Botanical scarf with avocado & chamomile

Eco-print with Eucalyptus, Chamomile, and Avocados

I have enjoyed eco-printing with natural dye-stuff this winter. After several years of experimentation,  I look forward to sharing some combinations that I enjoy. I have been getting good prints using eucalyptus on silk. One interesting thing about eucalyptus is there are around 600-700 species of the tree. There are at least 3 varieties that I find in the Miracle Mile neighborhood here in L.A. which are: Silver princess (pictured below), Silver Dollar, and Lemon Eucalyptus. I enjoy using all 3 for printmaking. If you order a botanical bundle- you will receive one of these varieties, along with chamomile flowers. They can be additionally sourced at the floral section of many markets. 

You can botanically dye a range of natural fibers such as silk, cotton and chiffon. For this project, I used a silk square, eucalyptus, gingko leaves, and chamomile flowers. Next, I steamed and partially submerged the piece in an avocado dye bath binding the piece using Arashi Shibori techniques. 

The ends reveal those deeper rose pinks from the avocado submersion. The pops of yellow are the ground chamomile flowers and the clear prints are the Eucalyptus. Near the edges- I got some clear gingko leaves which were basically halos of the gingko leaves where the dye discharged near the submersion of the edges. 

The lines are due the way that I like to print & bind my fibers using a mirror image and thin twine in Arashi Shibori fashion. I would say there are other ways to bind fiber onto a dowel or stick this is just one method of bundling. 

At the moment, I am putting together a kit of the chamomile flowers and the eucalyptus. I am planning a LIVE event on January 10th for dyers who love dyeing with foraged botanical. Would you like to get together and see what range we can come up with? I love seeing all the hues that come from avocado and eucalyptus! All dyers will use their own foraged materials. Kits can be added-on and are almost ready, be sure to contact me to receive one in the mail. Dye kit includes a silk square, eucalyptus leaves, iron, chamomile flowers and twine. 

Our foraged dye event registration is now open. Comment below with any questions that you have about dyeing with avocado. Please join us this Sunday, January 17th!