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
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?
I now have my own YouTube channel! I will use this to publicise my art and my business. First up – ‘Landmarks’, a presentation about my handmade book series of that name. Enjoy!
covers made from stencilled and rusted blank drink coasters; upcycled brown paper pages; coptic binding
rusted and stitched upcycled papers, some shibori pleating, eco dying and corrugated cardboard altered to look like rusty iron; hand stitched coptic binding
gonerustic 