... so now I will give you a little bit of background into my artistic and crafty journey thus far.

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The first craft passion I had was when I was in my twenties making handmade paper.  I had borrowed (permanently!) a papermaking kit that my mum had purchased for herself and it’s still kicking around in my shed today.  Over time I built larger frames, made round paper using embroidery hoops, and shared my passion with friends.  I still hoard pieces of coloured paper and have all the equipment.  I like to think that someday I will pull it all out again to use it, and in fact, handmade paper would make a lovely addition to my current interest.

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Since my days of papermaking I have tried a number of other crafts, but at the moment I am in the grip of a new passion that is the art of Botanical printing and natural dyeing, and I feel like I have finally found “the one” for me ♥  

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This art form involves many steps, and requires time and patience.  In this world that sometimes feels like it’s rushing past, this practice helps me to consciously slow down.  I enjoy each and every step of the process, from collecting the leaves, gumnuts and flowers; to preparing the fabric; to arranging the plant materials on the cloth; to opening the bundles after they have been steamed or simmered (my favourite part!), it all brings me such joy.

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Put very simply, my description of Botanical printing is the creation of dyed patterns on pieces of natural fabric which can be plant based fibres (cellulose) - cotton, linen and hemp; animal fibres (protein) - silk and wool; or on paper.  Using plant materials which can be anything from leaves, gumnuts, bark and flowers to form the print, the cloth, or paper, is bound tightly onto a rod to form "a bundle".  The tightness of the winding and binding ensures the plant matter is pressed close to the article so that the dye released from the plant matter creates a clear print on to the target item.  The dye is extracted using heat from water either by steaming or simmering.

 

As a Botanical printer, I have also been drawn to experimenting with extracting natural dye from plant materials.  This includes flowers, fungi, bark, gumnuts and avocados, the possibilities are endless, which is what makes this practice so much fun!

 

Following my creative path and developing my business is an ongoing process for me.  I'm really not good at rushing in our fast paced world, I step forwards, then backwards, and I think that is quite ok!

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Kylie Riches

Heart of Riches