KUALA LUMPUR - A simple leaf picked from the roadside may seem ordinary, but in the hands of an eco-print artisan, it can be transformed into a unique work of art on a tote bag, scarf or piece of fabric.
Using leaves and their natural pigments to create intricate patterns on fabric, the technique allows nature to leave its mark on tote bags, scarves and other textiles.
Participants had a hands-on experience of the craft during a Father's Day eco-print workshop at KLGCC Mall, where families came together to design personalised tote bags using leaves collected from their surroundings.
Among those leading the session was eco-print artisan Ashira Fahra from Lumut, Perak, who hopes to introduce more Malaysians to the environmentally friendly art form through workshops and community outreach.
Ashira, who is part of Ilham Alam Artisans, said the collective consists of five artisans who share a passion for eco-printing and nature-based art.
"We operate from an art space in Lumut, and that is where this journey began. Initially, I became involved through art activities with my children. I enjoyed the bonding experience and was amazed by how beautiful the final creations turned out," she told Sinar Daily.
Inspired by the experience, Ashira decided to bring the craft to a wider audience.
"I wanted more people to experience it together with their families. That's why we conduct workshops and outreach programmes so that more people can learn eco-printing and enjoy the process," she added.
The workshop drew enthusiastic participation from both parents and children, many of whom were introduced to the technique for the first time.
Ashira said participants were eager to learn and were fascinated by the simplicity of the process.
"They were very interested and engaged throughout the session. We exposed them to the equipment and techniques used and we also showed them how they can start doing it at home.
"Once they saw the results, many became even more interested in exploring the method further," she added.
While the collective's art space has existed for several years, Ashra said the group only began focusing on eco-printing in 2023 before expanding its efforts commercially last year.
Since then, Ilham Alam Artisans has reached more than 1,000 participants through workshops involving families, children, university students and homemakers.
"For me, working with children is especially meaningful because they learn to explore creativity through nature. Hopefully, they will continue appreciating and practising art as they grow older," she said.
She believes one of eco-printing's greatest strengths is its accessibility.
"This art form is very simple. People can start from home using materials they already have around them."
Eco-printing is a natural dyeing and transfer technique that uses leaves and plants to create patterns directly on fabric.
Ashira said the process relies on naturally occurring compounds called tannins found in leaves.
"The colours you see on our products come directly from nature. We don't create them artificially. The tannins in the leaves are what produce these beautiful prints and shades," she said.
Among the group's favourite materials are teak leaves, which are commonly found along highways and roadsides across Malaysia.
"Teak trees are very versatile. The wood can be used for furniture, while the leaves can be used for eco-printing. They produce beautiful colours and patterns," she said.
However, she encourages beginners to start with plants that are readily available in their surroundings.
"We always tell participants to explore what they have at home. Different leaves can produce different effects and that's part of the fun," she said.
Beyond leaves, she said, kitchen waste can also be transformed into natural dyes, making eco-printing an environmentally conscious craft.
"You can use avocado skins and seeds, onion peels and other natural materials. Even fixatives such as lemon and soy can be used in the process," she added.
As sustainability and handmade crafts continue to gain popularity, Ashira hopes more Malaysians will discover the joy of creating art from nature.
"What makes eco-printing special is that it encourages people to slow down, appreciate the environment and create something meaningful with their own hands," she said.
And sometimes, all it takes is a simple leaf.