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Eco Printing on Paper Tutorial

You won't believe the gorgeous prints you'll get with this fun tutorial that shows you how to use the dye in leaves to make beautiful printed paper.
Active Time2 hours
Drying Time2 hours 30 minutes
Cost: $30

Equipment

  • 1 pair of scissors
  • Gloves
  • old roasting pan for crafting only
  • non-food craft bins for soaking paper and leaves

Materials

Instructions

  • Soak your paper in a plastic bin with water and 10 % alum mixed in. I used about 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of alum for about 15 minutes.
  • Soak your leaves in water and 1% ferrous sulfate or homemade iron water for 15 minutes.
  • Set the first alum soaked paper on the glass trivet or ceramic tile.
  • Arrange leaves on the paper.
  • Cover with a second piece of treated watercolor paper.
  • Next, add a sheet or two of brown paper as a buffer.
  • Repeat with a new card and leaf arrangement.
  • Continue with more paper and leaf arrangements.
  • Finish with another glass trivet or ceramic tile and tie the bundle tightly together with twine or string.
  • Set in an old non-food use roaster pan or pot covered with water.
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  • Remove from the water and let cool.
  • Cut the string and open the bundle to reveal your prints.
  • Set on towels or hang the paper to dry.
  • Upon drying the paper may curl. Flatten by covering the curled paper with brown paper and lightly ironing or set some heavy books on top.

Notes

Make sure the pots and pans you use to soak or heat the materials will not be used for food in the future. You can easily pick up some inexpensive pots/pans in a thrift store.
Know your plants. Don't use anything toxic or poisonous for this project.
Wear gloves and work in a well ventilated area or outside. You could also wear a mask. 
Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram