Amazon.com
Since ancient times, humans have sought ways to preserve the ephemeral beauty of nature. The centuries-old technique of nature printing yields some of the most exquisite results, appearing something like a cross between pressed-flower pictures and rubber-stamped designs. And the process itself somewhat resembles a hybrid of the two crafts: plant materials are gathered and pressed for a few minutes, then inked and covered with a sheet of paper or fabric to transfer the image. Unlike pressed-flower pictures, which require relatively flat blossoms, nature prints can utilize more extravagant blooms like roses and carnations, which can be printed without pressing. Other natural materials also work: fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, leaves, seashells, feathers, even fish and spiderwebs.
Laura Donnelly Bethmann provides solid background on the basics of the technique, as well as an interesting history of the craft. She explains how to gather and prepare specimens, offers a variety of printing methods, and discusses design principles. The final chapter comprises about a dozen simple projects, including gift-wrap, notecards, and T-shirts. Bethmann's own nature prints as well as those of several other artists are scattered throughout the pages; one wishes that more of these lovely, delicate artworks were more prominently featured in this otherwise worthwhile book. --Amy Handy
From Library Journal
Nature prints are made by inking natural objects and applying them to cloth or paper in much the same way as taking fingerprints. In this wide-ranging manual of nature-printing techniques and projects, Bethmann explores a variety of techniques using inks, paint, or natural plant juices to decorate stationery, herbals, fabric pieces, and garments. A section on design and layout as it applies to leaves and flowers is included, and some unusual natural objects such as mushrooms and garden vegetables are also used. There are even instructions for traditional Japanese fish printing.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Printing attractive images from plant materials is an art form that demands little of an individual in terms of technical expertise or training, yet the results can be remarkably gratifying. Bethmann's informative introductory manual could easily generate renewed interest in the natural world, as she suggests ways to collect and press flowers, leaves, and other types of specimens. A stimulating range of approaches to applying color is featured in a step-by-step format that illustrates printing methods for watercolors, inks, powdered pigments, and various oil-based media. Basic design elements are explored as they relate to the creation of such projects as unique stationery, nature studies, gift wrapping paper, decorated clothing, and other fabric items. Alice Joyce
Book Description
Nature printing, or recreating images from the natural world, is a direct, inexpensive process with possibilities as varied as nature itself. Apply ink or paint to leaves, flowers, herbs, or fruit and print life-sized images onto paper, fabric, and other surfaces to create captivating works of art. In full-color, simple instructions, NATURE PRINTING covers tools, techniques, and tips for dozens of beautiful projects, including printed fabric for curtains, pillows, linens, quilts, and clothing; stationery, cards, and invitations; nature journals; and more. The book includes instructions for decorative finishes and frames, and it offers nature printing projects for children.
From the Inside Flap
Praise for Nature Printing " Stuff you usually compost or toss out with nary a second thought could actually be transformed into things of beauty. [Nature printing is] simple and you don't have to have much in the way of esoteric or expensive materials to make frame-worthy prints, handmade stationery, or gift wrap." (Newsday) " I mastered [one project] after a five minute flip through [the] book. The photos and drawings are wonderfully easy to follow. I proceeded to decorate every envelope in the house. I couldn't stop! My daughter and I stamped through the entire house." (Darragh Doiron in the Port Arthur (TX) News) "Just looking at [this book] makes you want to collect supplies and get to work. This is one of the most beautiful books I have seen." (The Chagrin Falls (OH) Valley Times "Author Laura Donnelly Bethmann has done a wonderful job of revealing the methods behind a centuries-old craft that still appeals to the young and old, regardless of artistic ability." (Akron (OH) Beacon Journal) "Bethmann has discovered the real connection between the creative self-expression evident in both gardening and painting, and has recognized how nature printing links them both." (Manchester (CT) Journal Inquirer)
From the Back Cover
As simple as rubber stamping, as beautiful as nature's finest Anyone can discover the excitement of creating works of art by applying ink or paint directly to leaves, flowers, herbs, and fruits, and pressing life- sized images onto paper, fabric, and other surfaces. Nature printing is a direct, inexpensive technique requiring no artistic experience and offering possibilities as boundless as your imagination and as varied as nature itself. Artist Laura Donnelly Bethmann provides complete step-by-step instructions, illustrated by her own finished works and those of nature printers through the ages. CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE: Stationery - cards - quilts - nature journals - herbals - curtain finishings and framings - pillows - linens - clothing - invitations printed fabric - wall hangings - decorated wall and furniture gift wrap - calendars - project for children
About the Author
A professional artist for more than 20 years, Laura Donnelly Bethmann has nature prints featured in private and corporate collections. She is the co-author of Rustic Accents for you Home. She has demonstrated her techniques on the Discovery Channel, Home & Garden Television, Lifetime, and QVC and at museums, colleges, libraries, and botanical gardens. Bethmann's tranquil herb and flower gardens on the coastal edge of the protected New Jersey Pine Barrens provide many of the images for her work.
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