What is Botanical Printing & Dyeing?

Botanical printing by hand on natural fabric is a mixture of art — capturing the beauty of nature on fabric, and science — enabling the printing process.

Mordanting the Fabric

Mordants such as aluminum, vinegar, iron, and tannin are applied to clean-washed fabric to prepare it to bond with the foliage.

Washing and Readying for Printing

After mordanting, the fabric is washed and dried. It is then ready for printing.

Preparing the Bundle to Transfer Colours and Shapes to the Fabric

Plant material is placed onto the fabric which is then carefully rolled and tied into a bundle. The bundle is placed into hot steam to transfer the subtle botanical colours and shapes to the fabric.

Dying the Fabric

Natural dyes such as madder, lac, and indigo can be added to fabric before, during, or after bundling.

Revealing the Print

Once the steaming is complete, the bundle is opened and plant material is removed to reveal the prints and colours.

Many variables influence the printing process such as the type and age of seasonal foliage, the placement of foliage on the fabric, the texture of the fabric, and the effects of mordants and organic substances in the plant material such as tannin and acid.

SHOP

Silk Scarves

Wall Hangings