Kathy Johnson Art
The Eco-Printed Journal Workshop
FAQs
Can I do this in my Kitchen?
No, this process should not be done in your kitchen.
For safety, always steam/boil plant material in an outside location or in a well-ventilated area away from where you cook food. Many plants, including quite a few common garden plants, have toxins that can be dangerous. You don't want fumes concentrating in an enclosed space as some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain plants even though they may not be toxic. Once pots, pans or utensils are used for eco-printing they should never again be used to prepare food.
No, this process should not be done in your kitchen.
For safety, always steam/boil plant material in an outside location or in a well-ventilated area away from where you cook food. Many plants, including quite a few common garden plants, have toxins that can be dangerous. You don't want fumes concentrating in an enclosed space as some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain plants even though they may not be toxic. Once pots, pans or utensils are used for eco-printing they should never again be used to prepare food.
What is alum?
Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) is a mineral salt powder with a texture similar to coarse salt. It’s the magical substance that binds the plant pigment to the fibers in the paper. It's not considered toxic but it is an astringent and can be very drying to the skin.
Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) is a mineral salt powder with a texture similar to coarse salt. It’s the magical substance that binds the plant pigment to the fibers in the paper. It's not considered toxic but it is an astringent and can be very drying to the skin.
What is ferrous sulfate?
Ferrous sulfate is iron in powder form. It's used to change colors and darken colors of natural dyes. It also increases lightfastness.
You will want to wear gloves when working with iron - it will stain your hands.
Ferrous sulfate is iron in powder form. It's used to change colors and darken colors of natural dyes. It also increases lightfastness.
You will want to wear gloves when working with iron - it will stain your hands.
I don't have a large stockpot or roasting pan. Are there other options?
You could use a disposable deep aluminum lasagna pan, have it sit inside a metal baking pan for support and use foil for a cover.
You could use a disposable deep aluminum lasagna pan, have it sit inside a metal baking pan for support and use foil for a cover.
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Below are the tools that I use for eco-printing: a 2 burner portable electric burner, stock pot (12" at the widest point x 11" tall) with lid and
a roasting pan (12" x 16" x 4" deep) with a cookie sheet lid that was pieced together from thrift store finds.
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What else can I use if I don't have a portable electric burner or hot plate?
You could use a large crockpot from a thrift store or one that you won't use for food again.
It should be large enough to accommodate the 6.75" x 9.5" journal bundle.
You could use a large crockpot from a thrift store or one that you won't use for food again.
It should be large enough to accommodate the 6.75" x 9.5" journal bundle.
Will I need to gather additional flowers and leaves?
No, the plant material in your class kit is sufficient to create all the class projects.
No, the plant material in your class kit is sufficient to create all the class projects.
Still not sure about a supply you need for this workshop?
