Last year in late fall, Deb and I stored the last of our forage yields in leaves, flowers, and vines. It proved to be wise as early spring plants are not best to print. Too young. We did find some grasses and weeds are good. We reconstituted our dried leaves and flowers from late fall and ventured into the world of spring printing on a new medium - paper. Using what we learned on fabric, we started printing on different types of paper with various techniques.
Arranging the foliage on paper
It was smart of us to commit to a year for experimentation. Botanical printing changes with the color of leaves and each new season. Even the time of day that we forage makes a difference. In our research, we found that many botanical printers around the globe hold their secrets very dear. So we tried all kinds things in the way we prepare, mordant, dye, and steam our prints. We had successes and many failures. One turkey roaster hit the dust during a particularly disappointing day of printing.
Onion skins and soaked forage from past summer
Deb turned to me one day and said, “I can’t wait until we know what we are doing.” Well, maybe we do. We also know that something new will point us in a new direction. Botanical printing truly is an adventure. So along the way, we make new friends and together discover the fun and joy of trying something new. The adventure continues.
Results from one of many prints