Art Workshop – Flower Pressing

Description

With guest teacher Botanica & Field. Join us at The Rivershop for a beautifully paced, seasonal art workshop led by guest teacher Botanica & Field, exploring the quiet craft of flower pressing. Held in a light-filled studio at Thames-Side Studios, this hands-on session invites you to reconnect with nature, create something lasting, and learn the thoughtful techniques behind preserving flowers. This is more than a craft session—it’s a chance to notice the details, work with the seasons, and make something meaningful with your hands. Whether you’re looking to begin a new creative practice or deepen your connection to plants, this workshop offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for all experience levels. You’ll begin with an introduction to flower pressing—what to pick, when to harvest, and how to prepare different plant materials. Using our in-studio presses, you’ll press a small selection of fresh blooms during the class so you can learn the method through direct experience. Alongside this, you’ll be working with a beautifully curated library of pressed botanicals gathered from previous harvests. These flowers and leaves have all been grown and pressed by Botanica & Field, using seasonal materials grown in UK gardens with great care. From delicate violas and cosmos to hellebores, ferns, herbs, and grasses, each botanical element has been thoughtfully preserved to retain its colour, form, and story. As part of this flower pressing session, you’ll also learn the often-overlooked skill of colour correcting. You'll be shown how to retain vibrancy, avoid browning, and enhance faded petals, so your final piece reflects the true beauty of each bloom. These professional techniques will allow you to continue flower pressing at home with confidence and creativity. The second half of the workshop focuses on composition. With guidance from Botanica & Field, you’ll create a pressed flower artwork using fine tools, archival papers, specialist glue, and a full palette of botanical textures and tones. Whether your aesthetic is clean and minimal or wild and overgrown, you'll be supported in shaping your own visual language. You'll also receive tips on layout, balance, and colour theory to help bring your composition to life. There’s plenty of room for individual expression, and the slow pace of the session gives you time to reflect, adjust, and enjoy the process.

What's included in the price?

We’ll provide everything you need on the day: aprons, tools, fresh and pressed flowers, and all materials. The setting at Thames-Side Studios offers a peaceful, inspiring backdrop—filled with natural light and space to spread out your materials. Free parking is available onsite, and the studio is easily accessed by public transport. This flower pressing workshop is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those who already love working with natural materials. It’s a beautiful session for gardeners, artists, nature-lovers, or anyone looking for a quiet, creative pause. The atmosphere is supportive and unrushed, with thoughtful guidance at every stage. Important information: Parking and Public Transport: Free parking is available on-site. The nearest train stations are Woolwich Dockyard (a 10-minute walk) and Woolwich Arsenal (5-minute bus ride via routes 161, 177, 180, or 472 to Warspite Road). Alternatively, you can take a bus from North Greenwich station (bus 472 or 161 to Yateley Street). Class Timing: Punctuality is important to ensure a smooth experience for all participants. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time. Late entry is not allowed 15 minutes after the class begins. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to punctuality. We look forward to welcoming you to The Rivershop.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

The River Shop

with Craft Courses since 2019

Message the tutor

Richard has been teaching this intro class since 2018 after realising that all the challenges of working with epoxy resin were bound to be frustrating aspiring makers around the world as much as they were for him. After realising that working with epoxy resin was actually quite easy once you knew a few simple tricks and the basic principles, he started inviting you to join him in the workshop to master the tricks of the trade for yourself.