Sunday 3 February 2013

More Eco Dyeing

We were very low on rainfall over January, so that's a good time to collect fallen eucalyptus leaves, as they have a higher concentration of colour. I still had some recycled silk left and and a pure cotton top that I'd bought at an op shop recently. I added red onion skins, red cabbage and tumeric to the mix and here are some of the results.


this photo shows the detail where I wrapped the fabric around an old rusty spring


the total piece, the left is quite a deal more purple than shown, the spots are from steel wool.


this piece is very dark, I wrapped it around a steel bar and placed the cabbage inside the bundle.


this is the top, it will need remodelling, I'm not a fan of frills or ruffles so I'll remove the sleeves and the trim around the base and probably open it up down the middle.


I've also added another collage card or picture to my Etsy shop


and I forgot to add a side view of the journal in my Etsy.

Thanks so much again to you all for visiting and your comments.
Thanks so much too for those of you who have signed up to the on-line workshop 21 Secrets, it's still open, so click on the link above if you would like more info or care to join us.


12 comments:

suziqu's thread works said...

Oh gosh Ro you must be happy with your eco dyeing. Such beautiful shades with those onion skins, red cabbage and tumeric - and I love the spring effect.
A gorgeous card with interesting colour and textures.
Thanks for sharing these.
Enjoy the cooler days for now.
Suzy

Heather said...

The results of your dyeing session are stunning. It must be great undoing the bundle at the end of the procedure and seeing what has happened. More lovely fabrics for your cards and journals.

Maggi said...

I love the colours that you are getting from your Eco dyeing.

The Crafty Mugwump said...

That little collage is gorgeous!

Jen xo said...

the eco dyingis just wonderful ro and perfect weather for it....love your collage too...

Marrianna said...

WOW! The eco dying and the journal are fantastic. What beautiful artwork. I'm impressed. And congratulations on getting more people in the 21 Secrets online workshops. Your work is stunning and a joy to behold. This from an artist who loves "happy accidents" in her artwork but hasn't done any of the type of work in a long time. Maybe it's time for more experimentation.

Blessings,
Marrianna from Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Where it is still Winter.

Jacky said...

Hi Ro,

that journal is *jam packed* with your beautiful art. What a treasure!
Wonderful eco-dyeing too...you are prolific. Cant wait to see them in real life (and see you wearing your new top).
Doesnt the steel wool give another dimension to the dyeing process.

Must catch up soon.

Jacky xox

emma-alittlebitofeverything said...

Fabulous rich colors, & accessible items, to dye with. Lovely, all of it.

Carolyne said...

ro....i love your eco dyeing. i've just fallen in love with it and am trying to figure out some things. i love the effect you got with the onion, cabbage and turmeric. did you roll those things in the bundle and then cook the bundle in plain water or maybe steam the bundle? i'd appreciate any comments you have about that.

Ro Bruhn said...

Hi Carolyne I boiled up a bath of red cabbage, after about half an hour I removed the cabbage, then spread some of the cooked cabbage, onion skins and tumeric onto the fabric. I wrapped this into two bundles and placed one bundle in the cabbage water to boil and the other on top to steam. I heated the water up again and simmered the whole thing for around 45 mins to 1 hour.

rivergardenstudio said...

Dear Ro, your blog is bursting with creativity, as always! I love your eco dyeing and your collage with fabrics.
roxanne

Carolyne said...

thank you so much for sharing your "recipe" with me. eco dyeing is such a wonderful adventure of delightful surprises.