Dyeing paper

I thought I’d write a short post on paper dyeing. Haha 😄 most of my posts are short!

I use these papers in my journals because I like the antiquey look and it makes for a interesting journal. It’s particularly useful when using lots of different papers as it unifies while each piece retains its intrinsic qualities.

Here is an image of the onion skins simmering away…

In the image below from left to right is coffee dyed, onion skin dyed and tea dyed paper.

I onion dyed a batch of paper this morning. I love the golden colour it produces, it’s a very rich colour. I used an aluminium dyepot that I knew would dull the colour. As the Rayburn was lit and the oven not too hot I dried the paper in there on old cake racks.

It’s important to use separate pots and utensils for dyeing and to store them away from those used for food.

I placed coins on the following sheet before it went in the oven. I like the results…

I will try this technique again.

As the dye bath is not depleted of onion skin dye I’ve put a hank of my handspun yarn in it. I’ll leave it to soak for a day or so.

Thanks for dropping by

Tracey xx 🌼💐🌸

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Laughing at myself…

I was looking out through my window when the light was such that the foliage across the way reminded me of a sideways envelope! 😆 So, I ask, does that qualify me as a true junk journaler?! 😆

First time that’s happened.

I took a picture but the light had changed a little so that the envelope flap is not quite the sideways v it had previously been a minute before…

In case your not as crazy as me, it’s the one in the middle 😆

Happy Sunday everyone,

Love Tracey xxx

Book covers for junk journals

Hello!

I’ve spent my morning creating/recovering two book covers. I carefully removed the contents a couple of days ago and separated the signatures (groups of pages sewn into hardback books) so that they can be used too,  although not necessarily in these books.

Both came from a charity shop sale for 50p each. I’ve removed the spine from the green one and replaced it with a wider, new spine. I love how they are coming along thus far and am quite exited about it 😆❤

I shall decorate the covers a bit once I’ve had a think and a play. Next I will be gathering pages together. I had a big tea dyeing session in the garden yesterday plus I experimented with a watercolour bath using old tubes of paint before they dry up. It did colour those pieces but at the moment only I would notice.

 The one on the right looks black on my screen but it’s actually a lovely green.

The clips are holding paper in places while it dries.

I’m planning to sew two signatures into each book; I don’t think three would fit as I shall add pockets and tuck shops and other ephemera.

This lovely lady (Gayle Agostinelli) has been a great teacher and source of inspiration…

 

I’ll show you the pages in the next installment 🙂

Thanks for visiting. Bye for now,

Tracey xx ❤

CONVERSATION WITH…The Cheshire Cat from Wonderland…about virtual friendships in older age

OVER THE HILL on the YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Over the Hill on the Yelllow Brick Road, I saw a grinning cat sitting in a tree. A moment later, the cat disappeared. The next moment, he appeared on the top of a bush. Then strangely, his body faded. All that remained was his smile and his eyes. Was it possible he was the Cheshire Cat from the story of Alice in Wonderland? I had to ask!

Hey—are you—

CHESIRE CAT: Yes I am. The Cheshire Cat.

But, you live in Wonderland. What are you doing here? How did you get Over the Hill on the Yellow Brick Road?

CHESHIRE CAT: How does anyone ever get anywhere? With great difficulty.

I suppose.

CHESHIRE CAT: But I just had to come. Like the rest of you here, I’m growing older and trying to figure out where I belong in the world. I’m having trouble relating to the Mad Hatter, the White…

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