Botanical Printmaking

Join artist and nature enthusiast Liz Gaffney for an immersive Botanical Printmaking workshop and discover how to transfer the natural beauty of plants onto fabric and paper. Discover which plants create the best imprints and the alchemy behind achieving vibrant, lasting results. You might be surprised at how common garden weeds can produce incredible prints!

This workshop is perfect for both beginners and those looking to refine or advance their printmaking techniques. We’ll start by experimenting on paper before moving on to fabric, exploring different methods to enhance designs. You’ll learn about plant selection, fabric preparation, and the steaming and cooking processes that bring prints to life. To make the most of our creative time in the studio the preparation of the fabric and paper will be done in advance but notes will be available on scouring and several methods of mordanting so that you will be able to carry out these steps at home. On the day you will have delightful fun experimenting first on paper as we gain an understanding of the process. We’ll move on to work on upcycled fabrics such as tablecloths and napkins, and use the variety of results we have achieved in our experiments to compose a harmonious design. We will use steam and cook the fabrics, extracting and sealing the alchemic colours from the plant materials. As we go we’ll work to identify ‘perfect printers ‘ and discuss how you might choose to record your experiments so that you can achieve stunning results at home too.

By the end of the session, you’ll take home a unique collection of botanical-printed papers and fabrics, along with the knowledge to continue experimenting on your own. Plus, you’ll gain fresh inspiration for transforming old, stained fabrics into stunning artworks or useful materials for future crafting projects. Join us for a creative, hands-on day and see everyday plants in a whole new light!