More Eco Printing

I had some fun recently and tried my hand at bundle dye printing a small silk blouse I bought at a thrift store.  I'm relatively happy with the results but not pleased with the large space of brown/gold near the neckline but I do like the diagonal lines of the dye on the blouse.  That was due to the bundling and then simmering in onion skins.  I have another blouse I will be attempting and this time I plan to steam it so it won't have such a strong dye color on it.  

Please leave a comment if you wish. :)

Remember to play a little every day!
Peace, Diane

2017 July Eco Printing and Dyeing

Eco Printing and Dyeing.......
I have been working on many new techniques I have learned on line through Tutorials, Blogs and Facebook Eco Printing Groups.  I've learned much of what I know from India Flint's books and through the classes taught by Kathy Hays.  I have studied about natural dyes and the difference water can make in your results. I'm feeling more confident in my process and satisfied with my results. I felt I was ready to teach a class as my friend Kathleen had been encouraging me to do.

This month I had a class at my home outside.  It was a Sunday and it's usually pretty quiet outside on Sundays in my neighborhood.  Well, wouldn't you know it!  Heavy equipment arrived across the street around 6 a.m.  Radio blasting as well.  Shortly they left only to return to start their work just before I started my class instruction.  Apparently they were repairing an underground pipe at my neighbor's home. No one seemed to mind the noise as we were out behind my house as far away from my neighbors as we could get.  Kathleen's husband thankfully brought over and put up a tent so we wouldn't be standing out in the hot sun.  There were five students and I started off telling them about the blank silk scarves and how to prepare them prior to printing.  I reviewed the class steps with them then I took them on a walk around the yard each with their own baggie to collect leaves and flowers for printing.  I offered two choices for their bundles.  Simmered in onion skins or steamed.  We had a fun time and everyone said they enjoyed it.  Some asked when I would be having another class!  I'm thinking I might have one in the fall. :)  Here are a few photos from the days events.

Remember to play a little everyday!
Peace, Diane

July 2017

JULY a Wonderful Month!!

I had a lovely vacation the beginning of the month and enjoyed spending time with my children and grandchildren.  A few boat rides on the lake in son's boat, fireworks, cookouts, swimming, relaxing by the lake, campfires, taking pictures of wildlife, laughter and sunshine. Happy times!

We went to a car show at Castle In The Clouds.  We haven't done that in a few years since the shows are usually on Saturdays and we have been doing a Farmers/Crafts Market every Saturday for a few years. 

Near the end of the month I taught a class on Eco Printing and Dyeing to a few friends.  They said they enjoyed it and others would like me to teach the class again.  I'll do that possibly in the fall.  I continue to eco-print and dye scarves to sell at upcoming craft fairs.  We have a fair every Saturday in August.  It would be nice to have sunny Saturdays for the month!!

Peace & Love,
Remember to Play a Little Each Day!
Diane

June 2017

June 2017

This month has brought us much rain.  Today we had a nice loud thunder storm!

I was one lucky winner of a free on-line class taught by Kathy Hays of Florida.  She teaches Eco-Printing and Dyeing with natural dyes.
I've printed a few scarves and I'm looking forward to sharpening my skills.
Here are samples of a few I've done recently:

Remember to Play a Little Every Day!
Peace, Diane

A Bit of This and That for March

It's near the end of the month now and we've had some beautiful weather along with some very cold snowy days.  We are all quite tired of the snow and anticipate seeing sweet spring flowers popping through the thawed out earth.

As you can see this photo was taken in 2008.  There was quite an ice dam on my roof.  This fall I had a steel roof installed so I don't have this problem anymore!  Right now we have about this much snow on the ground but at least my roof is clear.  I no longer have Direct TV either, but cable.  I was happy with the old service but my neighbors pine trees grew so tall they blocked the signal to my dish.

Remember, Play a Little Every Day!
Peace
Diane