Fallen Leaf Dye Papers Swap

Greetings,

This week Innes and I walked the wooded paths to forage for leaf samples that the trees had discarded. Choosing bracken leaves, and autumn leaves that no longer held their previous colours, some rather brown. I wondered as to why we should pick up such windfall as this? Innes declared we shall be printing with these leaves upon paper, without the use of our stove. This intrigued me, printing with leaves, she tells me with this method one can do it blindfolded, it is that easy. So no skills needed, which is fortunate as I have none akin with the hedgerow.

Do join us with the collecting of leaves and of course any flowers you are lucky to find, there are few at this time of year.

Miss Rebekka Gildermann

• For this swap, we shall collect a selection of fallen leaves or any from a vase of flowers etc, that we might make printed papers for ourselves. Make yourself some easy vegetable or pith waters, to spray (pomegranate skin simmered for 15 to twenty minutes makes a wonderful yellow. A few blueberries in a small pot of water simmered for 15 minutes also gives excellent pinky water.) Just to name a few.

Follow along with the directions in these two videos by Saacibo Eco Dyeing Paper - No Baking Method Saacibo

No Baking Method #1
No Baking Method #2

THE SWAP - You will have one 1 partner to send to. After we have made our papers using the method described to us in videos, think upon how you would like to present 2 simple styled items made with them to your partner. Allow the print result be the hero of the chosen article.
Ideas for what to make with them,

• writing paper - a set of 2 or 3 within an envelope could be a useful idea for the writer partner. (dependent upon size of your papers)

• make tags or bellybands is another idea for the crafter partner.

• a card and envelope

• cut out shapes for your partners journal

• what ever you choose to make, keep it light weight and allow the papers to shine. You can of course send more than 2 items but that is the minimum. TIP - When printing your papers, place the BACK of the leaf on the paper side you want to hero, it gives clearer results. Rose and deciduous leaves give excellent images especially after they have fallen.

As always if you need any help do not hesitate to ask one of us. Nickalli, Anna and Jane