Eco-Printing on Fabric Workshop

€35.00

Create Natural Art Inspired by the Forest

Discover the beauty of eco-printing, a traditional and sustainable art form that uses the natural pigments of leaves, flowers, and roots to create stunning designs on fabric.

This workshop invites you to reconnect with nature through creativity — using only plants, heat, and water, without any synthetic chemicals or dyes.

Perfect for nature lovers, artists, and curious travelers, this half-day hands-on experience blends art, sustainability, and local tradition, giving you a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a one-of-a-kind souvenir made by your own hands.

Create Natural Art Inspired by the Forest

Discover the beauty of eco-printing, a traditional and sustainable art form that uses the natural pigments of leaves, flowers, and roots to create stunning designs on fabric.

This workshop invites you to reconnect with nature through creativity — using only plants, heat, and water, without any synthetic chemicals or dyes.

Perfect for nature lovers, artists, and curious travelers, this half-day hands-on experience blends art, sustainability, and local tradition, giving you a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a one-of-a-kind souvenir made by your own hands.

Workshop Overview

  • Duration: Half-day (approx. 3 hours)

  • Schedule: Available daily (morning or afternoon sessions)

  • Group Size: Minimum 2 – Maximum 6 participants

  • Location: Bukit Lawang (eco-workshop studio or local artist’s home)

  • Skill Level: Suitable for everyone — no experience needed

What You’ll Experience

  • Introduction to Eco-Printing

  • Begin your journey with a short introduction from your local instructor, who will share the history and principles of eco-dyeing — a technique that respects nature and avoids harmful chemicals.

  • You’ll learn how natural colors are extracted from plants and how local artisans use this method to promote zero-waste creativity.

  • Gathering Natural Materials

  • Explore the garden or nearby forest area to collect leaves, flowers, and other organic materials.

  • You’ll learn to identify which plants create different shades and patterns — from deep greens and rusty reds to soft golden tones.

  • This process encourages mindfulness, observation, and a deeper connection with the environment.

Design & Printing

  • Back at the workshop, arrange your leaves and petals on natural cotton or silk fabric, experimenting with textures and compositions.

  • Once complete, your creation is rolled, steamed, or boiled — allowing the pigments to transfer naturally into the fibers.

  • The moment you unroll your finished piece is pure magic — each design is unique, shaped by nature’s own artistry.

Finishing Touches & Reflection

  • While your fabric sets, enjoy light refreshments (coffee, tea, or tropical fruit).

  • Your instructor will explain how to care for your eco-printed textile, and you’ll leave with your finished piece — a meaningful keepsake and a memory of Sumatra’s creative spirit.

    • All eco-printing materials (fabric, natural dyes, steaming tools)

    • Guided instruction by a local eco-artist

    • Use of garden and studio space

    • Light refreshments (coffee, tea, and tropical fruit)

    • Your finished eco-printed textile to take home

    • Community contribution & sustainability support

    • Transport to/from the workshop site (can be arranged on request)

    • Personal expenses or additional items

    • Comfortable clothing (you may get a little messy!)

    • Camera or smartphone for photos

    • Refillable water bottle

    • Comfortable clothing (you may get a little messy!)

    • Camera or smartphone for photos

    • Refillable water bottle

Responsible Tourism Commitment

  • This tour is operated in partnership with the Tangkahan Conservation Response Unit (CRU) — a model of community-led conservation.

  • By joining this trek, you help:

  • Fund the protection and care of wild Sumatran elephants

  • Support anti-logging patrols and reforestation efforts

  • Empower local families through sustainable tourism

Workshop Price

  • IDR 670,000 / €35 / $40 per person

  • (Minimum 2 – Maximum 6 participants)

Every print tells a story — one written by nature, shaped by your hands.
— SUMATRA ORANGUTAN TREKS