India Flint recommends that bundles be left to "rest" for a couple of days after coming out of the dye pot, before unwrapping them, in order to realize their full potential.
I think it's safe to say that all my bundles are underachievers, as it's nearly more than I can do to wait until they are cool before opening the little beauties.
So, the other night, 11:30 p.m. seemed just as good as 7:30 a.m. for unwrapping. Besides, I reasoned, I'd sleep better if I wasn't wondering what magic had occurred while this block of yumminess had been cooling for six hours.
This batch of 36 pieces of paper had been layered with leaves that were pressed overnight between the pages of the hefty new Restoration Hardware catalog (a wonderful way to study their fall offerings) and then wrapped between two pieces of cardboard that were slightly larger than the size of the paper. Loosely following the technique I read about on
Cassandra Tondro's site, this bundle was steamed rather than boiled for about three hours.
However, I could see that the pages didn't have that delicious dark edge that comes from being simmered in the dye pot, so after the steaming, into the dye pot they went for about an hour.
I'm not sure if the results are from the steaming or the boiling, or even the pressing, but I'm really happy with the rich, sharp prints that this batch yielded.
There was a chunk of salvaged iron in the bottom of my dye pot and a splash of vinegar in the water, but nothing else was added, and I forgot to dampen my paper before layering my leaf sandwich, so the paper was dry when I started the process.
I really love this eco-dyeing. so wish i could come and play with you.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Jo! Come on over anytime.
DeleteSo very, very pretty. I am impressed! And you are not alone in your impatience!! lol
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tena!
DeleteYou know me....I can't wait to unbundle either! This is an inspiring post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. I thought of you while working outside over the weekend. And every single time I wrap a nine bark leaf into a bundle!
Deleteabsolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cat. I love the work you've been doing in your journal too. Have you tried any of the natural dyeing?
DeleteRH catalogues are the best weights!
ReplyDeleteYour work is lovely...no need to fear
reckless abandon on opening early! it worked.
Just beautiful.
Thank you!
Deleteit's the boiling that really does the trick - we had fab results here in Cleveland at the Morgan - leaving bundles to rest is really only applicable to cloth...leave paper too long and everything sticks together.
ReplyDeleteOh boy! Guilt-free opening of my presents!
DeleteDear Leslie, How I wish I could spend the day with you to make magic like this. These colors are too beautiful for words! sending love and wishes for another magical day.
ReplyDeleteroxanne
oh wow!!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are so awesome...really glorious! I'd say worth the wait. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful colors!
ReplyDeletegorgeous. the colors you've chosen are indescribable.
ReplyDeleteI am almost afraid to ask, but, how is Atticus?
ReplyDeletethese pages are breathtaking and the books, beautiful! i am so intrigued by the process!
ReplyDeleteI know this is way after the fact but then I only took your eco-dye class at Wild Acres last October. Your recipe states what is in the pot and I can't see how any copper was used. So this technique works even without copper?
ReplyDelete