How to print the flowers 奇妙的花兒印染

 

Cant' thank more for my friends who like to do natural prints with me. Florence and Grace are sisters who are very supportive to my works and have joined my tutelage a few times.  They found the flower prints lovely particularly Lagerstroemia speciosa (大葉紫薇) and Hibiscus tiliaceus (黃槿) as the above image.

  To take the blooming season for the prints, they came again this Sunday for the flower prints. 

Before the workshop I went to collect some flowers along the coast.

很感謝朋友對我的創作支持，不下數次來跟我製作植物印染的姊妹日前再度來學習以新技巧做的花葉印染，半日的製作各做一件羊毛混綿及純𢇁圍巾，相信他們也滿意大葉紫薇及黃槿花的獨特製作過程。

 Up in the skies were those pretty purple / pink flowers - Lagerstroemia speciosa........

 

Heading to the other side of the harbour with stunning view........

lots of Hibiscus tiliaceus by the tranquil coast

 

A half day walk with handful flowers for the prints.

Started composition with assorted leaves and flowers on a piece of wool blend and another piece of silk wrap then bundle boiling for an hour.
 Before the workshop I told the girls it's interesting to make such prints with the new skills but not guarantee it's beautiful.  Yes I can't guarantee what mother nature gives. The outcome depends really on sorts of plants collected.

  Unwrapping is always exciting......

"What can we expect?  That flower is khaki."

 

"Oh, this one is yellowish."

Part of the wrap with composition of different flowers, leaves and shades.

Here are details of the two materials, wool blend and pure silk.

 

Two styles for two girls

 

This is for Grace. How do they like it?

Good time with good friends for the inspiring creation

Friends are friends who bring me happiness and inspiration as well fun sharing. My wool felt artist teacher Nicola Brown and her sister Suzanne from Ireland last week visited Hong Kong. We're delighted to spend some time to show our honorable guests around.  Wonderful that Nicola spotted the special bush in the area I've never seen the plant  before.  I picked a few for eco print experiment.   It works fantastic!
藉著愛爾蘭老師Nicola Brown到訪, 這幾天我們在天朗氣清下悠遊港九,新界與離島, 在新界北Nicola 更發掘了我一直想找尋的蓖麻葉, 我急不及待與友人在星期天分享寶物做植物印染實驗,

We're spoiled and lots to play with Nicola's beautiful gifts.  See.....Mogi's anxious to unbundle the gifts.

 During the days of Nicola's visit we have been to the Peak for the panoramic view of the harbour.

With my friend Florence to Lamma Island for trail walk from one bay to the other. Along we saw some plants and the casaurina was good for our eco prints.

 From the Peak to the sea, the next day we drove to Sai Kung passing by the yacht club. Colorful sampans lining up in the tranquil bay.

 

Stopped by Sai O ..........  strolling with a guy playing saxophone behind.....

 

A sunny and warm day it was ! We're heading to the north New Territories along coastal  Sai Kung to Shatin, Taipo then Lok Ma Chau.

 At Lok Ma Chau Lookout, only a short distance China is in the sight.

 Nicola's so familiar with plants. She spotted the special bush in the north while we're almost leaving the car park. Glad to find a few for home experiment together with the eucalyptus picked on the ground in flower market. I was so eager to do the testing that night.
Outcome is gorgeous !

 The past Sunday we have fun sharing of eco-printing with Florence and Grace.

We did placement on silk scarf with the found leaf, casaurina, euc, rose leaves and onion skins......

  Winter Sweet  (腊梅) and Grevillea Robusta (銀華) for paper prints on the watercolor paper Nicola gave me.

 Time to opening is always the exciting moment

 Such clear prints

 Grace's happy with her scarf placement

 The large and bold prints

 Florence said this looks like my "style" prints.

 We done on light silk chiffon for the scarf

 

We tried on silk jersey with sorts of euc and onion bath with alum

 

We have a nice time on the Sunday afternoon playing with natural prints......

 with the soft and tasting home made cake from Florence....
we're full......

 My eager experiment with good outcome

 

Thanks for Nicola's visiting.

Her visit in Hong Kong from the south in Lamma Island to the North Sha Tau Kok made us a good chance to see the stunning Hong Kong too.  Visitors are always impressed with our greenery just a stone-throw from the urban. 

 

The two years wool felting extravagance I attended in Portugal by Nicola were amazing. Ireland is the country on my wish list. If I were not already engaged this summer I must join the upcoming workshop by Nicola Brown in her country the 10-day luxurious residental retreat "Felting & Eco Printing in Ireland"  between 15 - 25 July 2016. 

On going vacation Tuscany Italy 繼續上路意大利托斯卡尼之行

Right after England, arrived Pisa by Rynair. Stayed overnight in the airport B&B before heading to Florence. Next morning took a bus to the train station to explore the town.

Less than a 10-min bus ride from the airport, bus arrived at the train station. Walked towards the streets I stopped by and bought a handmade ring, very unique weaved wax thread with stone and a nice chat with the artisan.

Going on ........the Hanging Tower is in the sight.

After sometime in Pisa I took an hour train to Florence downtown.  Checked in the B&B at 3pm, immediately went to explore the beautiful city. The city itself is of history, art and culture. Strolling you'll immerse yourself in the ambiance.  

Michelangelo's sculpture - David, is one of the master pieces.

Through the squares to the famous bridge Ponte Vecchio

Lovers locked their commitments on the bank

I shared the Galeto with the pigeon. 

Views of the river and bridge - Ponte Vecchio.  

Next morning took the bus no. 12 from the train station to Pizzale Michelangelo on a hill to see the splendid overview of Florence.

Stunning and brilliant

It's dusk, time to go.......

Today on my way to meet a friend and spend a week for an exploration in Chianciano T, medieval towns in the other side of the Region Tuscan. Both of us are expecting to do some Eco print experiments. Thrilled and can't wait.