Batik is Unique and Unequalled.

I always feel amazed with people who are generally loyal to their own country, and Indonesia is very lucky to have Kak Shinta from Bubu.com. She blogs about her passion which is on Batik She called herself as Batik-Evangelist. Batik is Indonesia's traditional clothes. Batik of Indonesia is unique and unequalled. Indonesia batik is made in several regions, such as Pekalongan, Solo, Jogjakarta, etc.  Based on her love of Batik, she asked me and other bloggers from (Indonesia, Philippines, and New York) to join the Familiarization Trip (#Batikday Trip) presented by Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Culture. Yes, we visit Pekalongan, Jogjakarta, and Solo.

I googled the meaning of Batik. The word Batik is thought to be derived from the word 'ambatik' which translated means 'a cloth with little dots'. The suffix 'tik' means little dot, drop, point or to make dots. Batik may also originate from the Javanese word 'tritik' which describes a resist process for dying where the patterns are reserved on the textiles by tying and sewing areas prior to dying, similar to tie dye techniques. Another Javanese phase for the mystical experience of making batik is “mbatik manah” which means “drawing a batik design on the heart”

On our first day in Pekalongan, we went to Museum Batik.

 

Canting

Behind the beauty of Batik, the tools of making batik is really simple, it's named: Canting. Canting is a small thin wall spouted copper container (sometimes called a wax pen) that is connected to a short bamboo handle. Now let me try...

I was really excited to try :D

Some beautiful Cap (copper stamp)

Creating batik is a very time consuming craft. In several years ago the cap. (copper stamp) was developed to meet growing demands and make the fabric more affordable to the masses.  This invention enabled a higher volume of batik production compared to the traditional method which entailed the tedious application of wax by hand with a canting

This is how to use the Cap (but not the expert one) :p

VOILA!

 I met some new lovely friends.. At the first time, we acted like we were normal ;)
As the time goes by........ We'll see! LOL.  
Me, Sonia Eryka, Tricia Gosingtian (Philippines),
 Chirstina (New York), Tara Amelz , Christina (New York)

It's one the Cap's designs.

Yes the next destination we went to the place of Cap making. Most of them are men. They are really have a good sense of art. The owner said it's a family business which is created in many years ago. Cool, huh?

It's one of Batik Village's wall in Pekalongan

Pekalongan is known for its most famous “batik tulis” or “hand drawing batik”. That's why Pekalongan is often called as "Batik Town". After Pekalongan, we were heading to Jogjakarta. So.. my story will be continued soon.. Okay? :)

But once again, I really wanna say thank you to Kak Shinta & Minister of Tourism and Culture for creating this trip. I'm a proud Indonesian.

xx, @marcellacarolin