Judilee Fitzhugh: Contact-Print Portfolio

Workshop Description

This workshop will begin by using the contact method (also called eco-printing or botanical printing) of transferring natural plant pigment material to paper appropriate for book binding. Students will prepare contact-printed papers dyes with real leaves to create a custom portfolio to hold precious papers.

We will print a variety of papers to include in the portfolio. Students are welcome to bring their own papers to use for accents and sampling purposes.

No previous bookbinding experience is required. One day will consist of dyeing and one day we will work on portfolio construction.

Skills Learned

• Bookbinding—measure, cut, glue; portfolio construction, binding with paper and bookcloth, inserting fabric ties (closures)
• Dyeing—using natural leaves to print on paper, augmenting the process with additional dye blankets.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• Note-taking materials
• Bonefolder
• Paper scissors or X-Acto knife
• Sharp pencil
• Rubber (household) gloves for handling hot materials
• Any plant material students are interested in sampling
• Optional: decorative paper for inside the portfolio (we will make some in class, but students have the option of bringing personal papers to use)

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Book board for covers
• Papers to use for contact printing
• PVA glue and brushes
• Bookcloth for spine
• Twill tape or ribbon for ties
• Waxed paper or other waste paper
• Additional scissors
• Chisels
• Marking tools
• Wrapping materials and clamps for dye processes
• Natural dyes and auxiliaries
• Flannel

Instructor Biography

Judilee Fitzhugh is a textile artisan who specializes in natural plant dyes and couture sewing. A tour of duty in Japan with the U.S. Navy led to a profound Japanese influence and a lifelong affection for indigo textiles. Her finely crafted work combines hand-dyed and printed fabrics with vintage textiles in finely crafted garments, home textiles, and artworks. www.judileefitzhugh.com

Instagram: @judileef