On our Wild West Tour this summer, we explored through the beautiful state of Utah and fell in love instantly with the landscape.  Utah offers a diverse array of scenery like a living canvas that changes with each passing mile.

From the stunning red rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to the otherworldly spires of Bryce Canyon and the sweeping vistas of Zion, the deep, winding canyons and towering mesas evoke a sense of timelessness. The hues of these awe-inspiring terrains shifts from deep terracotta reds to golden ochres with the sun's movement. 

This Eco Print Road Trip was designed to take me to the western United States to discover unique leaves that I have never used in my eco print practice and use them to create unique pieces for an art collection.  We traveled with our camper in-tow and I used my Eco Print Road Trip Kit to make beautiful botanical prints on paper at the campsite. 

Leaves are smaller and more scarce in the West because of the lack of water and the abundance of rock.  However, I hit the jackpot here, and found plants like Scrub Oak, Manzanita, Mormon Tea, Aspen, and Lupine.

The experimentation with these new materials was inspiring and I have some beautiful prints to take home with me.  I noticed a big difference in the plant material here compared to the plant material I usually experiment with from east Tennessee.  It was quite evident.  These plants must withstand extreme temperatures both hot and cold without much water.  

They are sturdy, strong plants and when I used them in my eco print practice, the results were also strong and bold.  I believe these plants must contain eco printing super powers (aka a lot of tannin).  I added some brightly colored card stock to my eco print bundle to get some stunning color with the print.

We hiked during August, facing temperatures upwards of 95 degrees, making hydration absolutely crucial. Despite the heat, every moment was rewarding. One of the more thrilling moments was stumbling upon a mountain lion paw print on a trail—remarkably, it was as big as my foot! The experience was a humbling reminder of the wild beauty that thrives in this area. 

Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park was a mesmerizing experience that left me utterly captivated. The landscape is dotted with its iconic hoodoos is like nature's own surreal sculpture garden. Hiking through these formations was an unforgettable experience.

Without a doubt, Bryce Canyon is one of the most fascinating places I've ever visited. If you have the chance, go visit now. It's an adventure worth taking, with nature's splendor manifesting in majestic stones that must be seen to be believed.

The awe I felt while immersing myself in these natural masterpieces has not only enriched my work but also renewed my appreciation for the beauty of our world. Utah has inspired me in ways I hadn't imagined, and I am grateful for the opportunity to let its grandeur soak into my creative soul.

Reflecting on this journey, I’m excited to see how these newfound inspirations will continue to shape my future work and spirit and I look forward to sharing my meanderings with you.

If you would like to try eco printing for yourself, download my free Eco Print Road Trip Kit to get a list of supplies and directions for printing.  It's Free!