20 Apr Fresh Leaves, Seasonal Inspiration & a Free Creative Summit
Greetings from Clasheen.
We’ve been enjoying beautifully cool but sunny weather here over the past while, and I’ve some lovely news too—the swallows have returned. It always amazes me that such small birds travel between Ireland and Southern Africa each year, covering extraordinary distances as the seasons change. A real marvel of nature.
As the days lengthen, everything around the studio is beginning to green up again. Fresh leaves are appearing in the hedgerows and garden, and for anyone who enjoys eco printing, this is such an inspiring time of year.
Two of my favourite early leaves to print with are Acer pseudoplatanus (known in Ireland simply as sycamore, and in North America as sycamore maple) and Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, often grown for its vivid winter stems. Young spring growth can produce beautiful shapes and lovely detail on cloth, but it’s important to understand that other leaves need longer to mature before they give their best prints.
In the image below, I’ve used Cornus leaves to transform the body of a dismantled jumper (aka sweater), to create a cowl!
This season of renewal feels like the perfect time to share something else that I think many of you will enjoy.
Join Me at the Eco-Creative Summit
I’m delighted to be collaborating with HobbyScool for the first time as part of their upcoming Eco-Creative Summit.
It’s a free online event bringing together makers and teachers who care about thoughtful creativity, sustainability, natural processes, and making beautiful things by hand.
As part of the summit, I’ll be sharing a session on eco printing in the dirty pot—a practical and approachable method that avoids traditional powdered mordants.
My class will be especially helpful if you:
- are completely new to eco printing
- want to revisit the foundations with greater clarity
- would like a simpler, more natural approach
- enjoy experimenting with leaves, cloth, and colour
👉 You can learn more and register here
Because it’s totally free to attend, it’s an easy opportunity to dip in, explore a few sessions, and gather fresh inspiration for your own making.
If you later choose to purchase any paid offers from HobbyScool, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.