I have been dyeing again. It's been a while: since I received Liz Constable's latest book in the mail I've been wanting to get back into paper dyeing and book making but two things led to procrastination. My studio was a mess, but also, this time of the year is full of winter preparations. We've been cutting up and splitting firewood, harvesting kumera and pumpkins, clearing garden beds ready for winter crops, and, when we have a spare moment, visiting out newest grandchild. I have finally cleared my work space and have some fun hours making a beautiful mess.
I have done lots of classes with Liz over the years, including several involving dyeing, and she is one of the best teachers I've had. As well as us teaching skills and techniques, she is excellent at judging just how to encourage and inspire people with a wide variety of ability and learning needs - calling perhaps on her life coach skills of a previous career, and also the skills of her years as a pre-school teacher. (Especially when dealing with people like me.) (Which may be only me.) Oh! And fun! Any class with Liz is joyful and fun-filled!
So after all these years of classes, why would I need this book?
Firstly, because it is absolutely beautiful. Liz's work is glorious, but when it comes to a printed book, more is needed. Jason Burgess is a fantastic photographer. His pictures bring Liz's joy and fun alive, and his photos of the making processes, illustrate the instructions perfectly. And then, with her artistic eye and great skill, graphic designer, Jo Constable ties it all together.
Secondly, whether you are a beginner or an old hand, the instructions will enable you to make papers to make handmade book, or cards, or incorporate into many art forms. As someone who has been doing this for some time, I found the book reminded me of things I'd forgotten, and sent me down a path I'd bypassed before.
Thirdly, I had been thinking that buying this book was an extravagance, given I have done several online and in person classes, but it was worth it just for the joy it brings me.
