How to ecoprint sheets of photocopy paper (includes using Madder root)

Use between 80- 100 gsm paper (the cheap version is 80 gsm, and this is a little more prone to tearing).  A3 is a good size if you can get some.

If using A3 size, trim it to about 26 x 36 cm (take a strip off the top and side).

When preparing your bundle you will be folding the paper. Don’t let two sides of the paper sit next to each other without something in between. The two bits of paper will fuse together, and you won’t be able to get them apart. You must put a piece of fabric or lots of leaves between them.

Fold the paper into quarters (If using trimmed A3 size). Lay down your vegetation on one half. Put two pieces of card soaked in mordant solution (either alum or iron) over the top, then lay down another layer of vegetation. Fold the other half of the paper over the card. Now fold the bundle in half one more time. Now there are two sides of bare paper touching each other, so put one of your sheets of calico between them.

Place this bundle on your aluminium printing plate. You should be able to fit two of these bundles. Prepare another one and lay it on top. Separate the two bundles with either your copper sheet (lighter result) or your steel sheet (darker result).

Short video here

The pot should contain enough water to submerge your bundle, and a coloured liquid. Red can be achieved by using one heaped tablespoon of madder root powder. With iron the madder will turn purple. You can put a layer of leaves in the pot to protect the bottom of the bundle.

Simmer gently for between 45 – 90 minutes. Longer cooking times produce different results.

This is the tricky part. There is a danger of tearing the paper when lifting it out of the pot (the tongs will destroy the edges of the bundle). Proceed with caution. It’s very messy, so lay it on the grass outside to carefully open it up. Once opened, gently rinse any clinging vegetation away with a jug of water. Don’t handle it again until it is dry. Leave it on the grass.

Iron solution – half a tsp ferrous sulphate in 300ml water. Use immediately.

Madder bath – one heaped tablespoon of madder powder in water (Rubia cordifolia, from Aussie Soap Supplies).

Botanicals:

• Eucalyptus leaves
• Silky oak
• Tibouchina
• Dandelions
• Pressed sunflowers (they give a white shadow, not a yellow print)
• Tree fern
• Fishbone fern

However, use what you have on hand locally.

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