How to Make Eco-Printed Postcards: A Maker Concierge Report

M.K. asked the Maker Concierge about making postcards, specifically, but this information will help you get started eco-printing on paper of any size (and, in some cases, on fabric). Just apply what you learn to postcard-sized paper (or cut larger paper down to postcard size) to make pieces to send to all your favourite people!

Eco-Printing Tutorials Online

• Information on papers, with a step-by-step tutorial.
• This is a series of posts with loads of info and details, focusing on printing with fallen autumn leaves.
• Very in-depth Eco-printing tutorials.
• An outstanding list of plants and dyes.

Books & Magazines

• Eco Colour: Botanical Dyes for Beautiful Textiles, by India Flint (seems to focus on fabric printing, but should apply to paper, too)
• Try searching through Cloth Paper Scissors magazine archives for articles on eco-printing.

Tips & Notes

I’ve read mixed reports on what people think of using watercolour paper for printing, and some people say that any heavier weight paper will work. My impression overall is that there’s quite a lot of trial and error involved. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to experiment. Try cutting down larger pieces of paper to keep your paper costs low.

Eye Candy

• Wendyfe beautiful samples (in addition to her excellent tutorials).
• India Flint
• and our favorite visual search engine.

Alternative

From what I can tell, the process of eco-printing on paper and on fabric is much the same, with some minor differences in preparation. I see a slippery slope here, is what I’m saying. :)

In the Honolulu, HI Area

I’m not finding anything local that’s specific to eco-printing, but you might check see if The Green House could be a resource.

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