The first step in the Echo Print process is perhaps my favorite... I take a little nature walk. Sometimes in my own back yard, or into kind neighbor's gardens (with permission of course), or just stroll down the road. I look for plant life that catches my eye or even stops me in my tracks and then evaluate to decide if it should press well.
I have two vintage floral bowls from a local shop that I like to use for gathering. It makes the process feel more romantic than stepping outside with a bag! Incidentally the local shop has the apropos name of "Forage." Perhaps one of these days I'll don a foraging apron as well, ha ha, and complete the ensemble! Anyway, I fill those bowls to the brim with flowers and leaves.
Next steps are to spread out this pretty "printing fodder" on my little card table. I create pleasing arrangements and think what background color will compliment each print. I have a paper slicing table (hello dining room table!) on which I spread out my colored card stock. I sit down to slice away and play with paper for a while! I typically measure and hand cut the paper I use for each card, unless I have gotten a good price on some ready made cards. That is naturally a much handier situation. Because as of yet I do not make any envelopes and cards do usually come with those, too!
I then spend some time arranging the plants on card stock that is dipped in a mordant until I'm pleased with the composition. These little plant/paper sandwiches are layered with pigment rich card stock and simmered in boiling water. After this I gently rinse the plant matter off the paper to see what is revealed...that's when I am holding my breath to see what has developed. My friend is a photographer, and she said this part of the process reminds her of her time spent in dark rooms!
The images that are left on the paper is unpredictable, which really is fun for me. Some prints I immediately LOVE. Some I feel initial disappointment about, but then as they dry I usually find them to have redeeming qualities. The prints that don't quite "echo" the way I planned (overall composition of the piece is not quite IT) are turned into lovely and unique gift tags and bookmarks.
I love that nothing is really wasted in this process. I love the time to slow down, and have a reason to play with flowers! I also appreciate having a "reason" to buy a bouquet or two, every week when it's not the gardening season , here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
I hope you enjoy holding in your hand and enjoying with your eyes, the result of my time spent in nature.
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