Barb soaked a blanket which had to be pure wool (the "only dry-clean" type) until it was drenched. She, Jasper and Jethro helped spread the gum leaves and gum nuts (also soaked) across it in rows. The blanket was progressively folded over on itself till it was literally stuffed with leaves, gum nuts and sticks, especially the way it looked when tightly rolled up.
Peter and Jasper were able to find a large stainless steel stewing pot from (yes - Savers) and we boiled the blanket roll for three hours from both ends. That was because the boiling water only just passed half way. One really needs a large copper to boil it in but we did not have one of those.
After that we waited a few more days... and presto! it worked!... at least the Box Gum leaves did a load of work leaving a strong rusty red. The rest of the stuff did more in leaving interesting textures that may or may not stay after the later washing. We don't know that bit yet. But it was good to try something very earthly creative.
This combo is supplied to show the before and after some of the Box Gum leaves had been brushed off to reveal the strong colouration.
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