eco-printing on leather
paper + thread series
PENNY JEWELL
Four-day masterclass exploring botanical eco printing on leather, creating richly detailed plant impressions and developing finished leather pieces.
materials list
here are all the materials and tools you’ll need to successfully start this masterclass
date Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June 2026
duration 4 day
venue location in York tba 1 week prior to class start
Leaves, leather and alchemy: transforming natural impressions into enduring surfaces…
This four-day masterclass explores the striking possibilities of botanical contact printing on leather, introducing participants to techniques that reveal rich colour and detailed botanical impressions on this distinctive surface.
Working with a selection of carefully chosen leathers, participants will learn how plant materials interact with leather fibres to produce clear, expressive prints. The workshop introduces the key factors that influence successful results — including mordants, temperature control and the preparation of suitable leathers.
Through guided experimentation, participants will explore a range of approaches to botanical printing, discovering how different plant materials create subtle variations in tone, form and surface texture. The process encourages observation and experimentation, allowing participants to build confidence working with leather as a creative material.
During the workshop, participants will produce a series of printed leather samples before developing their own finished pieces. Many participants choose to create functional objects such as a leather bag or journal cover, exploring how botanical prints can be integrated into wearable and everyday items.
The workshop also introduces possibilities for extending the practice beyond the studio, including pathways for working with leather in contemporary craft and design contexts.
No prior experience with eco printing is required.
Materials fee: $80 paid directly to tutor.
Penny Jewell — Textile Artist & Workshop Leader
Insta pennymjewell
Penny Jewell is a textile artist based in Walpole, Western Australia, whose practice centres on natural dyes and botanical contact printing. Surrounded by forest and coastal landscapes, she draws inspiration from the plants of her garden and the bushland around her studio.
Beginning with traditional plant dyeing, Penny’s practice evolved through years of experimentation with botanical contact printing. Her work now explores the subtle colours and intricate structures that emerge when plant materials interact with cloth, paper and leather.
Penny has taught botanical printing internationally, including workshops in Bali and Java, and has studied with leading practitioners in the field. While she continues to work across silk, wool and cellulose fabrics, much of her recent practice has focused on botanical printing on leather.
date Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June 2026
duration 4 day
venue location in York tba 1 week prior to class start
create and stay: participants will travel from across Australia, with many choosing to turn their time in York into a short creative getaway. The Wheatbelt offers a range of comfortable stays, from boutique guesthouses to self-contained cottages, all close to workshop venues.
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