The training

7 days to learn the techniques of Botanical printing on paper in a residential course in Montbrun Bocage. From 27th June to 4th July 2026. 

Educational objectives of this course

• We will explore working on a range of crafts and hand made papers. 

• We will look at the logistic of working on different papers and supports. 

• We will upscale to wall size scale (but transportable in a tube for those who travel by plane). Working large scale with paper demands a different mordanting logistic. 

• We will test ways to proceed you can duplicate in a smaller studio space.

• Being able to recognise and select plants and leaves for the printing

• Being able to select and prepare target material by mordanting

• Prepare a full sampling to being able to upscale later

• Putting together a finishing technique

Detailed program

June 27 :

Morning 9am-1pm : Inventory of local plants and research in the area surrounding the training center for plants that will be used during the paper printing course.
Afternoon 2-5pm : Identification and classification of harvested plants. Inventory of natural dyes provided by the trainer, and brought back from her dyeing experiments in the Orient.

June 28 :

Morning 9am-1pm and afternoon 2-5pm : Paper preparation day. Inventory of mordants and learning of paper mordanting techniques. Preparation and mordanting of papers.

June 29 :

Morning 9am-1pm and afternoon 2-5pm : Possibility of changing these times to visit the local market in Montbrun Bocage in the morning.

- Paper preparation day.

- Printing by immersion in the dye bath.

- Study of the effects of natural dyes and tannins from the various plants listed on the first day on samples.

June 30 :

Free day : Day off during which the workshop remains open and available. Opportunity to visit the local artisan village or to rest.

July 1 :

Morning 9am-1pm and afternoon 2-5pm : Steaming and dyeing of small format. Tannin and natural dyes are used.

July 2 :

Morning 9am-1pm : Continuation of sampling by constituting numerous small samples.

Afternoon 2-5pm : 

-Creation of large-format samples based on previous sampling experiences

- Creation of a very large-format piece

- Creation of a number of A3-size samples on a range of handmade papers. (Students are encouraged to experiment on their local and handmade papers)

- Implementation of both techniques in large format

- Creation of a joint group piece. Participants will explore their preferred technique

July 3 :

Morning 9am-1pm and afternoon 2-5pm : 

Day of preparation and use of printing pastes to produce patterns from botanical elements found on site and previously printed papers.

July 4 :

Morning 9am-1pm and afternoon 2-5pm : 

- Finishing and using paper to make books

- Around 3 p.m., each participant's creations will be displayed for the group

- Analysis of student productions, evaluation, and feedback from the instructor

Monitoring of execution and evaluation methods

• Attendance sheets.

• Learning is supported by practical demonstrations, one-on-one consultations and illustrated help and explanations.

• Training evaluation forms.

Materials available for students

• Each participant will benefit from a suitable individual workstation, with individual felting table adjustable in height, small felting equipment.

• Large light and bright workshop, abundant library specializing in textile art and colors.

• The studio will provide a dyeing kit with paper, mordants and related products needed for the work. This kit is included in the cost of the training.

Level of prior knowledge and prerequisites

This content is suitable for beginners, this technique cannot be used on fabric as the rules of mordanting are very different. 

Target audience

Designers, decorators, artists and craftsmen wishing to acquire skills in natural dyeing on paper.

Personal Financing Rate

7-day training course (49 hours) : 980€. This price corresponds to 7 days of training and includes the provision of basic dye kit for sampling. 

If your tax residence is in France:

Tuition fees may be covered by training organizations (OPCO, Vivea, Afdas, FAFCEA, France Travail, etc.) depending on your status and eligibility. Contact us for personalized advice and a quote at contact@feutreformationfrance.fr

Maximum number of students: 8

Accommodation 

To get the full benefit of the course you should consider it as residential to allow a full immersion in the technique. Feutre formation will facilitate this. 

Our residence is the ideal place to sleep on site throughout your training. If you would like to know more, write to atelierdubocage31@gmail.com