Batik factory visit

Today we went to a batik factory to learn about batik and also try making some ourselves! Turns out the factory only consisted of two guys, one stamping on the patterns and one dying the fabrics afterwards. Batik can be made in two ways, either by applying the wax with a stamp, or painting the fabric by hand with a wax pen. To use a stamp you first heat up wax, dip the stamp into it, shake of excess wax and then carefully stamping the pattern on the fabric. The hard part was getting the stamp in exactly the right place to make a continual pattern, and not making it crooked! Afterwards they dye it, and then wash off the wax. If they want more colors they either stamp it again and wash it again, or they start out with a fabric that has already been dyed.
Batik is a big deal in this country. They say it originated here, and almost got into war with a neighboring country who claimed they had invented it! They use batik clothing for uniforms in school or different work places, for special events or even for every day clothing.