Eco Print fun

I’ve been asked recently to show how I create the Eco prints I use in some of my mixed media pieces. I managed to video and shoot some of my most recent production and it’s here for you to enjoy ♥

Before I began this project, I’d made a jar of mordant. This was done by mixing 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar , and adding a handful of rusty bolts and/or steel wool. Put the lid on and leave for 1-2 weeks, and by then it should be a rusty orange colour. (This iron mordant will keep for years). The mordant is used to “fix” the colours of the flowers/greens to the paper.

I started with gathering up some maple leaves, weeping birch, Eucalyptus, a poppy and a couple Irises. Had I found any oak loaves, I would have definitely included them! Even some dried leaves will work, and when I am really desperate in mid winter, a visit to the flower section of our grocery store has lots to offer.

This is the paper I used but I have also used copier paper and other different weights,so just experiment and have fun! I tore my pieces to fit between the 6×6″ pieces of copper I used to steam them .

Next was the messy part….

I placed the torn papers into a bowl of water and let them soak 10 minutes or so. A bit of mordant goes in a plastic container and then I dipped each leaf or flower in it, before layering them between the pages. (You can also soak these for awhile and likely get stronger results but I’m not that patient, and like what I get from the very limited “dip”.) You want them as flat as possible so don’t use anything too bulky. I kept going until the bundle reached the maximum size my paper clips could handle. Use gloves for this part, you don’t want the mordant on your hands.

After clipping the copper plates together, they went into a steam bath. I have an iron pot I use only for this purpose. It also works great on the barbecue if you don’t want the smell of wet grass in your house-I stacked the plates into about 2″ of boiling water, turned the heat down to a simmer, covered with tin foil (lid wouldn’t fit) and let it go for about an hour. I needed to refill my water once.

The Magic…..

And some of the results:…..

You will end up with a wonderful stash of fabulousness….and will become addicted to this stuff. However, after awhile, you really need to move forward with actually doing something with them. Come back here in a day or two and check out some ideas I have-can’t wait to share!!