Flower pounding - Linda Rudkin

Leading on from the author's first book, Natural Dyes, this is a general introduction to flower pounding, a very simple and traditional technique for transferring leaf and flower patterns, colours and shapes to cloth. The results are instant, and no complicated or expensive equipment is required. It can be done simply with the plant matter, fabric, fixings for securing the material, and a hammer. Extension exercises in the form of leaf printing, applique and flower trapping are included because each of these techniques adds dimension and depth to the design. Further detail can be added using embroidery or quilting. Basic methods and techniques are introduced, and then the reader is encouraged to create their own work.