All materials are included No experience or supplies needed — just bring yourself.
About
Flower pounding, or tatakizome, is a Japanese textile technique that uses fresh flowers and leaves to create printed patterns on fabric. This two-day workshop provides a hands-on introduction to the art, science, and technical process of Flower Pounding. Participants will prepare cotton fabric and apply plant pigments to produce a 24” x 24” textile suitable for display, gifting, or wearable art.
The workshop is led by textile artist Varsha Gill, whose work combines plant-based dyeing, ecological awareness, and material-focused experimentation. Participants will gain foundational skills that can be applied to future projects at home.
Weekend Structure & Techniques
Mordanting: Learn how to prepare cotton fabric for natural dyeing to create strong, long-lasting colours. Understand the role of mordants and how they interact with plant pigments.
Flower Pounding (Tatakizome): Learn how to transfer natural pigments from fresh flowers and leaves onto fabric using a hammer. This Japanese technique translates to “dye (zome 染め) hammering (tataki たたき)” and produces unique botanical patterns.
What to Expect
- Demonstrations of each dyeing process
- Hands-on making with time to experiment at your own pace
Who This Course Is For
Beginners curious about natural dyeing and textile processes
Artists interested in botanical printing techniques
No prior experience required
What You’ll Gain
Understand the principles of mordanting and fabric preparation for natural dyeing
Apply the flower pounding technique to create one completed textile piece and an easy-to-use bamboo frame to hang it on the wall
Gain practical knowledge of plant-based dyes, pigment transfer, and design considerations
Receive a bamboo frame to display their finished textile
What to Bring
All materials are provided.
Hammer (if available)
Please wear darker-coloured clothing and footwear that can handle a few dye splashes in case of small spills.
Registration closes at midnight on the Wednesday before the first session begins.
15% discount for North Van Arts Members.
Become a member and unlock a world of benefits! As part of your membership, you’ll enjoy a 15% discount on select Arts Education Adult & Youth classes and workshops.
Here’s how to get started:
- Membership: Become a member of North Van Arts to access exclusive perks.
- Discount Code: Call us at 604-988-6844 to receive your unique discount code.
- Redeem Discount: Remember, you must be a member before receiving the discount. Once you have your code, simply follow these steps to apply the 15% off:
- Browse the available Adult & Youth classes and workshops.
- During the checkout process, you’ll find a field to enter your coupon code. Enter the code and apply it.
- Your 15% discount will be automatically calculated and reflected in your total purchase amount.
Ready to enhance your artistic journey? Join today and take advantage of this incredible offer.
