More Eco Printing

I've been doing a lot of eco printing knowing that the end is in sight with leaves rapidly falling from the trees, it's been great fun. I first tried it at Fiber Junkies but found I can do it at home on a smaller scale. I use a designated smaller pot (16 quart) and work in my kitchen as all I'm using is water and white vinegar.

 When I'm with Fiber Junkies, I get caught up in all the enthusiasm and don't pay attention to what's happening...just want results...but working on my own allows me to document more carefully the papers, leaves and other effects. I have a list of leaves that work from an eco printing workshop but decided to add others to the mix. The paper above shows the top leaf printed and the bottom 2 real leaves not yet removed...a really good print. I also laid yellow tissue paper on top so the color would bleed onto the watercolor paper.

 I love the way the ferns in my garden printed...not only was it a good print but imparted a lovely green color to the paper.

 Here is a mix of different Maples, Eucalyptus, Red Bud and Oak Leaf Hydrangea.

 I really paid attention to the different paper I used and made samples along with the larger prints. I used an inexpensive water color paper from Michaels....printed well but not enough texture.

 I also used a Stonehenge and Arches watercolor paper which both worked really well. The Arches was a cold press paper which provided a nice pebbly texture and is my favorite look.

 My son also gave me his deckled ruler so I was able to finish each edge (and it was very easy and quick to do). I'll go back and use a wood burning tool to char the edges a bit.

Another fern which I love...the edges have naturally colored from the process. I just saw a video on using teabags in art and am thinking that might be fun to try and incorporate with eco printing.