Hapa Zome
Hapa Zome is an easy eco printing technique using fresh plant material, natural fabric and a hammer or mallet. It is a unique nature craft for preserving your favorite botanical materials.
Yield: 1 eco print
Cost: $1
Equipment
- rubber mallet
Materials
- 1 piece light-colored natural fabric cotton works best
- 1 rubber mallet or hammer
- fresh plant material of choice flowers or leaves
Instructions
- Start with a sturdy surface that will not be damaged by the pounding action of a mallet or hammer.
- Place a flat piece of fabric on prepared surface.
- Arrange the fresh plant material on one half of the fabric in any fashion you would like.
- Fold the other half of the fabric over the plant material and gently press down to flatten.
- Using a rubber mallet or hammer, gently, but firmly, pound the fabric, ensuring you smash each piece of plant material into the fabric, until you see the natural dye seeping through the fabric.
- When you feel satisfied by your design and how much plant material has dyed the fabric, unfold the fabric and carefully remove the plant material. If the material is stuck, it's okay to leave it attached during the drying process.
- Allow the fabric to dry.
Notes
These instructions are great for a first time eco printing technique, especially for kids. If you would prefer making the botanical print more permanent, refer the frequently asked questions section of this post for a mordant technique to use prior to following the hapa zome instructions. Alternatively, you can also lightly set the prints by soaking the dried fabric in salt water, then hanging to dry again.
You might like: DIY Onion Skins Dye.