Nature Printing Book

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 Read More