Flower Pounding
The Set Up
Gather fresh flowers such as pansies, marigolds, or violets. Cotton banners, canvas bags, or fabric squares all work. Lay flowers onto fabric, cover with baking paper if you prefer, and provide wooden mallets. I often buy small pots of pansies from our local nursery — they are magic. We bring them inside, children pick blooms, and then we return the pots outdoors. With sun and rain they flower again in a day or two.
The Making
Hammer gently and watch colour transfer straight from the petals into the fabric. Purples, yellows, and greens appear like natural paint. Be prepared for the process to be noisy, joyful, and absorbing.
Rolling pins or tiny wooden hammers work beautifully too. Heavy bashes or light taps (depending on their creative expression).
Flower favourites
The flowers that pound best are the soft ones that hold a lot of colour.
Pansies and violas are our go-to because they’re small, easy to handle, and so pigmented.
Marigolds make bold yellows and oranges, geraniums and petunias give brilliant pinks and reds, and cosmos bring a delicate, pretty imprint.
Loose rose petals work well too, especially in deep colours.
Herbs like mint or basil can also be fun to try; the greens come through and they smell incredible!
Variations
Thread a stick and string through the top for a banner. Cut smaller pieces for cards or wrapping paper.
Materials
Fresh flowers (pansies, marigolds, geraniums, petunias, cosmos, rose petals)
Optional extras: herbs or leaves for green imprints
Canvas bags, cotton banners, or fabric squares
Baking paper (optional)
Wooden mallets, rolling pins, or small hammers
Sticks and string for banners