Eco dye printing
To create these prints I folded my collected leaves in material (protein fibres work the best or mordanted natural fibres).
Then I wrapped that round copper rods and simmering in water for 30 minutes + to extract as much dye onto the cloth as possible.
I found string good for keeping this all in place and it even added some interesting marks in the end results.
After removing the string, un wrapping and taking off all the plant material the imprints were faint (especially when using dried material). However this was intensified when bathed in the iron. Going forward I want to naturally dye the cloth after to see how this effects the print.
Eco prints on paper
When researching how to eco dye print on paper there were many different option, most being sandwiched between two clamped tiles. However, I used a tin can as this that’s what available to me and over time the rust will added to the prints.
The only downside to this was the edges did get torn slightly where they were overlapping and unprotected but in the end, I think this added to the look.
I love all the different tones coming through and variations where I have modified with iron and natural dyes (red cabbage) I look forward to experimenting with this more in the future.
