Revelations

This is a photo collage of the bundle that I opened Saturday.

The entire piece, measuring roughly 11 x 22",

is in the upper left,

and the rest are detail shots.

I'm quite pleased with it.

You can see more photos here.

Remember this?

I finally had an opportunity to sit down and 

identify it in my Wildflowers of the Eastern United States.

It's called the Crane Fly Orchid

and while it is fairly common in this area,

it is the only species of the genus Tipularia found in North America.

It's very dainty and I love it!

I check on it every day when I walk up our driveway -

hoping that a lawn mower or weed wacker won't have it's way with it.

So, there you have it - The Crane Fly Orchid!

Here is last Friday's bundle of steamed onion skins and rose leaves.

It is now resting comfortably in my studio.

My goal is to steam two bundles each day -

some I wrap around galvanized pipe,

some around glass (I've even tried an old wine bottle),

and the best of all:

copper!

C bought me a length of copper pipe last week

and I have cut it into several smaller lengths to fit into my pots.

I am trying to keep accurate notes of my processes

and to vary leaves, flowers and the material around which it is wrapped,

so that I can gain some independent knowledge.

I'm having a great time exploring!

India Flint's fabulous book, Eco Colour, 

proves to be more inspiring every day.

peace