchliff. He has been yarn painting for over 30 years and has created so many beautiful pieces. Tim made all of the paintings shown in this post.
Yarn painting originates from the Huichol tribe. It is an ancient Mexican folk art technique dating back thousands of years.
I tried my hand at painting with yarn and found it fun, relaxing and almost mesmerizing. You really get into the zone using just your hands and eyes. No batteries required!
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- Observing Tim hard at work.
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- Beautiful tree filled with birds and butterflies.
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- Tim was working on a large piece during my visit.
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- Can you spot all the symbols?
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- Yarn painting is very detailed work.
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- A tree with deep roots tells a story.
One of the best parts about yarn painting is that you can create a design that tells your own story, using symbols. It reminds me of how embroiderers customize their designs to tell a story about themselves or the people who receive their Embroider Buddy® creations.
To create your own yarn painting you need a board covered with sticky wax and resin, colourful yarn, small sharp scissors, creativity and a lot of patience! Make sure to outline your symbols with contrasting colours to really make them stand out.
Check out this great tutorial I found about Huichol yarn painting.
Have you ever tried yarn painting or another form of folk art?
Thanks for enjoying!
I was so happy to see this article on your website. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Timothy and taking one of his classes in Mexico. My mother was a descendant from the Huichols, so it was especially exciting for me to get in touch with this art.
I understand the yarns Timothy uses are Tamm Diamante yarns. Do you happen to know if there are other yarns that work for this type of art? I know there are crochet yarn/threads that may work, but I don’t know what size to use. Any suggestions you might have would be most appreciated!!!!!
Thanks so much for your comment, Kathleen and letting me know you’ve met Tim. I’ve asked him for the answer to your question and will post it here as soon as I hear back from him. It may take up to a couple weeks.
Kathleen, here’s what Tim had to say in response to your question…
Any finger weight yarn (often used for crochet) should work. Cotton, synthetic as long as it doesn’t unply. In other words when you roll it in your fingers the yarn doesn’t separate. Omega is a big company in Mexico but there are appropriate yarns sold everywhere.
Good luck and let us know how you’re doing.
Donna, I’d like to make my own pine resin! Waxed boards, do you know the ratio amount of resin to wax?
Kathleen, Thanks for your question. I’m sorry I don’t know the answer. Please let us know when you find out.
Thanks,
The Embroider Buddy® Team
I am hoping you can give me the formula for the amount of beeswax to pitch needed for application to my board for Huichol string art. I have searched all over the internet and cannot find the percentages of pitch to beeswax needed.
I would appreciate your assistance on this, or if you don’t know perhaps you can direct me to someone who does know.
Thank you so much!!!
Can you please email me. I can direct you to someone who is an expert. I haven’t contacted him for quite a while. However it’s worth a try. Thanks
Donna@embroiderbuddy.com