Last night I went to my last Paper Batik class at at the Lemon Street Gallery in Kenosha, and this time I brought along some nature prints I made, to use as a background for my batiks.

Starting at the top left, the ginko print, and the two tall hosta leaf prints are on rice paper.  However, the bottom left geranium leaf print, and the black hosta leaf print on the lower right are on my handmade paper. 

I usually don't apply a lot of pressure to my handmade paper, so it tends to be on the soft side (applying pressure to freshly made hmp compacts the fibers, making the paper stronger), so I was curious to see if my hmp could withstand the repeated coloring and waxing involved in batik. 

When I got to class, I applied alternating layers of colors and wax to the prints. Because the pieces needed to dry thoroughly before removing the wax, that still needs to be done.  I plan on showing you the results next week, and I can't wait to see how they turn out myself!

Have a great weekend!

Making free handmade paper...

I had the privilege of being a guest blogger on Mariel and Jessica's "Or so she says..." blog this weekend.  I wrote a brief tutorial on making "free" handmade paper with 100% recycled paper.

The tagline for "Or so she says"  is " a daily dose of great ideas" and that it is!  Check it out, and see if you don't find a great idea or two to inspire you...

String Garden?

I'm busy filling orders today, as well as preparing for a guest blog post this weekend.

But, I wanted to share this "String Garden" idea with you.  I'm not sure what to make of it, are you?  But isn't it interesting?  I would love to know how they do it...and why.

Better!

Pressed Maple Leaf Collage

Matted, 8" x 12" 

I am back in the saddle again!  Two weeks ago my children and my husband all took turns getting the flu, while I ran around dutifully taking care of everybody.  Soon I found myself bragging about my superior immunity.

Then I was reminded that God hates a prideful heart! The flu hit me hard and after 8 long days on the couch it is such a blessing to be healthy again.  I'll be back to my 3 day a week blogging schedule this week.