II sprayed burgundy steam fix dye onto the tie as an all over colour. I then used black steam fix dye to paint a wavy line down the length of the tie. I dropped salt onto the black dye. When heat was applied the salt pulled the dye into a unique pattern, similar to a spine bone. When dry I steamed the tie to fix the dye. The tie is then hand washable. It is habotai 8 silk which is firm but soft.