School Holidays
Botanical Printing with Emma Stenhouse

In this workshop, you will discover the art of creating amazing botanical prints on fabric with Emma Stenhouse (Ngarrindjeri) using a portable printing press. The process involves pressing plants to extract tannins, natural compounds found in plant tissues. These tannins are then activated using a simple iron/water solution, resulting in a beautiful and unique print on the fabric. You will learn about the different types of Indigenous plants that can be used for printing, as well as the various techniques for achieving different effects. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with different fabrics and create their own plant prints to take home.

Weather Permitting, afternoon tea will take place in the Fed Square Test Garden, with a talk with the Fed Square Gardener

• Tools and materials will be supplied.
• This is a school holiday workshop for children aged from 5 years old 
• Adult supervisors are requested to remain onsite to mind and assist
• Feel free to bring your own plant materials (see below for suitable flora)
• You may also wish to bring your own fabric item (see below for suitable materials)
• Light catering is also provided.
• Session is free but bookings are essential

Suitable plant material

Nothing too dry, spiky, shiny or furry.

To get clear prints, the following plants produce sufficient tannin (tannin is produced by plants and has a chemical reaction with the iron water to create a print):

• Kangaroo Apple
• Tree fern
• Bracken
• Casurina
• Geranium
• Eucalyptus
• Grevilleas
• Acacia (wattles)
• Banksia

Suitable material and fabrics

Natural fibre fabric:

• calico
• cotton
• linen
• (anything with polyester will not work)

Emma Stenhouse is constantly connected with her Ngarrindjeri heritage. A multifaceted creative, she explores diverse practices. Each piece is braided with learning, exchange between artist and viewer, a continuation of culture – a platform for cross cultural exchange, with skills and knowledge passed down from her Elders, and a vast teaching background, workshops are a wonderful way to engage and connect with cultural arts practices.

Emma is a recent participant in our Blak Design Program (2024) and her pieces can be found in the current exhibition Stitchin Stories: Blak and Threadly