Saturday, June 23, 2012

Cooking - studio style, part 1

Wondering how many times I got up last night to check on the crock pot not quite simmering in the studio? Even I thought the answer would be at least twice, but it was actually only once, around 12:30 am. When I woke at 4:30 am, however, rather than glance at the clock, groan and roll over to go back to sleep, well...my curiosity won out.

After a quick trip downstairs for a pot of tea, it was back upstairs to the studio! Tongs in hand, bundle 1 was retrieved from the murky depths of the cauldron [sounds much better than crock pot, don't you think?], set aside to cool off for a bit and then


the pages were laid out to dry.  Not so pretty, huh? You're not alone in that thought. Actually, given the color that India Flint had gotten with her rose petals, the browns were a bit of a surprise. Maybe it was because mine had been frozen...although they had retained their lovely red color beforehand. Maybe it was because some of the paper had been green tea dyed. Most likely, it is simply because she is India Flint, the eco goddess. Yep, that's it.


 The cover has beautiful lines and looks quite aged.


A few stray eucalyptus leaves produced a lovely red. [note to self - buy more to play with]


The rusty bits seemed to have loved their steamy bath...which has only produced more what ifs.

The pages are drying. Some of the petals have been removed. Others will have to wait until all is dry...and hopefully, they'll come off then.  If not...well...they may just get a bath.

Now...time to lay bundle #2 out and see if tossing a green tea bag in with it had any effect. Enjoy!
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21 comments:

  1. mairedoddJune 23, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    given that 'what if' happens to be one of my mantras, i think if i fell into your rabbit hole i might never resurface... this playing with effect that is controlled to a certain degree but then results in the unexpected... tweaking this and that... it is magic to me, i must admit... i find that i am looking down at the street now - for bits of rusted things that could be put on paper or fiber! i haven't done it yet, but who knows?
    thank you so much for sharing what you are doing, how you do it... it mesmerizes me, inspires me, delights me...

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    1. JenniferJune 23, 2012 at 8:00 AM

      Maire...do I dare admit that your words brought tears yet made my heart sing? Thank you doesn't seem quite adequate, but, truly, thank you.

      Now where's that darned box of tissues!

      Delete
  2. lyleJune 23, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    still watching what a good use for an old crock pot! disappointing about the roses. how about trying again sometime with fresh ones?

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    1. JenniferJune 23, 2012 at 9:57 AM

      Fresh roses are definitely a must! May enjoy them for a day or first, but...

      Delete
  3. Thread BornJune 23, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    wow--very innovative use of something I never use...but have. I will have to consider if there are resist possibilities in a crock pot. I'm sure continued what ifing will yield even more exciting results...but these are pretty cool too! India Flint will be so proud.

    Hope you read my apology for grumpiness last night.

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    1. JenniferJune 23, 2012 at 2:20 PM

      It was Pam's idea...the crock pot. Such a genius at times.

      Just read your grumpy comment and had to laugh. My apologies for being a nagging mom. My brain was spinning out of control and I should have stopped typing. Sorry 'bout that!

      Delete
    2. Thread BornJune 23, 2012 at 3:13 PM

      oooooo....
      Just got my rusted fabric in the mail! Thank you so much! I'm so happy to finally see a piece in person and to now own it as well!

      And I love the book...as you say a great way to end the day on a positive note. I may have to get a copy for my Mom who is probably finding it harder these days to answer that question, but might put her in a better frame of mind.
      Thanks for being a naggy caring friend

      Delete
    3. JenniferJune 23, 2012 at 3:18 PM

      Glad you like the fabric! I'll get another diary in the mail to you on Monday for your mom. Ordered a bunch to use as gifts so...

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    4. JenniferJune 23, 2012 at 3:21 PM

      So glad you like the rust! Different seeing it in person, isn't it? Ordered a bunch of the diaries to use as gifts so I'll put another in the mail on Monday for your mom. Enjoy! I'm off to a birthday party for a 5 year old...

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    5. Thread BornJune 23, 2012 at 7:36 PM

      How sweet of you...my Mom's having a tough time with my Dad (who has Parkinson's and some dementia). She hasn't left Savannah in 2 yrs. We are planning to get them up to Maine this summer. I'm planning to personally escort them. I think it might help if she thought about one good thing that happened for her each day.
      Thanks, again.

      Delete
  4. Thread BornJune 23, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    Just notice Liz Davidson's blog entry...very orange...though I don't think it was an intentional Roy...

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  5. Kim Henkel CreationsJune 23, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    I LOVE the colours, but I am definitely a fan of all things brownish! I have some dried petals (not necessarily roses) that I must try this with. I am excited! Thanks so much for the inspiration.

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    1. JenniferJune 23, 2012 at 2:18 PM

      Thank you Kim! The pages are becoming even more interesting as they dry and the petals come off. There are browns and greens, even a bit of yellow and red in a couple of places that are intriguing. More photos when the paper is properly dry.

      If you try this, I'd love to see your process and the results. It was fun and has sparked many ideas.

      Delete
  6. ronnieJune 23, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    such yumminess! I can't wait to play with rose petals and leaves with books one day....

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    1. JenniferJune 24, 2012 at 7:09 AM

      Thank you Ronnie! I have to admit that this whole experience, plus following India Flint's blog, has me viewing my garden from a different perspective and wondering lots of what ifs.

      Can't wait to see the results of your play time with roses and books!

      Delete
  7. Fiona DempsterJune 24, 2012 at 3:39 AM

    What a great experiment - there is so much to discover out there isn't there? The makings of some lovely pages...yumm!

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    1. JenniferJune 24, 2012 at 7:11 AM

      You've got to try this! My favorites are the pages that had rusty bits partly for the contrast in colors. More to come.

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  8. BarryJune 24, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    J-it is unbelievable what you paper and textile lot get up to - I would not believe it if I did not live with and love a rust and paper crazy creative. It does look like you have 'cauldroned' a real stash.

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    1. JenniferJune 24, 2012 at 7:15 AM

      Thank you for the chuckle Barry! Can't think of a better lot to be a member of. I think fiber and paper just allow for more experimentation and play than other mediums. But, then, I've never worked with other mediums so what do I really know?

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  9. KrisRJune 28, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    oh my goodness......I must try this.....I am entranced and in love with what you are creating.

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    1. JenniferJune 29, 2012 at 5:38 AM

      Kris - I highly recommend giving it a try! It was such fun and so easy to do. As with any crock pot recipe, just put all the ingredients in, turn it to low and walk away for a bit. Fresh flowers are suggested...my frozen rose petals rendered browns while fresh ones gave pinks and purples. If you try it, please let me know...I'd love to see your results.

      By the way, just visited your blog and noticed that you've listed my blog. Thank you! Enjoy! Jennifer

      Delete

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