Brightly colored leaves are starting to cover the ground in the garden and along the city streets in our part of the world. Intrigued by their beautiful hues and how they might might work as eco-prints, I have collected bunches of them during recent walks in our neighborhood.
This weekend I bundled them up, trying to be somewhat scientific by adding nothing but pure water and a couple of pieces of copper piping to the dye pot. The results were amazing, but not in the way I imagined. I was thinking I would get leaf impressions in red, burgundy, maybe orange based on the colors I started with. Instead the imprints on the linen fabric were vivid green, yellow, soft bluish gray, brown, or tan pending on the species. On silk the same leaves printed pale pink, peach, and mauve... I am totally infatuated with this dyeing method. Unwrapping the bundles is like unwrapping a treasure, always with surprising results. And each time I recall the wonderful time spend learning during India Flint's workshop this summer and the friendships that were forged in the process. Bliss.
I have listed the leaves I used, and the stunning pieces of cloth that resulted below.
the fabric looks amazing afterwards! I'm completely fasinated by that technique!
ReplyDeleteTry it with a couple of squashed rusty beer bottle tops instead of the pipe. It will kick you over into the blue/grey/purple spectrum. So much fun.I am currently dyeing silk scarves.
ReplyDeletea sigh of amazement here as I gaze at each outcome..it is looks simple yet intricate, using such plentiful resources
ReplyDeletemagic!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Lotta, you are right, these are absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for sharing the photos! Gloria
ReplyDeleteIncredible....!
ReplyDeleteAha! Those are oakleaf hydrangeas! We have heaps of them in the neighborhood but couldn't figure them out. These prints are beautiful! I loved the prints on the silk--very ethreal!
ReplyDeleteC'est magnifique...peut-on trouver des livres sur cette technique ? Quel est le nom exact ?
ReplyDeleteJ'ai repris mon travail auprès des enfants à l'école maternelle et j'aimerais beaucoup teindre avec eux des feuilles que nous ramassons tous les vendredis au parc de l'île Saint Germain.
wonderful results! you must be so happy. i have GOT to get out before the leaves are all gone (any day now).
ReplyDeleteso jealous
ReplyDeleteEven from where I sit today, I am missing fall...........lovely Lotta!
ReplyDeletelooks like it's raining leaves, wonderful colours, so strong. k.
ReplyDeleteAmazing results and on the cellulose too! Such delicate prints.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to get a chance at a workshop with her next year, it looks just incredible.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteLove the different efect on different textils...lovely!
ReplyDeleteWow, these prints are amazing! I feel like running out of the house right this minute to collect leaves!
ReplyDeleteamazing results. Wow and sigh.
ReplyDelete