We've been at this dyeing and weaving thing for a while now. I live and breathe at the loom. I've never worked at a standing loom before, and my lower back took a toll everyday. I have to admit, as much as a serene, and total gift this whole experience was, there was still some… Continue reading Lichen and Indigo : day 10
Lichen Hike : day 9
This was such a special morning for me. One of the colors I was drawn to for my rug design was this warm bold orange. Demetrio uses a Usnea lichen for this that grows in ABUNDANCE up in the mountains not too far from where we were. It's a routine trek he takes up there… Continue reading Lichen Hike : day 9
Brazil Wood, Marigolds and the Village Market : day 8
I've used Brazilwood a few times recently but in powered form that I purchased from Fancy Tiger Crafts. The whole process went well and it felt extremely precious. Brazilwood is a hard wood and can only be found in southern countries. It's also a bit hard to come by. The pieces of wood Demetrio obtains… Continue reading Brazil Wood, Marigolds and the Village Market : day 8
Dyeing with Annatto Seeds and Pomegranate Rinds : day 7
I fell in love with both of these dye stuffs. I had used ground powered pomegranate only once before for a commission piece for a museum replica on Chinese woven silk, many moons ago. It was a fun experience and I remember working so carefully with lightening the shades each time. Using it here in… Continue reading Dyeing with Annatto Seeds and Pomegranate Rinds : day 7
Dyeing with Huizache; day 6.5
It's 2020 and I'm still working through all these posts. But it's fine. I knew the Christmas vacation would create a giant sink hole in my creative life. But here I am on the other side and we are still alive. I realized with these posts that i forgot some fun info about day 6.… Continue reading Dyeing with Huizache; day 6.5
The Spinning Ladies; Day 6
Having the honor to meet and visit with this group of women was an experience that is just set apart from the rest of the trip. Demetrio drives a ways (I forgot how long it took) to visit with and purchase hand (spindle) spun churro wool from women in this small village. I watched as… Continue reading The Spinning Ladies; Day 6
Pecan and Zapote Leaf Dyeing : day 5
I'm sitting in my cozy home now. I just helped R with his trains. He wanted to tape them together. He's really into tape. I end up tracking pieces of it everywhere around the house. My slippers make a "speck, speck, speck" noise as I shuffle around the house dodging legos and baby dolls. I… Continue reading Pecan and Zapote Leaf Dyeing : day 5
Market and Wild Chamomile dyeing : day 4
How I LOOOOVE exploring new places by shopping. I don't care what kind of shop I'm in or discover, I want to check it out. After our hearty breakfast, we caught the bus right outside the B&B to Tlacolula Sunday market. Here they have EVERYTHING. And I came back with EVERYTHING. The smells of roasting… Continue reading Market and Wild Chamomile dyeing : day 4
Cochineal : day 3
I'm not a great student. Listening has always been an issue for me. Just let me see with my hands & hear with my eyes & I'll create what I think is best. That practice has not always worked for me. However, when it comes to experimenting with the cochineal bug dye, the possibilities are… Continue reading Cochineal : day 3
Mordant and Design : day 2
Well, my plan for posting while away didn't pan out. I was consumed with weaving, dyeing, & exploring so much- which is how it should be. But I'm back home now settled in with my loves. Unpacked & stories told. My idea of sharing about my trip here isn't a tutorial or even a blow… Continue reading Mordant and Design : day 2