Picking mulberries in Sarah’s yard for print dye bath.

Travelled to Erving, Massachusetts to introduce botanical printing to a group of local artists yesterday. Our trial workshop was hindered by a flat tire and pouring rain but it was truly an awesome day of great creativity. As one of the artists said, “It’s a great way to release your inner child and just be creative.” We took great care to remember all our equipment and foraged a day ahead in preparations for the day. Deb and I packed the car the night before and she slept over so we would be able to hit the ground running on workshop day.

Two feet away from my driveway, we discovered the front tire on my brand new car was flat. No time to fume. We unpacked my car and filled Deb’s and were grateful my husband volunteered to deal with the tire. We refused to let that snag ruin our enthusiasm. Rain forced us to adapt our plan and we had to move a major portion of our work indoors. Steaming and unwrapping demands increased ventilation and forced us to accomplish these takes as close to outside as possible.

Despite the challenges, we discovered a burst of creativity, loads of fun and true kinship. Each participant approached the printing with their own unique style. It was truly a day well spent. That, in itself, is success. Thank you Erving. We will return.