Come experience the magic that happens when Eco-Printing.

Eco Printing is a process of using plants to dye and print on fiber using direct contact printing methods

During our workshop’s; participants will explore the alchemy of water, plant materials, heat, and metal and finish the class with beautiful prints on protein fibers.

In these workshop's we will be creating samples and experimenting with different protein fibers ( silk, wool). I will show you processes that have worked well for me and the equipment and bundling techniques that are used.

Although students are asked to bring a variety of leaves to class, we will also forage to identify and collect plants for printing. Emphasis will be placed on safety, best practice procedures, environmental factors and plant characteristics.

The final project will be printing on a 14” x 72” silk scarf.

This is a relaxed, fun-filled class so come prepared for the wonderful smells that can only come from eucalyptus, and other natural leaves and be open to the magic

The Intro 1-Day workshop will cover:

The materials and equipment needed for eco-printing
Fabric selections & prep (please pre scour fabrics prior to class)
Choosing the right plants for dyeing and understanding the role tannin plays
Understanding the print process on protein fibers ( we will be using protein fibers only in this workshop, for use of cellulose fibers- please check out the 3 day class)
Preparing the leaves for contact printing
Different techniques for laying out your leaves
Methods of rolling, tying and cooking bundles

MATERIALS LIST:

Intro to Eco Print- 1 day workshop

In this Eco-Print workshop, we will be creating samples- you may use well scoured 2nd hand fabrics torn into 14” strips ( 1-2 yd long) or order fabrics from Dharma or Thai Silk. For this class we are ONLY using SILK or Wool fabrics- Strive to make sample sized pieces that you can use in the future to recreate at home. I would rather see students leave with many samples ( both good & bad) then spend time making scarves or items to sell.

Our workshops are technique driven- NOT PRODUCT and you will be able to print as many as time allows.

INTRO CLASSES- BRING PROTEIN FIBERS ONLY ( WE ARE NOT MORDANTING IN THE INTRO CLASS)

2-3 hand towels/ roll paper towel, old studio towels work well.
thin medical gloves ( iron stains nails)
3 YD. Thick Flannel sheeting (thick) You will need 1 piece of flannel for each piece you plan to print. ( If flannel is unavailable you can use french terry cotton or as a last resort, old cotton sheeting)
https://www.onlinefabricstore.com/hanes-heavy-flannel-drapery-lining-natural-fabric
https://www.fabric.com/buy/uk-522/hanes-drapery-lining-heavy-flannel-natural
https://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Drapery-Lining-Heavy-Flannel
https://organiccottonplus.com
Large Black Plastic trash Garbage bag
2 YD. Fabric
PROTEIN fibers ONLY: SILK, WOOL, WOOL/SILK BLEND ( Cellulose is used in Botanical Print Workshop)
(1) scarf : wool/silk scarves NO LARGER than 14” x 72”
https://www.dharmatrading.com
https://www.thaisilks.com
Notebook with pencil
Digital camera/phone to record your layout and compare with results.
Bring leaves from home ( with high tannin content) we can also do a walk about, Florist in plaza, check grocery for Eucalyptus, Flowers not used in this workshop; Good leaves to bring: Causarina, Silk Oak, Castor Bean, Wild willow, Copper leaf, Green from strawberries, Maho leaves, Various leaves for sampling
2 plastic shoe box or old tupperware container
plastic sheeting (painters plastic) Can purchase in Home Depot Paint Department
Old sheeting torn into 2” strips for bundling or Medical ACE Bandages.( 4-6)
(6) Wood Dowels: Min 1” thick- 16” long ( HD or Lowes; they will cut in store, can also use wood pole from closet dept.)

INTRO TO ECO-PRINT