Wednesday 7 July 2021

WOYWW #631: More Eco-dyeing, Junk Journal July and Blogiversary

Hello again, deskers! I've got so much to show and tell today, I'll just jump straight in and try to keep the blabber to a minimum - there will be plenty of photos though, so just skip to the gallery if you're in a hurry. I've done a few more batches of  eco-dyeing - it's seriously addictive. I haven't had this much fun since I tried acrylic pouring! There's definitely a connection between gelli printing, acrylic pouring and eco-dyeing - and that is the random, surprise results! It's a bit like opening a present every time! The other thing they have in common is that they are extremely messy! 

Here's a shot of my work surface on my kitchen counter. I've changed my set-up and use string instead of clips to keep my bundles together - although I did like the impressions the clips made, but they're not suitable for bulkier batches. 


This is what it looked like when I opened the bundle after simmering for an hour or so: 


I made several batches over the weekend. I dry them naturally, sometimes give them a blast with a hairdryer, if I'm impatient and then iron them so they lie flat, but I don't mind a few wrinkles. These were made with 160gsm printer paper, so about twice the thickness of regular printer paper (similar to cartridge paper, I would say). I just happened to have whole pack from years ago and they're perfect for this. Here are some of my results (one of the batches had some turmeric thrown in, that's why they're so yellow): 






And I've found the perfect way to use them as well! I'm taking part in the #JunkJounalJuly challenge on Instagram, which means I have to forego other challenges, unfortunately. I made this junk journal from an old book I bought for 50p in the charity shop with some of my teadyed/printed and ecodyed papers inside. 



We were given the prompt list beforehand, which I find very useful as I can work and plan ahead. I started a couple of days late but was able to catch up. My pages so far: 







As you can see these are quite different from my regular mixed-media style. Neater, I would say, more controlled - a bit like scrapbooking but using ephemera instead of photos. You wouldn't believe the amount of faffing some of these arrangements took! So it's a different kind of creating but I like it! There's more info about each page on my Instagram feed if anyone's interested. 

It was my 7th Blogiversary on July 2nd! This would normally be a time to reflect, update my Pinterest Board, etc. but I only had time to put together my regular celebratory collage with my favourite projects these past 12 months - I'm too busy making new ones! 

And finally, an Oreo shot plein-air (or is it al fresco?) just because you haven't seen him for a while. He's doing very well and enjoying spending lots of time outdoors chasing mice. 


Happy WOYWW! There were a few people who left comments after Wednesday last week that I haven't had a chance to visit back yet, but you're at the top of my list today! See you later! xx 


25 comments:

  1. Hi there Zsusza, I'm desking the other way round today so you get to see me sooner than last week!! This eco dying really does sound interesting but the word 'messy' does put me off a bit. I wish now I hadn't thrown that old saucepan away!! It occurs to me that it might be good time to do this as there would be some chance of these drying in the shed rather the house.... but I am not totally tempted yet!! Orea looks so lovely!! Happy WOYWW, stay well stay safe, love n hugs Cindy xx #23

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  2. Wow, the results of your eco dyeing are amazing, I do love the soft tones you’re achieving. But that book, it’s just fantastic, I love every page, it’s a real treasure. You are so clever at putting images, papers, colours together, it’s marvellous!
    HUgs LLJ 1 xxx

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  3. Your eco dyeing is fabulous. I plan to make some papers soon, too. No rust, though, just botanicals and herbs. I love what you have accomplished.

    I really like that journal you are creating for July. I can see how the eco-dyeing would play a big part in it, given the prompts. Happy WOYWW from #2.

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  4. I see Oreo is no longer lop sided as he has both eyebrow whiskers for once. Loving your latest experiments and that junk journal is fantastic Zsuzsa. Congratulations on your 7th blogiversary. Stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #6

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  5. Beautiful work Zsuzsa. The journal looks amazing and it's good to see Oreo again, bet he's been having a great time as there will be lots of mice around at the moment. I often think that it's good to just play with a technique with no idea of how you will use the end result as I often find it distracting. Wishing you a very happy and creative woyww, Angela x18x

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  6. love the eco dyeing play!! and your latest challenge - you always find the most interesting things. I really should get into instagram (set up an account once but never used it) Have a creative week. Helen #8

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  7. Oreo he's such a darling, look at him enjoying that fresh outdoor air bless him. Your eco dyes are looking fabulous, you'll be trying all sorts of materials you mark my words and your junk journal journey is looking fantastic. Using old books is one of my favourite journal surfaces to use. I have a whole batch of readers digest books full of themes and bits, bobs and ephemera and still a whole library of empties to fill.. Makes for a great surface to play and create. Have fun Zsuzsa I know you will.
    Hugs Tracey xx

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  8. Your eco dying is looking fantastic, and the junk journal is fabulous - I love all your pages, they are certainly very different to your usual style but it's so great to work outside the box and try pushing ourselves in different directions (although that is something I'm not really doing at the moment!).
    Hope you have a great week,
    Diana xx #17

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  9. Oreo looks good against that pale blue wood but, sorry, not as good as your Junk Journal. That is an ill chosen name for something so lovely. I love the colours you are achieving with the eco dyeing and this is a tremendous piece of art which you can treasure over the years. Well done you on achieving something so beautiful. I thought you were the Queen of Gelli Prints but now I think you have earned another title too.
    Hugs, neet 11 xx

