Eco-printing
Workshops
Eco-printing is a magic process whereby the natural colours and shapes from leaves are transferred onto paper or natural fabrics. At Mahoe Hills we have an eco-print garden, and further leaves are foraged from parks and gardens in the area.
In this workshop you will print watercolour paper, vintage wool blanket cushion covers and an item of clothing. You will learn how to mordant the different types of textiles, and we make a dye pot together.
The eco-printing workshop is a full day. No experience is needed and all materials are provided exept for your item of clothing. We recommend you bring a plain piece from you wardrobe or from the op-shop.
The cost is $140 per person including materials, for one to three people. Detailed instructions for preparation of your item(s) will be given after registration.
For groups of four and more the cost is $110 per person.
eco-printing steps
Seven steps, from a plain piece of cloth to something you wil be proud wearing.. Marion walks you through every step. No experience is needed and all materials are provided.
Choose your textiles
in the workshop we will print on wtercolour paper, vintage wool blanket and item of your own clothing.
Prepare your materials
Your materials will be soaked and/or pre-treated or mordanted in the studio or at home
Forage for leaves
A variety of leaves will be available for you to use and you will design your own layout. You can wander to the garden to forage for leaves on a nice day
Bundle your item
The next step is to tightly bundle your item and to secure it with string
Prepare your steam-pot or dye bath
There are lots of options for steaming dyeing or pressing. You will be shown different techniques.
Have a break
The items will simmer for at least an hour and a half. This a good time to visit our eco-print garden.
Unbundling and rinsing
Opening your prints is like opening presents. You will be amazed and surprised. The final step is rinsing the item.
Eco-printing SHOWCASE
Eco-Printed Cotton Shirt
A rescued cotton shirt transformed with eco-printing, using leaves from our own dye garden. Every piece is one-off a kind.
Eco printed leaf pattern
This is a leaf print on linen fabric. A tiny amount of rust water was used to darken the print.
Eco printed books
Small little books made from watercolur paper using simple book binding techniques.
Eco-Printed Cardigan
An upcycled wool cardigan printed with leaves from our own dye garden. Marion's eco-printed upcycled clothing is for sale at Potters Patch in Motueka.
Enquire about the Workshops
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