Working with recycled threads

One of the things I want to focus on this year is using a lot more recycled stuff - threads, fabrics and other textiles, as well as recycling paper by dyeing and painting on stuff I already have.  Less wastage on my conscience.  I've been looking out at Op shops, charity shops and plain old second-hand shops, for threads in particular, as they don't seem so easy to come by.  I realise they lose strength in time and may be too breakable to use if really old, but some must be ok, I've had threads for years before using them myself and they've been ok.  For an exhibition piece I'm working on, I've used as much recycled textiles (and plastic bread tags) as possible and for the next part I intend to use almost entirely recycled threads and yarns as bought from op shops or given to me.  This is a pack I found at the local charity shop for $1.

Dyed paper

This is one of the papers I tie-dyed below, with a random string tie - I think one of the images looks like Catwoman and the one before it on the left, which was the sheet that I unpeeled from Catwoman, looks like a splayed-out cat!  Any one else think the same?

Another Tuesday post

David the (possible) Goliath Stick Insect

A bit more on my visit to the Adelaide Zoo - I'm not absolutely sure (there was no sign on it) but I think this is a Goliath Stick Insect.  It was certainly big enough, about 20cm/8" long.  Quite fascinating.  I gave him a name which was a bit obvious but he is rather cute.

Just some of a large quantity of dyed paper

I took advantage of our spring weather to dye some paper last week.  Some was white tissue paper and cardridge paper and some was brown paper bags (mainly Subway).

I wanted some solid(ish) colours which was the brown paper bags, and with the sheets of white tissue I dropped drops of contrasting colours on the dye-painted sheets to give random effects.  I started dyeing paper after I bought a little book from the charity shop called Tie-Dyed Paper, by Anne Maile.  It took my previous dyeing experience of fabric a step further, and as I now make books, journals and bookmarks, this technique is getting used quite a lot.  I tried to find out more about Anne Maile but couldn't.

I used Procion dyes which I get from Kraftkolour who I find to be extremely helpful, over the phone or email, and quick to deliver your order.  Remember these are not natural dyes but chemicals so you must be careful to use gloves; having said that, I have never had any problems with them.  You must wear a dust mask when making the dye powder up into liquid to avoid breathing the dust, but once in liquid form just wear gloves.  It takes ages to wear off skin - I speak from experience!  Procion dyes have wonderful bright colours in many shades.  I store the excess in plastic bottles left over from liquid soap, and it lasts for ages, ready to reuse.  I think there is a time limit once it is liquid but I have stored it for months and used it and it's been fine.