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  10. Hi Zsuzsa! Oreo looks like a happy kitty outside! Unfortunately my cats are chasing indoor mice. Aaach! I love your July Junk Journal and what you have done using your eco dying, just awesome! I may do a few July Journal pages myself if I can get in the mood! You were wondering about the hibiscus - they won't survive Canadian winters, this one lives indoors all winter, and outdoors once there are no more frost warnings. So I'm sure it would survive the same way where you are. I really like how you showcased your work from the past year for your blogiversary. What a great idea! Have a great week, Lindart #28

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  11. Oh my word, you’ve gone off on another incredible tangent. The eco dying looks amazing, what great results. And your enthusiasm is very inspiring Zsuzsa, I welcome it and thank you! Congrats on 7 years Of blogging, that’s an amazing amount of wonderful stuff that you’ve shared online, you are such a talent. And I can believe the amount of faffing…oh I really can!!

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  12. Wow, Zsuzsa, your creativity is shooting through the roof these days! Astonishing. Your results are so beautiful, and I love the new journal too. No stopping you! So lovely to see Oreo again - I was thinking the other day that I was missing seeing him. He is looking his usual handsome self, with his single eyebrow each side!

    Thank you for your visit and for all your good wishes for the coming days. I am thrilled with how my studio looks now, and for the first time in months it is now a pleasure to go in there. Once I am up to doing things again, I intend having some serious Fun in there. My new gel press arrived today - it's thinner than I expected but I am sure it will work just as well. I got the set of 4 small shapes as well. I am going to start off with inks a la Jennifer McGuire and after that, maybe go onto acrylics. I am also very much looking forward to getting going on Cindy's machine, which looks great in the space I made for it!

    Happy WOYWW,
    Shoshi #19

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  13. oh I am drooling over your eco-dyeing - it is such fun isn't it? I love gelli printing, acrylic pouring and eco-dyeing and you're right, I think it's the unpredictability of it all. Love the junk journal you made with them too. Are the hydrangea flowers stuck on or in the book? Happy blogiversary! Oreo looks like a very contented boy :) Happy WOYWW! Elle #24, EOTC

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  14. Hi Zsuzsa, I just wanted to say thank you so much for the link to Emilia Tapioli's work - I've just been to have a look at it, despite not finishing visiting desks yet! I love her neutrals and although I am always drawn to that style of work I find it very difficult to be free and messy in what I do - I really should push myself out of my comfort zone!
    Thanks again and enjoy the rest of the week xx

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  15. Thanks for your visit. We took 2 days away, so I am playing catch up and the time difference throws me . What a beautiful post. I love all the ways to make papers "usable and odd" Here I wait for No wind days, as I love to make this mess outdoors. My problem is I don't have time to use all the items I've stacked up. I don't like interruptions, my patience as I've aged I guess. Always love inspiration and you are one great for that. Love your gathering of your arts. Have a fun weekend and Thanks for the fun.

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  16. Some fabulous pages , I love that dark blue in the top picture. Your dyed papers have come in handy. I looked for the challenge as it is one of the things I meant to do this holiday. I found the prompts. I am not familiar with Instagram- it always looks complicated to me! I bought an old book with me as well. Angela #3

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  17. Girl! I'm dying to come over and play! You are really on a roll with these wonderful prints and your new junk journal. I'm loving each and every awe-inspiring page. xx, Autumn

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  18. Your eco-dyeing is wonderful. Tumeric is magic, isn't it? And your junk journal is so ordered and beautiful. And you are using it! Fab. Mine is, well, more junk-y I guess. Still on the fence of how to use it, too many ideas rattling about inside my poor head. But I will, I will... Lovely to see the recap of favourites, but I could pick 1000 more shots for sure.

    So very late this week!
    Mary Anne (5)

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  19. I am so in agreement with your comment about the surprising and random results that pull us in. I feel the same way, and just love what you're doing with your eco-drying. Gorgeous, unexpected and rich results, my uber-creative friend! xo

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  20. Your artwork never ceases to amaze me and I love the eco- dyeing. I really need to have a go at it. xx Jo

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  21. Sorry I'm running very late this week. Your eco dying looks amazing and the journal is incredible. Happy belated WOYWW. Take care and stay safe. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#15).

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  22. Your artwork is stunning. Keep creating. Have a wonderful weekend. Sending a smile your way.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  23. Thanks for popping by to my workspace Zsuzsa - Loving your eco dyeing - looks really fab! Your Journal pages are very inspiring too - Have a great week - Maurs xxx #21

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  24. I am afraid I am very late this week but hope to get around everyone...
    So much to look at on your post - I have not done eco-dying for ages. This may have inspired me! (When I have some time...)
    Thanks for your visit to me - the spinning is another thing where you never know what you will get! I think our salads usually are chopped ones so I have only used a salad spinner rarely for salad...
    Happy WOYWW!
    Susan #20
    Calling All Crafters! – My Blog!

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  25. Your eco dyeing is fantastic, Zsuzsa! I love all those batches. And Oreo looks happy there outside. Hope summer has arrived to Britain too.

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