Eco printing

http://rareharedesign.xara.hosting/downloads.htm

Link to the above page to download the powerpoint on eco printing.

Thank you everyone for mucking in and making it useful and enjoyable. Fran

This month we had a discussion on the intricacies of rust resist , cyanotype and boiled or steamed paper with natural dyeing techniques, explained to us by Frances, aided by other members who had experience in this area.

We had a great time discussing the various ways to eco dye paper, led by Frances full of her tips about the pitfalls of the various processes and how to learn from her experiences. Others shared their own learning, so we all feel much more able to have a go. We also discussed cyanotype process and, again, our learning from trying this process,Who knew the many alternative uses for an electrical steamer and a nail dryer?! We also had a starter session on haiku composition, notes here on the blog.

 

It was good to welcome Estella to her first meeting for ages, and members shared some great completed books, or works in progress, and many ideas were raised about future workshops. We have confirmed a book to make with Paul Johnson, and can promise that anyone who has booked will take home a lovely book and plenty of ideas. Final payment for the day is due at our May meeting.

Sue Maloney will lead the May meeting, more details to follow.

Haiku composition.......Marilyn Tippett

Haiku is a Japanese poetry form, classically consisting of three lines, the first of which has 5 syllables, the second seven syllables and the third five syllables. Its aim is to take an idea or something seen, usually in the natural world, and break that idea down to its essence. So, for example, you might scribble a few lines about things seen on a walk: waves on the sea, ducks flying across the sky, sandpipers along the sea edge, a boy with a red ball, a dog chasing a stick. Once home and in a quiet, almost contemplative state, break down some of what you saw into three lines that seem to fit together. For example, the boy was chasing a red ball whilst the sea behind him rolled and a dog chased a stick. Then, see if you can write a haiku of three lines. You can change the order of things, and will almost certainly have to use different words to make the syllable scheme work. You may end up with something like this and it may take several attempts:

The rolling tide breaks,
bouncing a small boy’s red ball.
A chasing dog barks.
 

If you struggle with composition to begin with , have a look at masters of haiku like Matsuo Basho, and base your efforts on his. Do remember however that haiku in translation will not always follow the syllable rule! You can also string a series of haiku together to make a longer poem if you wish.


REMINDER........ Liverpool Print Fair,  Bluecoat,  27th April