Connect with the seasonal plants around you through exploration of the art of Hapa Zome - leaf dyeing.
This two-hour led workshop will take you on an introductory foraging walk of local surroundings, and instruct you in the practice of making prints onto textiles and paper from plants, flowers and berries.
Watch this reel to get a feel for the outdoor hapa zome workshop.
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Time: 2 hour session
Cost: £20 / £35 bring-a-friend (also, see pay it forward details below)
Date: Wednesday 29th July 2026. 6-8pm.
Location: Meet at Hackney Wick overground station.
Group Size: maximum 8. -
⇾ What Hapa Zome (leaf dyeing) is
⇾ Appropriate materials and equipment for this practice, including a basic overview of natural mordants and pigments
⇾ The differences between leaf printing onto textiles and onto paper
⇾ Seasonal plant signs and introduction to plants found in the session area
⇾ Foraging best practice and safety considerations -
⇾ Guidance on the art of Hapa Zome for textiles and paper
⇾ All materials, including organic textiles, with finished works yours to keep
⇾ All required loaned tools (snips, hammer, board, textiles, paper, gloves)
⇾ An insight and built connection with the local environment and seasonal planting
⇾ A follow-up PDF guide with all covered information and additional resources -
Meeting outside Hackney Wick overground station, you’ll be guided along the River Lea towpath and into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for our main session. You'll be introduced to the art of Hapa Zome and appropriate materials, safety considerations for using tools, and foraging guidelines and best practice. This area delights with wild and cultivated areas, allowing you to appreciate the variety of plants available.
Dependent on the group dynamics, you will then have around 60 minutes to explore and forage materials for your Hapa Zome creations. There will be opportunity to create various options utilising both textiles and paper. All works are yours to keep. Materials will be provided, and inspiration will be given to help you in presenting and storing your work.
If you have a light-coloured natural fibre (at least mostly) textile item that you would like to print on, you can do so. This should be washed. T-shirt, socks, pillowcase etc.
Note, we won't finish where we start due to the foraging nature of the session. You can either head back through the Olympic Park to Hackney Wick station, or over to Stratford. There's also the frequent free Here East bus through the park to Stratford.
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You will receive a confirmation email with location details and suggestions on clothing to wear/bring.
*I operate a Pay-It-Forward model. This means that you can purchase an additional ticket to support someone on low income or referred through an art therapy route. You can simply purchase a ‘pay-it-forward’ ticket, or make a donation that will be used towards a full ticket cost for future use by someone.
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We’ll be using level pavements and paths, however there will be general undulations to be aware of.
Benches and seating available in the park, plus the ground (I’ll bring a blanket). Public toilets are available at certain points, but it’s recommended to go beforehand.
You will be provided with a lightweight jewellery hammer to imprint your plants onto textiles and paper, along with a board to rest your work on. There will be some noise! Disposable earplugs can be provided, or bring your own reusable ones. Movements are slight, but I will aim to help if wrist strength or mobility is an issue for you.
Foraging does require dexterity and some bending or reaching. I will be available to guide and support with this, along with providing tools i.e. snips. If you have specific hand tools you like to use for gardening, please bring them along. I will endeavour to find suitable spots that will support in your enjoyment of the practice of foraging.
Gardening gloves will be provided to allow you to forage safely. They are cotton and rubber. If you have your own, or have specific textile allergies, please do bring them to aid in your comfort.
The session will be completed in English. If you are hearing impaired, you are welcome to attend; I will be able to practically show you the art and can give you a handout on the instructions, and you’re recommended to follow close during the foraging segment.
This session is aimed at adults. If you would like to bring your child along, please email first to check capacity.
We will be operating in the outdoors. Some shelter under trees could be found, but please be aware that it is your responsibility to dress appropriately for the weather - whether rainy or sunny. See below section on ‘cancellations’.
Bike frames available outside the station. No known parking, so do your own checks!
If you have any concerns or requirements upfront, please email hello@stephaniesteele.co.uk
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⇾ I am DBS registered.
⇾ I am emergency outdoor first aid qualified, will have a first aid kit, and the Centre has a defibrillator.
⇾ Learn more about me on Instagram. -
Weather: If the weather is due to be stormy, then I will email to give updates on required clothing or cancellation. Unfortunately this is a case-by-case basis, but I will aim to give you two days notice. You can then choose to book onto a new date, I’ll create a session especially for the group, or to receive a full refund (minus booking fees). If we're expecting rain, but not a storm, I'll likely continue with the event but bring you additional foraged materials, and find a shelter for us.
Personal: If you are unable to attend for personal reasons, please respect that I am a sole business owner and give at least two days notice. If you do not cancel with good reason in time, you will not be eligible for a refund.
Covid: If you contract Covid-19 and have a positive lateral flow or PCR, I can provide a full refund (minus booking fees). Please still give notice as this helps me book up the slot.
My cancellations: If a week prior to the event I have had cancellations or less bookings, so will be operating with less than 2 participants, I will cancel. Better that you have more folk to experience this with. I'll offer you a refund or a new date, and many apologies. -
It’s tricky to provide a ticket cost that appears valuable but also covers realistic costs. Your payment covers materials (around £5 per person), payment processing fees, and my labour both in facilitating the session and all time beforehand prepping materials, which in this case is around £7.50 per hour per person.
If the cost is inaccessible to you (honestly, I get it) please do reach out on hello@stephaniesteele.co.uk as I operate a pay-it-forward model and can discretionarily provide a free or discounted spot.
Find more images over on Instagram.