The printing.

Botanical printing, also known as eco-printing, is an artistic technique that involves using plant materials to create unique and intricate patterns on fabric or paper. It is a natural and sustainable way to incorporate the beauty of nature into visual art. By carefully arranging leaves, flowers, and other plant parts on the surface of the material and applying pressure and heat, the pigments and tannins present in the plants are transferred, resulting in stunning, one-of-a-kind designs. This eco-friendly form of printing provides a connection to the natural world and allows for endless creative possibilities.

The process.

The process begins by carefully selecting plant materials such as leaves, flowers, or even fruits. These botanical specimens are chosen based on their shape, texture, and pigment content, as they will affect the final outcome of the print. The chosen plants are then arranged on the fabric or paper in a desired pattern. This can be done by placing them directly on the surface or by applying pressure to release their pigments. Sometimes, the plants are boiled or soaked to extract their natural dyes, and the resulting solution is used to dye the fabric or paper. Once the botanical materials are in place, the surface is rolled around a foraged stick and secured tightly to prevent any shifting during the printing process. After the boiling and dying process, they are unrolled, and the botanical materials are carefully removed from the surface.

The textiles.

I source all of the fabrics, wool, cotton, and silk, from ethically source, responsible, and reputable companies as close to home as possible. There is no way around it in botanical printing, quality fabrics are a must. In order for the plants and dyes to print so vibrantly, they must have absolutely no synthetic fabrics. The wool, cotton, and silk, I use is the highest quality, softest, and sourced from some of my favorite companies.