North Carolina Botanical Printing with Suzanne Connors
August 12 - August 14
Eco-printing is a process of using plants to dye and print on fiber through contact printing methods. Botanical Printing is the addition of using natural dyes for added color.
During this workshop; participants will explore the alchemy of water, plant materials, heat, and metal and finish the class with beautiful prints on natural fiber fabrics.
In this workshop, we will be experimenting with different fibers. We will be using natural North Carolina plant materials brought with you from your garden. I will show you processes that have worked well for me and the equipment and bundling techniques that are used.
Be prepared for the wonderful smells that can only come from natural leaves, and be open to the magic
The 3-Day workshop will cover:
THE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR ECO-PRINTING
FABRIC SELECTIONS & PREP (PLEASE PRE-SCOUR FABRICS BEFORE CLASS)
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANTS FOR DYEING AND UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE TANNIN PLAYS
UNDERSTANDING THE PRINT PROCESS ON BOTH PROTEIN & CELLULOSE FIBERS
MORDANTING COTTON & LINEN FIBERS: we will discuss methods of mordanting cellulose fabrics
DIFFERENT METHODS OF PREPARING THE LEAVES FOR CONTACT PRINTING
DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR LAYING OUT YOUR LEAVES
METHODS OF ROLLING, TYING AND COOKING BUNDLES
BUNDLING OVERSIZED FIBER AND CLOTHING
USING DYE BLANKETS TO GET BACKGROUND COLOR
INDIGO AND ECO PRINT
Class Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm each day
