Eco-printing harnesses the pigments found naturally in leaves and flowers to create stunning, organic impressions on paper. No two prints are ever the same.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the boiling and steaming techniques that bring these prints to life, turning humble botanicals into something truly extraordinary. We will also explore other printmaking methods of using leaves to create direct mono-prints and overprints.
This workshop is for paper lovers, book artists, and anyone who believes that the most beautiful things come from nature.
You’ll leave with a stack of papers you can use in mixed media works, paper crafts, and more.
See What to Know for a list of required and optional supplies.
All experience levels are welcome.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Sarah Rehmer, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A065
Instructor
Sarah Rehmer, artist
Sarah Rehmer was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago, and currently lives in the city’s Pilsen neighborhood. In 2003, Rehmer earned her BA in graphic design and photography from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. She found her love for working with pages from old books while auditing a post-graduation class at the university. Rehmer is an Illinois Arts Council–Professional Development Grant recipient, and her work is held in private collections in the United States, Canada, Italy, and Norway, as well as institutional and corporate collections in Illinois and New York. Rehmer teaches classes and workshops around the Midwest and, on occasion, a little further away.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
There will be a lunch break in the middle of each day. Please bring a sack lunch, snacks, and water.
This program is open to all experience levels.
All eco-dye supplies, as well as some basic tools, will be provided in class.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Required Supplies
- Overgrown plants and flowers picked from outside. Students may have the opportunity to collect on-site at the Arboretum. More information on plants to bring to class will be provided closer to the workshop date.
- Old towels and rags for clean-up and paper blotting
- Notebook and pen for notetaking
Optional Supplies
- A variety of found papers, book pages, maps, and handmade papers
- Other materials or small objects
Program Schedule
This program meets the following two times.
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
