Make art with flower marking
A fun way of creating natural prints on fabric or paper. Experiment with different types of flowers and leaves to see how different plants create different natural dyes.
Note: this won’t work with dried plants. They must be relatively fresh. Cut flowers in water would work. When picking plants, always check with the landowner that you have permission and never over harvest a single plant (it will suffer and might die). Pick a small bit from many plants instead.
This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.
Who is this for
This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities and can be enjoyed by anyone.
Why does this make a difference?
This is a creative and sensory activity that helps people learn by engaging with nature and using their senses to connect with their surroundings, exploring touch and different textures while supporting independent choice.
How to do this activity
What you’ll need
- Pale natural fabric (cotton works well)
- A collection of fresh leaves of flowers
- A smooth pebble
- Iron (optional)
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Top tips
To create lasting colour:
- Let the bundle dry out before peeling away – this lets the colours sink in more
- If using fabric, when dry, iron gently to set the colour
- For even better colour, soak fabric in diluted soya milk overnight & then let dry before using (do this a few days before you intend to print the fabric)
- You could also do it on a tea towel or tote bag