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Thursday, March 15, 2012

More EcoPrints on Paper!

I am again trying to extend my knowledge of what happens when you mix various materials with watercolor paper and a cast iron cooking pot.  I already knew that iron and Eucalyptus would react with each other, creating colors and patterns that they do not when used separately.  What I wanted was to add, in small measure, other materials to find out what reactions would occur.  My other question that I am still seeking a definite answer to is; can I plan a design and predictably carry it out by using the same methods or must I change the way I work and think?
I set up my cauldron, gathered a few different materials together and began layering them onto sheets of 140 lb. Arches watercolor paper which was sandwiched between 2 12" sq. ceramic tiles.  This packet was then placed inside the cauldron on top of a Stainless Steel wire rack to keep them elevated out of the boiling water.  A lid was put on the pot and the fire started.  When I saw steam escaping from under the lid, I clocked the cooking time for 1 hr. and then let the fire die down and the packet to remain in the pot to cool.  I left the packet sandwiched for 3 days.
The results taught me a few more things that I had not known.  During the steaming, color and minerals migrate through the stack affecting all of the prints in some way.  Metals affected other papers that were not indirect contact with it.  It affect other plant materials that were not in contact with it.  I did not have any adverse effects except with turmeric.  It is so strong that it can affect pages that are 5 or 6 sheets away just from being carried by the steam in the pot.  The photos will show my results and also the migrations. The order they were photographed is the order in which they were stacked.

5 comments:

  1. These are really gorgeous and informative! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Thank you, Nat. I'm glad you enjoyed them. I think you can see my penchant for flower arranging in these!

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  3. Very interesting results. Thank you.

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  4. A wonderful post! ;-) Thanks so much for the details! I shall give it another try in a few days....I'm off to do some grand mothering!

    Hope you are feeling better every day!

    xo

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