The Art of Flower Pounding: A Beginner’s Guide to Tataki Zome
In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, there’s something deeply grounding about creating with your hands — especially when using nature’s own colours. One of the most accessible and beautiful ways to start your natural dye journey is through flower pounding (also known as Tataki zome), a technique that presses real botanical pigments into fabric or paper.
Whether you're curious about slow crafting, love working with flowers, or you're seeking a mindful practice, this beginner Tataki Zome guide will show you how to get started.
🌸 What Is Flower Pounding?
Flower pounding is a form of eco printing where you transfer the natural pigments of fresh flowers and leaves directly onto fabric or paper by hammering or pressing them. The result is a vibrant, organic print — like a fossil of a flower — preserving the shape, colour, and energy of the plant.
This simple yet magical method is perfect for:
Textile artists and crafters
Parents and educators doing nature-based activities
Eco-conscious creatives looking to reduce chemical use
*Watch how to do this technique on Billy Nou’s youtube channel here. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Before you begin your eco printing tutorial, gather the following supplies:
Fresh, pigmented flowers (try coreopsis, pansy, cosmos, violas, or geranium)
Natural fibre fabric (cotton, silk, linen work best)
Hammer or mallet
Cutting board or hard surface
Parchment or paper towel
Optional: mordant or pre-treated fabric for colourfast results
🌼 Not sure which flowers to use? Check out this helpful resource from Pretty Together.
🖐️ Step-by-Step: Flower Pounding Fabric
Here’s a basic eco printing tutorial for beginners:
1. Prepare Your Fabric
Wash your fabric to remove any residues. For brighter results, pre-treat it with alum (a natural mordant), or use pre-mordanted fabric like those included in our Botanical Dye Kits.
2. Arrange Your Plants
Place your fabric on a hard surface. Lay your flowers and leaves face-down in the design you want. Cover with parchment or another piece of fabric to protect your hammer.
3. Pound It Out
Using a hammer or mallet, gently tap over each flower, releasing its natural pigment. You'll see colour transferring through the top layer.
4. Peel and Reveal
Carefully lift the top layer and peel away the plant matter. A ghostly, colourful impression should remain.
5. Fix the Colour
Let the fabric dry flat. You can iron it (with paper between layers) to help set the colour. For longer-lasting prints, soak it in a vinegar-water bath or use a light fixative like soy milk.
🎨 Creative Project Ideas
Now that you’ve mastered flower pounding fabric, here are some easy, beautiful projects:
Eco-printed scarves
Handmade greeting cards
Wall art or textile hangings
Fabric-covered journals
Workshop-ready creations for art classes
Want to explore further? The work of India Flint is a brilliant source of inspiration in the world of eco printing and plant-based colour.
🌿 Why Try Tataki Zome?
Beginner Tataki Zome (Flower Pounding) is not only fun and accessible — it’s a beautiful way to connect with the natural world. It’s also:
Low-waste and chemical-free
A mindful, meditative process
Suitable for adults and kids alike
A sustainable alternative to commercial dyeing
And best of all? You’re working with living materials — so no two prints will ever be the same.
💡 Tips for Best Results
Hammer gently and evenly — too hard can bruise the fabric
Use freshly picked, pigment-rich flowers
Try adjusting pH with lemon juice or baking soda for colour shifts
Keep a journal to track what plants you use and how they print
For a more technical deep dive, the Botanical Colors website offers an amazing range of info and experiments.
🌼 Ready to Start Flower Pounding?
Join us at one of our Rivarossa Botanicals workshops, where we teach hands-on techniques like eco printing, natural dyeing, and flower pounding using local and seasonal flora.
👉 View Our Upcoming Workshops
👉 Explore Our Eco Printing DIY Kits
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