Sunday, August 6, 2023


RUDBECKIA SUNSHINE


 



I seem to say this (or certainly think it) every time I begin to write; what happened to the last month? July seems to have slipped by very quietly and quickly and very watery! The wonderful benefits of all this glorious rain has been the lushness of the countryside, the bountiful crops in the fields and my garden, which after such a backward beginning has finally burst into bloom with some deliciously wicked flowers that have just been asking to be photographed. The Rudbeckia in particular have suddenly put on a glorious show, each beautiful blousy, showy flower a little sunshine on a stem. 

I have been busy on my larger abstract pieces and am pleased to report that two are now completed. I am beginning to collect together some colours for the final piece and have been looking to some statuesque teasels for inspiration. I will save them until completed and then share the finished work with you.

My grandchildren have been staying and we have been making pasta big time so the kitchen seems to have been under a permanent haze of flour, but it was nothing compared to my recent Eco Dyeing days. Even after protecting every surface and having every window open it has resembled a frenzied florist’s workroom and as for the smell, well the less said the better! Honestly, the things we do under the heading of being creative!!




 
BUT, the results have been amazing and although I am only a beginner I am positive that I am working in the right direction. When the boiling of the foliage is complete and the bundles are cool enough to unwrap a complete sense of stillness and enormous anticipation envelops me. What hides inside has occasionally been disappointing (in a learning kind of way) or absolutely beautiful; well in my eyes anyway!

Slowly, I am beginning to build a record of different plants and which have foliage suited to this natural method of printing. In the days to come I will be experimenting with different types of paper, fabrics and the addition of natural colourings. I hope to amass enough work to keep me busy through the winter months making books, journals and anything else that lends itself to these beautiful everlasting botanical prints.

An enormous thank you to Pat for showing me her gorgeous papers and fabrics which whetted my appetite for discovering more. 

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