Saturday, July 28, 2012

Crepe Myrtles & Japanese Maples


Well, actually, there are
Purple Hyacinth Bean leaves & Rose leaves
in the photo above.
You can see the lovely lichen-covered limb
that my silk is about to be rolled around.
I hope this is a delightful packet
when it is unfurled on 
August 18th.

I decided to try the bark from our Crepe Myrtle Trees 
as my dye bath today:


After steeping for about an hour,
it turned into a lovely dark brown liquor.

Here are my silk bundles,
all set to dive into the lovely bath:


.....and here they are
in the bath:


I forgot to take a follow-up picture when they emerged -
but the silk is a very dark mahogany brown.

You can see some Japanese Maple leaves 
in the bundle to the left.
My question is: how will these leaves print
from month to month?
As you probably know,
the Japanese maples turn a brilliant red in Autumn -
about mid November here.
I want to catalogue their dye color month by month,
 from now until
the last leaf falls.
Are you with me????

peace



5 comments:

Jeannie said...

I have been eyeing my burgandy sweet potato vine, I wonder.....;) I love the branch covered with lichen. I need to get to the wet side and get some moss and lichen. Heck, I'll even go to the river and get blue clay! Have a great day!

inge said...

I like dye with plants ...past year I did a lot with eucalyptus ...

Nat Palaskas said...

It's looking good Judy. Leaving it till Aug. 18 will give you a good chance for results. Make sure you secure it very tight. Have fun - Hugs Nat

Barbara said...

I love how you are using all of these materials from nature to die your silk. I can't wait to see what all your pieces look like when you unwrap them. Such willpower to wait so long. Like waiting for Christmas morning.

Peace!

Carol said...

I'm enjoying this afternoon of travelling backwards through your blog. Tantalizing glimpses of art in the making. You are a lesson in patience! xox