Laura Donnelly Bethmann - Hand Printing from Nature

HAND-PRINTING FROM NATURE

HANDPRINTING FROM NATURE

Create Unique Prints for Fabric, Paper, and Other Surfaces Using Natural and Found Materials

LAURA BETHMANN

Photography by Adam Mastoon

The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by
publishing practical information that encourages
personal independence in harmony with the environment.

Edited by Deborah Balmuth and Nancy D. Wood
Art direction and book design by Mary Winkelman Velgos

Cover photography by Mars Vilaubi: front and spine, and Adam Mastoon: back.
Interior photography by Adam Mastoon, except for those courtesy of the author, pages 13,
53, and 160; David Schrader/iStockphoto.com, background papers, pages 8586;
Dominic Pabis/iStockphoto.com, page 3; H2OWorks/iStockphoto.com, page 98
left; Le Do/iStockphoto.com, page 34 right; Olaf Simon/iStockphoto.com, page 170;
Matka_Wariatka/iStockphoto.com, page 27; RelaxFoto.de/iStockphoto.com, page 121;
and Traveler1116/iStockphoto.com, page 34 left.
Photo styling by Caroline Woodward from Ennis Inc.
Nature prints and illustrations by the author, except for: Joseph Breintnall, courtesy of
The Library Company of Philadelphia, page 87, and Alison Kolesar, page 65.

Indexed by Catherine F. Goddard

2011 by Laura Donnelly Bethmann

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages or reproduce illustrations in a review with appropriate credits; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other without written permission from the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or Storey Publishing. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.

Storey books are available for special premium and promotional uses and for customized editions. For further information, please call 1-800-793-9396.

Storey Publishing
210 MASS MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com

Printed in China by Toppan Leefung Printing Ltd.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Bethmann, Laura Donnelly, 1953
Hand printing from nature / by Laura Bethmann.
p. cm.
Rev. ed. of: Nature printing with herbs, fruits & flowers. 1996.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-60342-559-9 (hardcover with concealed wire-o : alk. paper)
1. Nature printsTechnique. 2. Plant printsTechnique.
I. Bethmann, Laura Donnelly, 1953 Nature printing with herbs, fruits & flowers. II. Title.
NE1338.B49 2011
761dc22
2011010313

Let the beauty you love be what you do.

Rumi

Hand-printing from nature is a simple technique for creating fabulous, detailed images called nature prints. When you apply ink or paint to a leaf, flower, or other natural object and press it onto paper, or just about any other surface, the artistry of natures designs is revealed.

The process of hand-printing nature stirs our kinship with the earth and charges our creative energy. These feelings are in the doing, and nature printing is astonishingly easy to do. At every workshop Ive taught, after just 15 minutes of practice, intricately engraved prints of sword-shaped sage leaves and brightly colored chrysanthemums parade across the tabletops as novice nature printers turn out expertly rendered images.

Getting started is simple. Natural, found materials are readily available and only a few, inexpensive supplies are needed to begin. Once initiated, youll see printing possibilities everywhere. Feathers, lemons, daisies, and just plain grass are waiting for us to print them! We dont need to carve designs in linoleum blocks or fabricate silk screens, yet we can manipulate the patterns and make them our own.

The basic direct-printing technique is the same for printing anything from sunflowers to scallop shells, but there are differences in handling and preparation. In these pages you will learn how to collect, handle, prepare, and print natural objects from the very small to the large and complex; direct- and indirect-printing techniques; the significance of using your hands to apply pressure instead of pressing tools; which pigments to use and the nuances involved in pigment application; what characteristics to consider when choosing appropriate printing surfaces; and a host of methods and tips for honing your nature-printing and designing skills for creative home accessories, linens, furnishings, walls, note cards, artwork, and gifts.

My first book, Nature Printing, concentrated on the historic use of this ancient art, craft, and science to print accurate images of natural objects. In this book Ive tried to honor the centuries-old tradition of nature printing, while further exploring natures designs as elements within artistic patterns to find a modern approach to creating nature-based designs for home decoration. In a simple, satisfying, imaginative way, we are bringing home the images of nature. I hope this book will inspire you to get started on this fascinating adventure. I welcome your questions and comments at www.laurabethmann.com.

A big, warm thank-you to Deborah Balmuth, for her advocacy and for suggesting we do a follow-up to my original book, Nature Printing, published back in 1996. Deborahs knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine passion and involvement in this book are inspiring. To Nancy Wood, a fabulous editor, guide, and not-really-a-slave-driver: Im indebted to and in awe of her vigilance, organizational skills, and ability to keep me going in the face of doubt and exhaustion. To Mary Winkelman Velgos, for her Goldilocks talent in bringing together all the pieces just right. To Pam Art, Amy Greeman, Alee Marsh, Alethea Morrison, Jessica Richard, and everyone else at Storey, this book benefits greatly from your excellent work and generous interest in nature printing. Many of you became accomplished nature printers during the process of making this book! To Adam Mastoon and Steffen Allen, I thank you both for your beautiful photography. Im indebted to Caroline Woodward for her creative styling.

Heartfelt thanks to superlative writer Joseph Master, for his valuable advice, enthusiasm, and encouragement. Much appreciation to Warren Whelan for coming to my rescue with a giant van. To Cara Bethmann, for her expert sewing skills and stimulating consultations, Im beholden. To Kate Master for a great author photo, for always checking in with me, and for telling me to just send it, Im eternally grateful. Love, hugs, and cheers to all my family and friends, you know who you are, for continued interest, mental nourishment, and humor. And to my husband, Chris, who makes all things possible, my never-ending love and devotion.