Entries by BirgitM

Summer Colours with Cochineal

When it comes to natural dyes, it is sometimes hard to get a bright and strong red colour. The main sources for a range of reds are madder root and cochineal. I had this jar of cochineal sitting in my studio for about two years with the intention to use it one day. That day has […]

Living the Beach Walk Dream

Living in Otaki, a small town on the lower North Island of New Zealand, I feel very lucky being able to go down the beach whenever I like, sometimes for exercise, sometimes to forage and sometimes just to inhale the salty air helping to clear my mind. I often take my camera to capture the amazing […]

Something Indigo

I was always a bit nervous with indigo and had a few failures, trying to make a working vat. Discouraging every time. Not this time. I just gave it another go, using Michel Garcia’s organic vat, using indigo, lime and fructose crystals. And succeeded! I didn’t want to believe it but it really worked and […]

Never too many (textile) books

As an artist I am looking for inspirations all the time, often unconscious.  There is for sure the internet with millions of websites and images and I can spend hours searching and getting lost before I realise that is has already gone dark outside. But I also like to read (and own) real books, books […]

A few words about eco/leaf print

I often get ask about eco prints. People sometimes think they are made using a screen print technique or the colour comes from synthetic dyes. I have taken this as an opportunity to give you a short overview what eco print is and why I am so passionate about it. Eco print, also known as leaf print, is a direct […]

New Flax Weaving Workshops

I am happy to offer two more flax weaving workshops in cooperation with Tutere Gallery + Creative Space in Waikanae Beach. A day of learning and fun guaranteed. I am looking forward to hear from you!  

Lichens Beauty

I enjoy photography. Although I dont call myself a photographer, I love to take my camera and go for a walk down the Otaki riverbed, through the nearby bush or even just around the house and garden. There is always something that catches my eyes and sometimes I spend hours to get an image how I like it. […]

Concrete Inspirations

Using a concrete as a new medium in my arts practice means I have to do some research about techniques and possibilities the new material offers, health and safety issues involved, but also finding inspirations from artists who are already work with concrete. Thanks pinterest & Co. and I found a few artists working with concrete and fibres. Marlies Hoevers is the […]