As promised Eco Dyeing part 2
You will need:
Selection of plant material
Card or Watercolor Paper I used 140lb Acid Fee
Old Ceramic wall tiles
Rubber bands or string
Steamer, mine came from charity shop
White Vinegar.....you do not have to use this, experiment and see which you prefer.
First of all I gathered my blossom
Offering from the Spring Garden
Gather Card, paper and cut to size required
I use two ceramic tiles 6 x 6 inch
as you can see these are old used ones
I dip my card or watercolor paper into white vinegar as I layer up
Begin layering up
Place first card onto tile
Laying out on card
Layout on paper
Side view of layers
Once I have all my layers on I place the other tile on top and secure with bands or you could use string
Then you are ready to steam
I use an old stainless steel steamer
The steamer lid will not fit over the tiles so I improvise by using an old Aluminum saucepan, just be careful when removing as steam escapes quickly ......I always turn off my cooker first and leave to cool.
Once your prints have cooled untie and wash any stubborn foliage off in water.... leave to dry.
A selection of prints on card that were steamed for 1 and a half hours
Daffodil, Grape Hyacinth and forget me not, you can see in this photo that some of the plant stuck fast! it has removed a little of the surface....but I like this as I feel it looks like an old plastered wall
This card was only steamed for 1 hour
I love the touch of Pink here from the Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossom, Camellia petal and Rose shoot from a shop bouquet
Wild Geranium Herb Robert, Grape Hyacinth, Cherry Blossom and Poppy leaf
Wild Geranium Herb Robert and Spruce the dots of Blue are from the Grape Hyacinth
A few prints on Paper
I love the painterly quality of these prints
Cherry Blossom and Grape Hyacinth that has run.....gorgeous
Grape Hyacinth bells lose, touches of wild Geranium
I would like to say that I am only a beginner.....who is learning everyday, I have taught myself with the help of online tutorials and the kindness and patience of many facebook friends who are teachers in Eco Dyeing and Printing.
I hope you are inspired to have a go.
Lots of love for now
Marilyn xx
