Trying eco-printing for the first time
Eco printing is an age-old technique of extracting pigments from natural materials like leaves, flowers, and fruits to create beautiful prints on textiles. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly process that does not involve any harmful chemicals.
I have been studying this technique for about two months and finally got my hand on some lush quality muslin and satin fabric. I had some marigold from a puja last night. Using these partly dried marigold flowers, some Ashoka leaves, and dried onion skins I got to my mission of exploring this artistic experimentation.
Step 1
Firstly, you need to prepare the fabric by soaking it in a mordant-like alum (I used Salt as it is a kitchen staple). This will help the natural dye to adhere better to the fabric. After soaking for a few hours, remove the fabric from the mordant solution and let it dry.
Step 2:
Next, it is time to prepare the dye solution. Collect a large number of marigold flowers, dried leaves, and onion skins in separate bowls. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the fabric completely and add the marigold flowers, dried leaves, and onion skins to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few hours until the water turns a deep shade of yellow or orange.
Step 3:
Arranging the marigold flowers, dried leaves, and onion skins in any pattern on the fabric. Be creative and experiment with different arrangements to create unique designs.
Once you have arranged the flowers and leaves on the fabric, carefully wrap it around a dowel or stick and tie it tightly with a string. This will help keep the flowers and leaves in place while the fabric is being boiled.
Step 4:
Place the wrapped fabric in the pot containing the dye solution and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for a few hours until the dye has seeped into the fabric and created beautiful prints.
Once the fabric has simmered for a few hours, remove it from the pot and let it cool.
Then, remove the flowers and leaves carefully to reveal the beautiful prints.
Eco printing using marigold flowers, dried leaves, and onion skins is a sustainable and eco-friendly way of creating beautiful prints on fabric. It is a simple process that can be done at home with easily available materials. So, next time you want to add some unique prints to your fabric, give eco printing a try using marigold flowers, dried leaves, and onion skins.
Plan 1 was executed to perfection and might I say Absolute LOVE.
Plan 1 was executed to perfection and might I say Absolute LOVE.
Plan 2 is to create a coord set. Catch the final look on my IG page: sanskritiboutiqueofficial.
