Course Description

Ecoprinting is an exciting way to use natural materials to dye and print paper and natural fabrics. The aim of the two days is to establish good foundations in the craft for you to build on at home.

You will experiment with different plant materials to produce a selection of prints on paper and fabric which will be suitable to use in other craft projects. In addition you will create a couple of narrow silk scarves.

On the first day you will learn about the mordants used to fix the colours and the different effects the will give. You will also learn about the variety of colours that can be achieved with each plant, and the effects obtained that depend on the orientation of the leaves. During the day you will work on hand made paper, paper tags a piece of cotton and a narrow silk scarf.

On the second day you will learn how to add a dye blanket to your ecoprinting and further develop skills. Again, you will work on paper and fabric together with logwood dye that will give blue and purple colours and will fill in areas between the leaf prints.

Suitable For

The course is suitable for beginners.

Requirements List

• You will need an apron and something to take your work home in

This is a list of common plants that work well:-

Acer, herb Robert, geranium, sycamore, oak, birch, black elderflower, rose leaves , golden rod, rosebay willow-herb, eucalyptus, cotinus (smoke bush), blackberry leaves, walnut, birch. Onion skins work very well so collect save them to bring along. This is not an exhaustive list so bring anything you would like to try.

Materials Cost

There will be a charge of £15 to cover the cost of fabric and mordants. This is payable directly to the tutor.