Hammered Fauna & Flora
Schedule
Fri Jun 05 2026 at 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
The Funk | Tarpon Springs, FL
Advertisement
Hammered Flora & FaunaBotanical Dye Printing & Nature Staining Workshop
Step into the ancient art of botanical pounding, where flowers, leaves, grasses, and natural elements become living pigments pressed directly into paper and fabric. In this immersive hands-on class, students will learn how to transfer the vibrant colors and intricate structures of plants using hammering and natural dye techniques inspired by traditional folk arts and early botanical preservation methods.
Participants will explore the fascinating history of plant pounding and eco-printing, from Indigenous textile traditions and Japanese flower pressing influences to Victorian botanical collecting and natural pigment artistry. We’ll discuss how different plants release tannins, anthocyanins, chlorophylls, and natural dyes, creating unique imprints that cannot be replicated synthetically.
During class, students will:
• Learn proper plant selection for vivid color transfer
• Discover which flowers and leaves create the best natural stains
• Practice safe hammering and textile preparation techniques
• Create botanical prints on watercolor paper and fabric
• Explore layering, composition, and natural design principles
• Learn methods for preserving and setting natural pigments
• Discuss sustainable and ethical wildcrafting practices
Common materials may include:
• Fresh flowers and petals
• Ferns, grasses, and leaves
• Cotton, muslin, or watercolor paper
• Natural mordants and fixatives
• Wooden mallets and textile tools
This class is perfect for herbalists, nature lovers, artists, homeschool groups, textile enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the natural world through creative expression. No prior experience is necessary — only curiosity and a willingness to get beautifully messy.
Students leave with several finished botanical art pieces and the knowledge to continue creating nature-stained textiles and papers at home.
A Brief History of Botanical Hammer Dyeing
The practice of transferring plant pigments onto cloth and paper dates back centuries across many cultures. Variations of natural dye imprinting have roots in Indigenous textile arts, Japanese flower pressing traditions known as tataki-zomé, and European botanical preservation practices from the Victorian era. Historically, plants were used not only for decoration, but also for storytelling, ceremonial garments, medicinal recordkeeping, and documenting local flora before modern photography existed.
Modern botanical hammering blends traditional plant wisdom with contemporary eco-art, creating a sustainable and deeply sensory art form that celebrates the fleeting beauty of nature.
Where: The Funk
How much: $40/pp
How do you find tickets? By going to www.whatsthefunk.com/classes
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
The Funk, 1953 N. Pinellas Ave,Tarpon Springs,FL,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
