Affordable one-of-a-kind artworks! To continue the ‘landmarks’ series featured in my last post, these A5 sized eco prints are mounted on black foam core to provide a striking contrast to their earthy hues. They are protected by a cellophane bag and come ready for framing. Each print is signed by me, dated and numbered. For sale online here.
Finally worked out what to do with these mini canvases – I’ve only had them for 3 or 4 years! I steamed the papers after layering them with rusty iron nails and eucalyptus leaves. Papers first dipped in iron water. 
‘Landmarks’ – limited edition original eco prints by Rita Summers, signed, numbered and dated. Size: 8 cm x 10 cm (including canvas). www.gonerustic.etsy.com
Drum roll please! Announcing my new greeting card range, ‘Marked’, featuring eco prints wrapped around acid free card stock and mounted on textured white DL cards.
Eco printed on 110 gsm acid free art paper which was first dipped in tea, then layered with local eucalyptus leaves and rusty nails. Stacked and weighted, then steamed for 1.5 hours. Dried overnight, then ironed.
Shouldn’t that read Rest and Relaxation? Well yes, and no.
My idea of relaxing (having given myself the day off) is making. So that’s what I’m doing!
I dug out some vintage linens which I eco dyed some time ago, and wrapped them around rusty pieces of iron after dipping them in a vinegar/water solution (a 1920’s cotton slip, a Victorian chemise, doileys and several table napkins). Now all I have to do is wait for the sun to do the rest. Not that it’s very sunny today but I can hope.
Next, I decided to try the steaming method for eco printing. Three tops – two silk and one cotton – were layered with various combinations of eucalyptus and banksia leaves, onion skins and red dahlia flowers. I also used foil in two of the bundles as a ‘blanket’ to hopefully influence the colour and give some separation to the layers.
After allowing the bundles to steam for 1.5 hours, I opened them at various intervals to see if that made any difference. Next time I don’t think I’ll wait!
I’m pretty happy with my first try at eco printing using the steaming method. Here is silk top no. 1:
And last but not least, top no. 3, which is cotton:
I have a few thoughts on how I can improve on it though! How about you?
This gallery contains 5 photos.
This is an almost-finished version of a cloth book with pockets that I made several years ago – a commission for a client in Hobart. After machine and hand stitching a layered collage of eco dyed and rusted silks etc., I … Continue reading
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