10 May 2013

eucalyptus leaves





He treads mindfully on this earth. I often watch him extend his arm and snatch eucalyptus leaves from vast limbs. His fingers scrunch the sinewy fibres releasing aromatic oils into his palm. He brings the scent close and inhales. A knowing smile graces his features. It is a reminiscent smell, it is memory laden.

We walk together through this adventure. She Oak blooms are plucked for me. They join my haphazard vase of lavender stalks. He points out Blue Triangle butterflies as they alight from a nearby branch and we exhale; we still ourselves.

He photographs me in the magic hour. The fading sun setting fire to all it touches; a luminous glow.  I watch the care with which he places his feet mindful not to imprint on the surrounding flora. He pauses to observe a Black Shouldered Kite hover above searching the grasses for prey. It's what he does. This man is agile and strong and true and as long as the trees whisper I will carry his heart.

Steph x

Inspired by the magnificence of eucalyptus trees I created a scarf. Leaves were foraged and pressed overnight in between baking paper and my Shakespeare volumes. A two metre length of dense weave muslin was dampened and laid on the grass. The pressed leaves were strewn haphazardly over the muslin. Dye was mixed in an old large jar and added to a spray bottle and the muslin was sprayed paying particular attention to the leaf edges blending with light mists (I used Rit dye in dark brown). The leaves were carefully removed and the scarf was left to dry. The dye was then rinsed first in warm water and then gradually cooler water until it ran clear. It was hung in the sun to dry. I sprayed it with lemon scented eucalyptus oil to remind me of my love.


20 comments:

  1. Steph, this is too beautiful! What a love you share. Have a lovely weekend. Melinda x

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  2. So much beauty to behold - you words make me weep, lovely Steph. Your love for your man is tangible.

    This is a beautiful creation.

    Sar xx

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  3. love what you do and that your share. lovely x

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  4. That is beautiful, and you are amazing! Kellie xx

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  5. Gorgeous light and words Steph

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  6. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this post. the images, the words, the beauty you have created. On practical matters what kind of dye did you use? I've never really dyed anything before so have no idea! nat x

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    1. I used Rit dye in dark brown (just from spotlight). I just mixed it up in an old jar and sprayed away. Hope your week is lovely :) x

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  7. Gorgeous post I love eucalyptus.

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  8. i adore the smell of eucalyptus .... and your scarf and words captivating steph ...
    ps. well done on such sweet captures daz! x

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  9. I absolutely love this. Stunning!

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  10. I can feel your love for him in your words Steph, I have a feeling yours is a love that could move mountains.
    Such a beautiful scarf for you to treasure.. x x

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  11. OMG Beautiful! I am swept away by your words and your photographs! x

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  12. Such a beautiful post Steph your words, the light and your creativity always amazes me. Wishing you a beautiful mother's day tomorrow with your two little sweet ones. xx

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  13. Lovely post and a lovely idea!

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  14. I just can't get over that amazing light! Stunning! :)

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  15. Wow, Steph, this post is lovely. Such a gorgeous outlook x

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  16. what gorgeous-ness you have in your life, world and heart my dear friend! such sweet words to read as I begin this week and for that I'm truely grateful xx

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  17. Utterly beautiful scarf Steph and a really unexpected colour from the leaves. I have a few wool pieces I'm thinking of experimenting with soon.

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  18. The love you and your sweet beloved share is so, so evident beautiful lady. The way you look at him, the way you speak of him - you will certainly hold one another's hearts and hands forevermore. And just look at his fabulous pictures!!! Go Daz! A truly moving post my sweet friend xxx

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  19. beautiful photos and beautiful words. am loving the scarf too - i sense a DIY in my future!

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Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x