ECO-PRINTING / NATURAL DYING WITH LEAVES

Make a bundle of prints using leaves and other all natural materials!

Eco-prints are prints of leaves and plants made by steaming the plants between sheets of pre-treated paper. The treatment of the paper with a mordant draws out the natural dyes in the plants and leaves behind an imprint of the plant. Results can be stunning and surprising or unexpected.

Explore the potential of leaves and other plant materials to make artistic earth-toned impressions on paper. Come away with a stack of eco-prints for use in your artwork. Using steaming and submersion techniques, students will learn the process of transferring the tannins in leaves onto paper.

Eco-prints are prints of leaves and plants made by steaming the plants between sheets of pre-treated paper. The treatment of the paper with a mordant draws out the natural dyes in the plants and leaves behind an imprint of the plant. Results can be stunning and surprising or unexpected. Students should bring paper and pencil to take notes, a snack and any fresh or pressed plants you would like to use in the eco printing process.

Students’ tool kit should include:

• paper and pencil (to take notes)
• ruler
• small scissors
• bone folder
• cutting mat
• X-Acto knife or scalpel
• PVA or glue stick
• paper trimmer (optional)
• snack
• any fresh or pressed plants you would like to use in the eco-printing process

There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor.

by Jamila Rufaro