The leaves in the garden beckoned me so I pulled out some of my prepared fabrics from Blueprints on Fabric and created a few prints. I used a small clipping from Jennifer’s oakleaf hydrangea and a cluster of dried flowers from the same plant. A spot of water on the fabric created the large blotch on the leaf bottom, right so I’m not thrilled about investing a lot of time and energy on this print.
I noticed the blotch right away so I quickly placed the leaves and flowers on another piece of fabric and created this print.
This is a much more satisfying print. I like the shape of the leaves and the blossoms print beautifully.
But how about something as mundane as flat leaf parsley? I love the bold leaf on that frail-looking stem. I feel like I can’t go wrong with this process — and it’s just plain fun.
When it stops being fun I’ll stop doing it. Meanwhile, I have some epazote that is calling me. Stay tuned.
Lovely!
I think the blotch adds something. When I’m out in the garden, with my nose in the greenery, I notice the slight imperfections that when added together all seem to look perfect. Were it my print, I would embrace it and love it, “flaw” and all… 🙂
As always, your work is inspirational!
Suzanne, you are so kind. I’m actually thinking of cutting up the first print and using it in a ‘starter scrap quilt’ that I read about in MQU. Can’t wait!
I think they look wonderful… Yes, have been watching the weather also, to do some sun printing.. Around noon, there has been a breeze,, want to be sure the sun is over head… maybe tomorrow.. Have some leaves in a phone book drying out… How long did you leave them in the sun.. they are nice and crisp looking. I pulled some Hollyhock and geranium leaves… what fun!
I left these out about 25 minutes. Often I let them sit just 10-15 minutes. The secret for getting a crisp print is in having the object pinned securely against the fabric. If it isn’t, the leaf will probably curl up a bit and the fabric under will be exposed, at least partially. If you like a fuzzier look, don’t pin as much. If you want sharp edges, take care with pinning the leaves.
I like the print with the blotch better. Thanks for the inspiration. I think that I am going to try my hand at printing on fabric again.
Thanks for stopping by Jane. Cyanotype printing is so fun! Have you tried sun printing with Setacolor paints yet? I warn you. . . it’s addictive.
I love all of the prints. Thank you for the inspiration!