I've done it. I jumped on the eco dye bandwagon and love my results! I've seen what others have done and wanted to try. I watched this video on eco dyeing paper and thought, I could do that! So I did. I first gathered up some plant matter from around my yard.
This included bamboo leaves, hydrangea leaves and flowers, a rose flower and leaves, dill heads, Queen Anne's lace, nasturtium flowers, arborvitae branches, English ivy, canary grass, hops leaves and other bits of things. I used various papers I had on hand including water color paper, computer paper, rice paper, some old nearly translucent typing paper, and paper towels.
I sandwiched the plant matter in between folded sheets of paper. Stacked all the folded papers together, sandwiched those between two ceramic tiles. Tied the whole shebang together with wire, then put it all into a water bath to cover.
I also added a cup or so of vinegar and some rusty pieces of metal. I used my old dye pot, not something from my kitchen. I brought it to boil, then simmered it for a couple of hours on my wood stove. After cooling I began to unwrap my bundle. Oh my....
This is my favorite. Bamboo leaves on paper towel.
If you hold your mouse pointer over the pictures you will see what plant matter is used.
Another favorite, hops leaves on computer paper.
I numbered my papers and wrote down what plant went to each so I would know how I achieved the results. But I think it is all variable. I doubt I would get the same results using the same papers and plants, but I'll have to experiment more to know for sure.
It was so much fun, and only took one day's work.
That was fun. Now, what to do with these papers? That will be even more fun.
