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A TECHNIQUE DRIVEN Blog dedicated to mastery of surface design techniques. First we dye, overdye, paint, stitch, resist, tie, fold, silk screen, stamp, thermofax, batik, bejewel, stretch, shrink, sprinkle, Smooch, fuse, slice, dice, AND then we set it on fire using a variety of heat tools.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Ecoprint with cotton: the leaves

Now we're almost there, but we still have to discuss the most important part, which leaves to use!


Remember I said it's all about tannin boiling into the fabric which reacts with the iron (II) sulfate? So, we need leaves containing tannin. The most commonly known is oak leaf. Any type will do.



Another 'guaranteed to succeed' leaf is gardengeranium





Others are 'Alchemilla'



Peony


Rose, Spanish Maple and Blackberry:


Sweet chestnut leaf

Walnut leaf


So,  this list is just a shortlist of leaves that are succesfull in my dyepot. The leaves do not need to be dry or prepared in any way. Try the leaves from your own garden to see which will work for you! And don't forget to share your finds in the comments!!
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 12, 2015 at 11:55 AM

    I did not know that the leaves need to contain tannin. I am learning so much from you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Watercolour and Textile Artist, Eileen GidmanAugust 12, 2015 at 8:58 PM

    Thank you for the details of this process. I will be sure to try it soon before the leaves are gone.

    ReplyDelete
  3. BethAugust 13, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    Really wonderful results and valuable information

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Thank you for these instructions! I’m a city girl, so I will plunge onwards with leave cuttings from very common flower plants on my deck, maybe try some herbs as well. No oak galls or eucalyptus available!

    ReplyDelete

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