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’ll want to keep fumes from concentrating in an enclosed space as some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain plants even though they may not be toxic. Any pots, pans or utensils used for eco-printing should not be used for preparing 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’ll want to keep fumes from concentrating in an enclosed space as some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain plants even though they may not be toxic. Any pots, pans or utensils used for eco-printing should not be used for preparing food.
What is alum?
Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) is a mineral salt powder with a texture similar to coarse salt. It’s what I consider to be that 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 what I consider to be that 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 kind of dowel do I need?
You’ll want the diameter to be in the range of 1” – 1.5” or larger for ease of rolling the bundle and the length should be at least 9 - 9.5“.
There are several options; it can be a wooden dowel (the kind you use for a closet rod), a piece of a tree branch (the straighter the better), a piece of PVC pipe*, or the paper roll from a finished box of foil, wax paper or plastic wrap. Since this last option is paper you’ll want to wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it from absorbing water while it’s simmering.
*If using PVC pipe use sand paper to remove any writing on the pipe otherwise it may transfer to your paper
You’ll want the diameter to be in the range of 1” – 1.5” or larger for ease of rolling the bundle and the length should be at least 9 - 9.5“.
There are several options; it can be a wooden dowel (the kind you use for a closet rod), a piece of a tree branch (the straighter the better), a piece of PVC pipe*, or the paper roll from a finished box of foil, wax paper or plastic wrap. Since this last option is paper you’ll want to wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it from absorbing water while it’s simmering.
*If using PVC pipe use sand paper to remove any writing on the pipe otherwise it may transfer to your paper
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What are bundles and what do they look like?
The bundles are the paper and plant material rolled around a dowel or layered and wrapped with string before going into simmering water.
The bundles are the paper and plant material rolled around a dowel or layered and wrapped with string before going into simmering water.
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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.
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 gas grill, or a large crockpot that you don't plan to use for food again. If you use a crockpot, you may have to boil your
journal and cover bundle at different times due to space limitations.
You could use a gas grill, or a large crockpot that you don't plan to use for food again. If you use a crockpot, you may have to boil your
journal and cover bundle at different times due to space limitations.
Will I need to gather additional flowers and leaves?
No, what I will be sending is sufficient to create a journal as shown in the photos but if you do have leaves or flowers you want to use in
addition to what I send, that’s fine too.
No, what I will be sending is sufficient to create a journal as shown in the photos but if you do have leaves or flowers you want to use in
addition to what I send, that’s fine too.
Liquid acrylic medium, Mod Podge or Elmer's glue, which one should I use?
The one that you have on hand or the one that is easiest for you to get is the best one to use. If you do use Elmer’s glue you’ll want to put
some in a small container so you can mix in some water to thin it down a little.
The one that you have on hand or the one that is easiest for you to get is the best one to use. If you do use Elmer’s glue you’ll want to put
some in a small container so you can mix in some water to thin it down a little.
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What kind of needle should I use?
I like to use a #22 or #24 chenille needle because chenille needles have a long but not too wide eye which can accommodate 6 strands
of embroidery floss. You can use any needle that works for you and with the thread you choose for stitching your book.
I like to use a #22 or #24 chenille needle because chenille needles have a long but not too wide eye which can accommodate 6 strands
of embroidery floss. You can use any needle that works for you and with the thread you choose for stitching your book.
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What kinds of objects can I use for the journal closure feature?
Buttons, sticks, driftwood, a shell (if it has a hole so it can be attached), wooden or crystal beads, an old key, or anything else you can attach
to the cover paper and wrap string around.
Buttons, sticks, driftwood, a shell (if it has a hole so it can be attached), wooden or crystal beads, an old key, or anything else you can attach
to the cover paper and wrap string around.
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What is an awl?
An awl is a thin, tapered metal shaft that comes to a sharp point and is used to puncture holes in leather, wood, paper, and other materials.
An awl is a thin, tapered metal shaft that comes to a sharp point and is used to puncture holes in leather, wood, paper, and other materials.
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Still not sure about a supply or have a question about this workshop?
