One of the things I DO miss about living in the Annapolis Valley, NS is Apple Blossom time. I used to have a an apple tree outside my studio in Swift Current and 2 years ago I used some of the blossoms to sun print some silk scarves. Those scarves have all been sold. Last year I missed the blossom window (it’s short here due to wind/rain) so I didn’t get to make any.
Flowering crab loaded with flowers
This year all the Flowering Crab trees in Maple Creek seem to be loaded with blossoms. Their scent has been quite strong all through town. My neighbors across the street had one just loaded with blossoms. I went over and asked permission to pick some blossoms to use. They were surprised/amused but told me to help myself.
Still a few unopened buds on the tree
Last Thursday morning I decided I had to go pick the blossoms before the predicted wind and rain arrived to strip the blossoms off the tree. I gathered up my blossom picking equipment and headed over to pick some.
my Ziploc bag and hands would collect the blossoms
There were some blossoms already scattered on the ground so I was glad I opted to pick them. If you actually try to pick the petals off the blossoms, they tend to tear. So my method is to put the branch in the bag and bump the loose ones off. Some times the whole blossom comes along. I managed to get about 1/2 of a gallon Ziploc bag full of petals.
My blossom harvest
When I went home I called the local florist for her recommendation on how best to keep the petals until later that day or the next. We discussed several options and I decided to divide them into 2 ziplocs to give them more space plus add a wet paper towel to each bag to keep them fresher. One went in the fridge and one stayed on the counter. The next morning they were still very fresh. I put the 2nd bag in the fridge as I wasn’t sure I would get to sunprinting on Friday.
Saturday I had a scarf dyeing workshop booked, so it was Sunday am before I got back to the petals. They were still in excellent condition in the the Ziploc bags with the damp paper towel.
Sunday morning was great weather for sun printing outside. Very little wind (often an issue here) and temp predicted to be in low 70′s later on. I don’t often fabric paint or sun print out side due to the wind issues here so this would be a nice treat. I set up in the shade at the side of the garage.
set up to start painting scarves
I got my butcher papers prepared for 30 scarves in 3 sizes hoping I could do that many in one day. I had my paints mixed and set up on my trusty bus cart and ready to go. I generally mix a palette or colours to work with for the session.
fabric painted silk scarf with apple blossom petals ready to sun print
As each scarf was painted and sun printed it was moved on the butcher paper backing to the grass in dappled shade on the other side of the yard.
View from work table of scarves drying
As you can see I went with a light bright palette for spring. It seemed to suit the blossoms.
Finished painted and sun printed scarves on the line
Next in the process is ironing, signing and labelling the scarves. I hope to finish that this week so they will be all ready to go to Bazaart on June 15/13 outside the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina. Watch for more photos as I get them done. You may be able to scoop one up before they get to Regina.
I’m hoping to try sun printing a few scarves this week with lilac and caragana blossoms. I have those in my yard.
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