Eco Botanical Printing Experiments

The last couple of days I've been experimenting with printing leaves and flowers on cloth.  Its a whole new craft that so far has been another one of my favorites. The successes and failures and surprises are all part of the learning process.  With the help of the experts on FB groups and YouTube I should be on my way with eco botanical printing.  

 I first gathered some old rusty iron objects , nails, door hinges, hubbies stuff in his "he shed" ; ).   Loaded a jar with the iron, cup of vinegar topped with water.   Suppose to wait a week or so but I just could not wait.  I tried a silky (not real silk) cut of fabric for a scarf.   A day later after the iron soaking I foraged the gardens and woods for maybe printable plants.  Dipped them in vinegar then a iron dip.  It was already strong ( I highly  recommend gloves) my finger tips turned brown fast and you really need to protect your skin from this type of solution.
 The iron brings out a black print so that can be adjusted to a weaker bath with more water.  It will take several testing to get the right look.

My first project I rolled the scarf around a stick and tied it tight with fabric strips, submerged  this in boiling to simmering water for almost 2 hours.  I did unroll right out of the pot (could not wait) and seen that I had a muted print with some of the leaves showing a nice print.  The rose leaves did the best.   I do plan to add some wool to this scarf and finish the edges.

This next project just got out of the pot and sun drying on the porch before I wash it.  This was done a little different then the scarf.   I used a new cotton dish towel that I hand washed (scour).  Using walnut leaves that I dipped in the iron ( I will not do that on the next one, to much iron).  On one half of the towel I laid the walnut leaves then an iron blanket on top  (I used paper towels soaked in the iron solution).  Adding the leaves on top of the iron paper blanket , then flip the other half of the towel making a layered arrangement.   Rolled on a stick, tied then steamed this one instead of a water bath.   It suppose to make halos and sharper images.  About a couple of hours steaming.

Well its a start with so much to learn and experiment, adding colorful flowers and learning what types of leaves , flowers, plants will work the best for sharper prints.  The muted looks are beautiful as well.    I can do this on wool so the sky is the limit.   Give it try, gather those leaves and flowers,  grab some rusty iron and wear those gloves.   Most of all have fun!

Glad you dropped by
Linda

 

Ribbon Work Uncovered

I was cleaning out my work shop (I work for wool) : ) and uncovered a fun craft that I started last year, ribbon embroidery.    Its a beautiful art and very relaxing.  I use silk ribbon and embellishments and even watercolor for the backgrounds.   On the silk ribbon I use  permanent markers that can bring out a range of color plus shading and highlights.
These are some of my practice pieces along with a little bag I made.

This stand is perfect for holding embroidery hoops, even for painting. Its great when you want to watch a good movie and do artwork at the same time.  Or take it outside!

This is a small corner in my workshop that is used for sewing, embroidery, quilting, beadwork, tatting and a nice library on the side (not shown b/c the books are not neatly organized yet) that holds inspiring reference books and also my herb and gardening books.

It doesn't matter how small or large a workplace might be, as long as it inspires you to give things a try.   Don't do like I did and cover up your gifts!

Thanks for dropping by.   I got some wet felt pieces I did over the weekend that I plan to share soon!

Linda