gARTening: Pound Flower Art - A Creative Twist on Botanicals

Welcome to the world of gARTening! In this program we focus on connecting with our residents and creating Garden + Art related activities. Today, we’re exploring a unique and creative way to incorporate nature into art with Pound Flower Art! This technique, also known as flower pounding or flower hammer art, offers a unique blend of botanical beauty and artistic expression. Let’s dive into the process, step by step.

Materials You’ll Need:

Fresh Flowers/Foliage
Hammer/Rubber Mallet
Watercolor Paper or Cloth Item
Paper Towels (without printed patterns)
Tape
Scissors/Pruning Shears

Step-by-Step Guide:

Gather Your Materials: Begin by collecting an assortment of fresh flowers and foliage. Look for vibrant colors and interesting textures to add depth to your artwork.
Design Your Layout: Take some time to arrange your flowers and foliage into a design that appeals to you. You can experiment with different compositions, either arranging one flower at a time or planning out your entire design before starting.

Secure Your Botanicals: Once you’re satisfied with your arrangement, carefully flip over each flower and foliage piece. Use tape to gently secure them in place, preventing any movement during the pounding process.

Pound Away: Place a paper towel on top of your botanicals to protect them, making sure to choose towels without printed patterns that could transfer onto your artwork. Using a hammer or rubber mallet, apply moderate force and begin pounding. Continue until you start to see the pigment bleeding through the paper towel, indicating that the transfer is complete.
Reveal Your Masterpiece: Carefully remove the paper towel, taking note that some leaves or petals may stick to it – don’t worry, this is all part of the process! Slowly peel back the tape and gently lift off any remaining flowers or foliage.
Admire Your Finished Artwork: Once all the botanical elements are removed, take a moment to admire your unique creation. If desired, you can frame your pound flower art to preserve it and display it proudly in your home.

Tips for Success:

Flowers/foliage we’ve found that work well:
- Violas/Pansies
- Impatience
- Coleus
- Ferns
- Dianthus
Opt for fresh flowers and foliage, preferably younger leaves and newer blooms. Thinner materials tend to work best for this technique.
When working on paper, use a fine-tip marker to outline any flowers that lack a defined outline. If you’re using fabric, consider embroidering accents like stems or pollen to enhance your design.
- Keep in mind that washing fabric may result in color fading, so choose your materials accordingly.

Final Thoughts:

What better way to dive deeper into this exciting world of combining Garden + Art than by joining us at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County for our monthly gARTening classes? Mark your calendars for our upcoming workshop Botanical Impressions: Hammered Flower Art Workshop! Join us on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM for an immersive experience in creating stunning botanical artwork using the pound flower technique. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today by signing up on our Eventbrite page: OCExtension.Eventbrite.com.

Our workshops provide the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. To check out our class schedule and discover upcoming gARTening events, be sure to visit our blog for the latest updates: 2024 gARTening Schedule

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unleash your creativity, connect with nature, and cultivate your artistic skills. We can’t wait to see you there!