The next steps to helping you incorporate some of the amazing prints into “something”!

I began doing Eco prints in 2018 using the flowers from all the spectacular arrangements that arrived in our Mom’s hospital room during her final days. It seemed like a fitting way to preserve some of those moments. These are prints I felt symbolized the changing seasons, and somehow, the cycle of life. Each has it’s own mood or presence, and are deeply connected to our Mom. These are simply matted and framed, letting the “flowers” speak.

Obviously I can’t frame every print, since I’ve created hundreds since then. Nor do they all have the same meaning for me, but each deserves to be recognized in some way- so here are some ideas for you to consider once you start down this same path ♥

To begin, I did some pen markings on each piece. My preference is the .01 pigment liner pen, that I just adore. However, there are lots of options and you can use whatever pen or pencil suits you. I usually have a stack of cards with me and “doodle” whenever I get a few minutes of quiet time.

Before and After….now what?

Book Marks~

These were easy-I cut the paper into lengths I liked, darkened the edges with Archival ink, signed and dated on the front and stamped a message on the back. “Calmness” is my newest matra…

Journal entries ~

I could probably fill an entire journal with these eco prints but I didn’t… I positioned this one on a canvas page textured with plaster and crackle medium, then added the sentiment. It seemed fitting for this unusual point in time.

This particular Iris came from our Victoria gardens and had quite a journey to it’s new home in Creston, over a 3 year span. It has a special meaning for me, and I just had to do a journal page (s) for it. This one is India Ink marks made with a hand made horse hair brush (another story here), a layer of burlap, and the Iris prints (doodled) attached with metal grommets.

Note Cards ~

This is my newest and most fun project of late. I adore being able to carve up the pieces to showcase a tiny segment, rather than worrying about a large composition…it also creates many more “Christmas” moments since you can’t really see the final product until you position a frame over it. This was one of my “ah ha” moments….

I am fortunate we have a wonderful little framing company locally, and it makes it easy to customize anything I need. 4 Corners Matting and Framing are terrific to work with, and I can shop local too! This was their last package they hand delivered to my door:

I hope I’ve given you some ideas and inspiration to dive into the world of Eco prints, you’ll love the journey♥

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!!