Spring Fling

I'm constantly amazed by the range of colors available from plant pigment dyes. I began my dye garden in 2021, including both Black Knight Scabiosa (pin cushion flower) and Madder.

Madder root, or 'blood root,' is the source of a range of colors from the salmon hue you see here, to rich crimson. It all depends on the fabric and the pH of the dye bath. In this case, I've used raw silk with no added pH modifier.

Black Knight Scabiosa is a versatile dye, but not quite as permanent so you won't find it used for clothing. Here, I've used the same raw silk as well as watercolor paper that had previously been botanically printed with tannin-rich leaves, the initial result primarily light yellow and a bit of brown. Dipping the previously printed paper into the Black Knight Scabiosa dye immediately offered this kaleidoscope of color!

I prefer ripping fabric to cutting, so expect the edges to continue to fray. Three electric steel guitar strings finish the piece.

As with all art works, keep away from direct sunlight.

Displaying your artwork

This botanical mixed media collage is mounted on lightweight birchboard. Upcycling and re-use is always an element in my work, so I've incorporated a steel guitar string into the back of each piece as the hanger, along with a foam strip to support the light-weight birch board against the wall.

If you prefer, you could also mount the piece on matt or foam board and frame the piece. The guitar string hanger can be easily clipped off, and the foam buffer strip can be removed as well. I suggest an inside frame size of 12 X 12.

Frame suggestions:

Sannahed from Ikea, 12 X 12 white
Also available in black
Prixas from Amazon, 16 X 16 light oak
Also available in 12 X 12, 18 X 18 and 20 X 20 in white black and dark oak