Ecoprinting is a beautiful, and often daunting botanical printing technique, that takes hours
and, yes, days to see the result of all of your effort and artistry. There are also many factors
influencing consistent good results. What if you could achieve a delicate, beautiful, clear print,
even using flowers and other fugitive plants, in just 4 minutes? This revolutionary technique,
perfected by Jane Dunwold, uses a heat press, and wet felt to create stunning prints in minutes.
Join Master Artisan Lian Sawires in a fun and surprising exploration of the basics of Heat Press
Ecoprinting on paper and silk (maybe some wool too). In this workshop, you will learn:
– The mechanics of substrates, mordants, influencers, carriers and blankets
– What works well: supplies, material recommendations for setting up at home
– Pressing guidelines (temperatures, times, sandwich layers for good results)
– Best design practices for beautiful, interesting compositions
– Hands-on practice with the press creating your own ecoprints
– Use of Alum, Iron sulfate, tannin, and copper sulfate
– Adding in dyes, colored papers, lace and more for interest
– Safety and best practices
Whether you own a heat press, are considering getting one, or would like to get a sense of
whether ecoprinting is a textile art you want to pursue in its traditional form of
boiling/steaming a dye pot, this workshop will support you in moving forward. You will also
produce beautiful work on the spot! Includes handout with process details, resources and
mordant recipes.
Materials: Please bring a bouquet of assorted flowers (garden or florist), and an assortment
of known good printing leaves (maple, oak, sycamore, catalpa, sumac, sweet gum, walnut,
geranium (leaves and flower)). 140lb water color paper and silk scarves will be provided.
Time: 10:00 – 3:00 (bring a lunch)
I will provide additional leaves and plant material, dye blankets, assorted colored papers for carriers.
Members $90.00
Non Members $125.00