{ Ecoprinting & Natural Dyes } : Workshop in Review : Day One // Floyd, VA

In Saturday, October 19th, 10 wonderful women gathered together to learn how to use local (and not so local!) foliage, kitchen waste (onion skins, red cabbage, etc.) to create dynamic prints on silk and wool.

A group shot of all the workshop participants with their favorite textile

We learned about choosing the best fabrics for printing, how to prep our fabrics by scouring and mordanting, how to roll bundles and the importance of contact to execute successful printing.

Here are some of the results of our fabric bundles with loads more images to come…and this was just Day One. We still have printing on paper and making natural inks to explore!

{ Rust Experiments : In the * Studio *} //

I have been experimenting with Rust lately. Taking evening strolls with my young daughter and collecting 'Sidewalk Treasures.'

I had no idea that there were so many choices in mordants with Rust.

I have obsessed with Alice Fox's work and recently purchased her book, Natural Processes in Textile Art.

In this book, Fox explains how the many mordants to obtain a quality Rust print.

I experimented with a variety of teas.

As well as red wine...

...and coffee.

I have been delighted with the results. I am looking forward to sewing these into my books and enhancing collages.

What about you? What are your favorite mordants for Rust? Perhaps you can join me for a weekend of Rust experiments and Bookmaking...

{ New Works from the * Bimbur Books * Studio }

'Intention' : 5 x 8 1/4" (Spine View)

'Intention' : 5 x 8 1/4" (Back Cover View)

'Intention' : 5 x 8 1/4" (End Cover View)

'Intention' : 5 x 8 1/4" (Front Cover Detail View)

'Laurel's Book' : 6 x 8" (Spine View)

'Laurel's Book' : 6 x 8" (Back Cover View)

'Laurel's Book' : 6 x 8" (End Cover View)

'Laurel's Book' : 6 x 8" (Front Cover Detail View)

'Enlightenment' : 5 x 8 1/4" (Spine View)

'Enlightenment' : 5 x 8 1/4" (Back Cover View)

'Enlightenment' : 5 x 8 1/4" (End Cover View)

'Enlightenment' : 5 x 8 1/4" (Front Cover Detail View)

Sunday Solace //

Happy 4th of July! I had the opportunity to go to Ohio to visit family this holiday weekend. Loads of fun but I definitely put work on the back burner and enjoyed the time with my family. I did, however, make time to work on Sunday Solace...which is quickly becoming a way for me to ground myself in blogging. I am opening a paper bundle this week...as well as working on tons of new projects...all of which I will be sharing as they develop. Happy 4th to you and enjoy your Solace.

Irit Dulman is quickly becoming one of my top fave eco-printers. Just have to see more? Check out her blog and you can drool right along with me at her exceptional work...

I just love this back cover of one of my handmade books. It is super special to me since it is the book I gave one of my artist hero, Mark Maron. Yup...this is a picture of me giving him this very book! A friend of mine introduced me to this comedian several months ago...I am hooked!

I am so into rust these days! I use it in my bundles and dyepots but I also see the artistic beauty in it as well. I am hoping to get out with my camera this week and capture some rust right here in Blacksburg.  If this rain ever stops...I am making a promise to myself right now to take myself on an artist's date to do just that very thing...

Like I said, I am in love with rust! This textile piece by Julie Wright is fantastic! I enjoy how she uses holes and other imperfections to enhance the piece. I think I am going to look into adding textile work like this to my books. Maybe some wax too?

I am obsessed with art journaling. I would love to add more abstract flair to my journals. When I saw this spread by Alison Worman, I feel in love. I love when artists use paint splatters and drips to build their spread. I also like the use of black in art. It is such a daunting and dynamic color and I appreciate it when an artist has the courage to go for it!

And no Solace would be complete without a great example of handlettering. This exemplar by Fiona Dempster is mind blowing. She actually burns the paper to get this effect!

Good news...I finished up another round of handmade books and photographed them last night. If I can focus on some computer work and pull myself out of the studio, I will get them up prior to my next Solace.

Do you want to be featured on Solace or know someone that would make a good fit? Leave it in the comment section...I welcome any and all input!