Hi… I have a question… since I live in the Pacific Northwest, it is the just start of summer. I know the Tannin increases as leaves change in the fall but how will this affect my dyeing of summer leaves with less tannin? Will I be able to get good results at this time of the year? Thanks… Lynda
Hi Lynda, the low tannin levels can be an issue for eco-printing in early spring, but I find that by summer deciduous leaves tend to print well. You may just need to soak them for less time. When we do our tests in week 2, you’ll be able to see which ones are printing well at this time of year.
Perfect. You can also test some fresh leaves at the same time, to compare the results. It takes a while to get to know your local leaves and how they dye, but it is worth it.
I’ve tried a few types of wattle, but never gotten great results. It seems to mostly bleed a lot of colour or create very pale prints. But you could always soak just a couple of leaves and test them out.
Hi there, I was wondering about the storage of the leaves. What do you use? And how big a bucket or container does it have to be for a few leaves? Thank you, Alice
Dried leaves can vary a lot. When you do the leaf tests, I recommend that you compare some that have been soaked for a few minutes, just until soft, with some that have been soaked for a few days and see if either is better.
11 Comments
Hi… I have a question… since I live in the Pacific Northwest, it is the just start of summer. I know the Tannin increases as leaves change in the fall but how will this affect my dyeing of summer leaves with less tannin? Will I be able to get good results at this time of the year?
Thanks… Lynda
Hi Lynda, the low tannin levels can be an issue for eco-printing in early spring, but I find that by summer deciduous leaves tend to print well. You may just need to soak them for less time. When we do our tests in week 2, you’ll be able to see which ones are printing well at this time of year.
OK…thanks. I’ll start with soaking them now and see what happens….then assess.
Perfect. You can also test some fresh leaves at the same time, to compare the results. It takes a while to get to know your local leaves and how they dye, but it is worth it.
Hi – I have noticed wattle is blooming in the bush right now – have you used wattle flowers and leaves?
I’ve tried a few types of wattle, but never gotten great results. It seems to mostly bleed a lot of colour or create very pale prints. But you could always soak just a couple of leaves and test them out.
Hi there, I was wondering about the storage of the leaves. What do you use? And how big a bucket or container does it have to be for a few leaves? Thank you, Alice
Didn’t realise your next video would cover it perfectly, thanks!
Oh good, I’m glad. Sometimes I even use small glass jars if I am just soaking a few leaves. And then I have 10 litre buckets for when I run workshops!
I have gathered leaves last autumn , the leaves are very dry now, do I have to soak them also ? For how long? Thanks
Dried leaves can vary a lot. When you do the leaf tests, I recommend that you compare some that have been soaked for a few minutes, just until soft, with some that have been soaked for a few days and see if either is better.