03/04/2024
March Meet the Maker The Human Touch 03/04/24
In yesterday’s post I called myself a bookmaker, natural dyer, and eco-printer. I would say my hands touch everything I do.
With bookmaking, I cut the signature pages that go in the book. I cut the covers, the paper or fabric covers, and the end pages that go on the inside of each cover. Sometimes I make gel prints or painted papers to use in my books. I like to add unique closures, beads, or emphemera to the books/journals. Then the stitching completes the book/journal. The stitching takes time but then the book becomes an entity of its own. I love books, so every journal I put together is done so lovingly. To hold a completed piece of art is such a joy.
First, is the feel of the fabric or paper. Both are fine pieces of material that create the base of the art piece. Natural dying and eco-printing can go hand-in-hand or each be their own creation. Preparing for eco-printing and/or dying requires several steps, but then assures the final outcome will be beautiful.
I gather my own flowers and plant material for eco-printing. Fortunately, I live on five acres with lots of trees and growing plants. Flowers are pressed, leaves are rehydrated and then placed on the fabric or paper. That’s not the end of the process. Fabric and paper are bundled or pressed together and steamed to release the natural colors.
For natural dying, I use purchased dyes known for their ability to produce earthy colors. Again the process involves several steps that create beautiful pieces of fabric.
Combining natural dying and eco-printing is a rich evolution of of process that results in amazing colors, prints, and pieces of wearable art.
