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Hand Printing From Nature: Create Unique Prints For Fabric, Paper, And Other Surfaces Using Natural And Found Materials

Discover how to use natural materials to print on any surface, from paper and fabric to ceramics, wood, and walls. With simple step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, Laura Bethmann encourages crafters of all levels to create original nature prints with leaves, flowers, fruits, shells, stones, and more. Her unique project ideas include stationery printed with maple leaves, a clothes hamper printed with scallop shells, and a pillow printed with cabbage. Before you know it, you’ll be designing one-of-a-kind nature prints to reflect your unique personality and style. 

Hardcover-spiral: 192 pages

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; Spi edition (October 5, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1603425594

ISBN-13: 978-1603425599

Product Dimensions: 9 x 1 x 8.8 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #704,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #135 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > Decorating & Design > Upholstery & Fabrics #181 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Nature Crafts #285 in Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Printmaking

I recently received a copy of Ms. Bethmann's book as a gift. With great anticipation I read it and was not disappointed. Visually the book is a work of art in itself. With fluid and clearly written directions, and photos that demonstrate techniques so well, this is a book for both novice and advanced nature printers. The variety of objects printed unleashed my own creative visions and I can't wait to apply the techniques. I too ordered more copies to give as gifts, a rich book with an affordable price tag!

I bought this book to learn more about various leaf printing techniques for fabrics and papers, and it does not disappoint. Its presentations are thorough (but require reading carefully, as sometimes key information is tucked away in a side note). The book is itself a work of art!

Inspirational book for those who print from nature. I love her projects and refer to the book again and again. Helpful tips about inks, papers and cloth, tools, methods. I print mostly on textiles, but the book covers all kinds of surfaces including paper, ceramics, clothing, home decor. Book is nicely designed and easy to find your favorite projects. The spiral bound pages are a blessing for artists with inky hands! Print artists of all kinds: I recommend adding this to your library. PS. This book is clearly meant for adults, and the designs, though not difficult are sophisticated. However, the methods can be very easily adapted to projects for kids.

Laura Bethmann isn't just an artist and writer; she has established herself as a respected thought-leader for a style of artistic expression that began so long ago and will endure as long as nature allows. This book not only explains the past (Bethmann's thorough history of nature printing is fascinating), but pushes ahead to the future. Her projects are creative, innovative -- yet somehow familiar, intuitive. Though I'd never have thought to print some of these objects, or to adorn household items like chairs or lampshades, I found myself thinking "why did I never think of this before?" Bethmann is a thoughtful writer who cares for her reader. This book was meant to inspire, not to merely instruct. A job well done.

So I found this book at Books a Million the other day and enjoyed reading through it (I've had three print classes, and my professor is pretty non-traditional for the most part: lino cuts, stamps, etchings, then everything else is fair game as far as Professor Dave is concerned, including bubble printing) and so I read through this with an eye toward future projects. I will probably take Print IV in the fall. As far as that's concerned the book is marvelous. Love the ideas and images in it. However, the spiral bound cover was seriously annoying. I couldn't turn the pages easily because the spiral was too tight, so I had to wriggle the pages to turn them while worrying that I might tear them, and while they made awful squeaky sounds each turn. But there's also a kindle version and a regular paperback, both cheaper than this spiral bound, so I am considering getting one of those instead.The book is excellent. The spiral bound-ness, not so much; it might only be good if you intend to keep the book open to a certain page while looking at instructions, but for someone just browsing through it, it's a no-go.

There are so many pleasurable aspects to making nature prints and I enjoy all of the steps, from finding the perfect specimens to applying the paint, to pressing it on the paper and finally, to see the finished effects. It really helps me to see nature in a whole new light and appreciate the details I might otherwise not have noticed. The author of Hand Printing from Nature says, "When you apply ink or paint to a leaf, flower, or other natural objects and press it onto paper, or just about any other surface, the artistry of nature's design is revealed."Hand Printing from Nature is an age-old technique that is very simple and yet produces stunning creations which highlight the beauty of nature. The book shares design tips and helpful information about patterns and layout for your projects. Where to find specimens for hand printing and what type of objects work the best are also included, as well as what type of supplies work well for printing, including ink pads, felt markers, and paints. It's lovely to see the delicate features of the natural objects being preserved on fabric, tote bags, pillows, chairs, terra cotta pots, note-cards and more. The flowers look especially lovely printed in their native colors. I loved the roses made from celery stalks painted on a kitchen curtain. And the beautiful green and cream painted maple leaves on a sage colored comfy chair were just gorgeous. And the delightful "Feather Bed" headboard with its intricate feathers would help me to drift off to sleep. Hand Printing from Nature makes you want to look closely and discover all of the intricate details of nature as you make these wonderful creations.

Laura Bethmann's newest book is perfect for my book library for more than one beautiful reason! I realize I choose my books first based on visual appeal. This one is actually a work of art. Next I want a book that is packed with useful information and clear to follow (if instructional). This book lay out is highly functional and makes the "how to" easy to display while applying. Finally - there are SO many projects - I'll have a source to turn to in every season! ps -almost forgot - perfect book for gift giving!

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