-- Florence Page Jaques, (1890 - 1972) author
One of the things I love most about the autumn besides the kaleidoscope of leaves is the chorus of migrating birds overhead and less often in the large maple trees that line my property. This latest bit of environmental art is a homage to those tireless little wings that make those long trips to warmer climates for the winter. I sometimes whisper to them little secret messages to tell my friends who live in the south. I wonder if any of you have heard them.
This ephemeral art was created with the berries of baneberry, blue beaded lily and false solomon's seal collected on my last walk in the forest. Interesting that the berries of the baneberry can cause cardiac arrest in human if ingested but are harmless to birds who have the important job of seed dispersal.
I love how the remainder of the baneberry fruiting body looks after the berries are removed. It reminded me of the white pines as painted by A Y Jackson, a member of the group of seven.
For me one thing almost always leads to another and no sooner had I photographed this I was crushing and mixing with water some of these more colorful berries along with some sumac and bright orange berries of lily of the valley from my garden. I have a ton of vintage white velvet ribbon that I had been wanting to color with natural dyes for so very long. I pleated it up and tied it into neat little bundles and let then sit in the dye baths overnight and a day while I was at work. This evening I removed the colorful parcels and unfolded them. The colors were beautiful and some were totally unexpected when looking at the starting materials. I now have them drying by the wood stove and can't wait to see how they will look in the morning. I have special plans for these ribbons and can't wait to gather some more materials to be surprised by.
From left to right : sumac, false solomon's seal, lily of the valley and the most exciting result of all blue beaded lily. I am totally smitten with that purple. You see purple and I have a very strong relationship that goes way back. I will leave that story for another day perhaps.
It is amazing where a walk in the forest will lead one.
Thanks for this colorful post ! It's very interesting to see how colors turn ! Did you add some magic ? I can't wait to see what you'll make with your dye ribbons ...
And I'll stay on my balcony to wait for birds arriving from North. A lot stop here before migrating to Africa. I will listen very carefully :)
Posted by: Nanou | October 07, 2009 at 01:03 AM
I can't wait to hear your purple story, maybe you can whisper it to a little bird and get it here in double quick time. As usual you have made my morning, I am so inspired by your work that evolves and responds to the seasons as they turn. The false solomon's seal and blue beaded lily ribbons are my favourites, I know these are going to become something magical. Enjoy your breakfast in a few hours time, I wonder what it will be?
XXX
Posted by: Lisa | October 07, 2009 at 03:56 AM
I've only just discovered your magical blog. Just gorgeous!
I'm looking forward to following.
Posted by: Tricia | October 07, 2009 at 07:34 AM
oh my gosh, that PURPLE!!! i make my own inks and dyes out of nature-finds, so i understand well what you mean about surprises...i have to try everything just to see what happens, and then keep tinkering to see what ELSE might happen. i'm perpetually astonished. =) BUT i've never seen the like of that glorious purple! the lily-of-the-valley berries came up gorgeous as well...oh, all of them, just lovely.
and since i'm going on and on, thank you so much for your comment, oh dear, a week ago...i just saw it today! it never occurred to me to look for comments on MY blog yet, so that was a lovely surprise as well. okay, kind of thrilling, actually. =) thanks so much! <3
annnd i'm still swooning over that PURPLE. what a treasure!
Posted by: missy | October 07, 2009 at 04:59 PM
I am dying / dyeing to hear more about you and Master Purple.
He is a very close friends of mine, too :)
*hugs*
x x x
___mathyld___
Posted by: Mathyld / encore petite | October 07, 2009 at 06:55 PM
oh, nature's jewellery: berry-stained ribbons and bird-fruit-beads. thank you for making these happen and sharing them with us!
Posted by: melissa | October 07, 2009 at 08:07 PM
very beautiful - I love how the edges are darker from the folding.
Posted by: arounna | October 07, 2009 at 11:02 PM
eek! I get a mixed sensation when looking at the berry migration images. They are very beautiful but creepy at the same time, like huge animated caterpillars. I can almost see them moving!
The image of the baneberry stalks reminds me of coral from the sea.
What an amazing forest you live by!
Posted by: Olivia | October 08, 2009 at 02:47 AM
Gorgeous unexpected colous! Especially dreamy on the velvet... Looking forward to what you make with them.
Posted by: Eva | October 08, 2009 at 11:48 AM