Callistemon on silk

Lower fabric is the same bush as the wool one,

the top one is a different bottlebrush and the pink is much paler and a bit orangy ...

I just want to thank you all for your messages, will get back to you.......

Callistemon on wool

my favourite bottlebrush, well, you see the result:

by the way, the rose leaves come throught light green, most washed out this time but green is still there

My weekend comming up

I am going to Echuca tomorrow, for a two day watercolour (Aquarelle) workshop with the master: Joseph Zbukvic

check out his paintings on:
http://www.redhillgallery.com.au/2007/ARTISTS%20HTMS/JosephZbukvic2006.html

all's booked, just have to pack, since I did not know the workshop was on until today, friday...
well.......... I'll be in a dizzzzzzzzzz.........
I just have to make sure I have all the paint on the way home (just as well I pass an artist supply shop) after work, all else I should have available at home, hotel has been booked too

Clothes, I will not worry about them, just fill a bag
Only hope is that it will not be raining, will keep you posted ...............

this is Echuca's river the Murray
and the Emmylou Paddle steamer

Finished silk blouse

well, it's done

PS: did not end up using tea dyed pocket,

it just did not match

first time I tried this method

From Indias book, page 128 her own method:

pick up the sun dried leaves (or fresh) from the ground

boil, then simmer for 45 minutes

strain

use liquid in metal pot

keep gently under simmer for 45 minutes

let cool in liquid

eh voila:

as they say, the colour looks better in reality

The second piece is a using a second time dye from the pinkish jumper. Its the one below (Mo, Oct 13th), the lovely colour achieved just does not show

Next installment

a few pockets got sewn on ....

do you see the tea dyed one

one top right ?

Searching for a way to show the students, maybe this works:

Work in progress:

I work in class on this, trying to get students interested,

They think I am different....

They've seen nothing yet!

if you click on the images they will enlarge

This turns the fabric green

This skirt was fun to make

and all hand sewn

Faye, do you recognise this top?

I was asked about it at the National Gallery fashion exhibit on thursday in Melbourne

How to make a wrap top

from a top you do not use anymore,

the India Flint way

a few snips

some additions

pockets (if you follow the master)

there you go.......

Now I better make one of my own!

keep watching .....................

This is the latest I have been daring myself to dye, its silk & wool from "Beautiful Silks"
It feels marvelous soft and flowy,
might have to buy some more .....

The way the MAGIC happens: This is the book that tells you all in details:

This is one of my attempts:

it works very simple and easy

There is a new world out there since I last posted
I have been to Uni for four years
Had a year of unemployment
And now I am working
In textiles of all things

It was a wondrous five years
Of concentrating on painting
With brushes, spatulas and fingers
On canvas mostly and some papers
Some inspiring lectures on Renaissance
Following three and half a months in Europe
Trailing the paintings discussed
An exhibition a necessity following
Dreaming time in Venice:
http://www.freewebs.com/madim2005/

Now my conundrum:
How do I find time to paint
When this magic new world has appeared:

Concentring on textiles
I had to change tack
When India Flint - - http://www.indiaflint.com
Appeared on the Sunday Art’s program on ABC
Lights went on:
We used to dye with onion skins, tea and coffee
Use plants and flowers for all sorts of things growing up

Here a reminder: a world without the chemicals
And a lot less expensive too
I have Eucalyptus trees, plants and flowers
Well what’s left alive from the draught anyway
Let’s give this a go

I have had an eye on India Flint’s book as it was:
“ECO COLOUR”, botanical dyes for beautiful textiles
That was ordered quick smart

Then I had a chance of a seven day Forum
Where India taught us how to look at garments differently
How with scissors you can turn something useless
To something new and usefull: recycling magic
We stitched by hand and had a marvellous time
Learned a lot from this mother earth
With her sound and earth oriented philosophy

If you get a chance to join her,
Please don’t miss it........

Now I spend every free minute
Working with Eucalyptus leaves and bark
What colour will it be?
Oh! This rose leaves give a dull green
But the others print bright green
If I put some of this weeds in the pot as well?

½ to one hour in the pot
Eucalyptus need to boil to work
Then simmer gently
And the unpacking, just can’t wait
Then they are drying in the sun .....................

I better get back to it
There is the latest batch................