Book Review: Printing from the Garden by Alison Kelly

Rating: 5 Stars

I’m so excited to share my thoughts on *Printing from the Garden: Create Stunning, One-of-a-Kind Prints with Flowers and Leaves* by Alison Kelly — a true gem for anyone curious about botanical printing. From the moment I picked it up, I was drawn in by its absolutely gorgeous cover, which sets the tone perfectly for what’s inside: a book that’s as visually inspiring as it is practical.

Alison Kelly has crafted an inviting and approachable guide that takes you step-by-step through the magical process of using everyday garden plants to create beautiful prints on fabric and paper. You don’t need any prior experience at all—Alison’s clear instructions make it easy to dive right in, whether you’re working with eucalyptus, queen anne’s lace, roses, or daylilies. The book walks you through everything from gathering your botanical materials, prepping fabrics, mordanting, to various printing techniques like bundle dyeing and mirror printing. There’s also helpful troubleshooting advice to keep you on track if things don’t go quite as planned.

One of the standout features for me was the plant profiles. Each is paired with stunning close-up photos by Kristen Teig that show the plants both in their natural beauty and how they transform into unique prints. These visuals alone make the book a joy to flip through, but combined with Alison’s friendly guidance, it becomes an inspiring resource that encourages creativity and experimentation.

At 192 pages packed with lush photography and detailed explanations, this book is easily one of the most comprehensive and gorgeous botanical printing guides I’ve seen. Whether you want to print on paper, cotton, or even delicate silks, *Printing from the Garden* offers everything you need to start creating your own vibrant botanical artworks.

If you’re looking for a creative hobby that connects you with nature and results in truly one-of-a-kind art, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s a beautiful, informative companion that I’m sure many artists and makers will treasure for years to come.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

It doesn't happen too often but when it does wow! This book shook me to the core! Every. Single. Page. Is. A. Feast. For. The. Eyes!!! Alison Kelly could not of made a better book! This will have to become a bit of a bible of cloth printing. Every topic regarding doing it she has taken the reader from the beginning to the end. Even taking care of your fabric after you TRY to make creations as beautiful as hers!

I can not express how much this book touched me! I don't even have time to begin trying this skill but she makes me want to! We need to get back to nature. Being a flower farmer when I saw what she does with Cosmos alone I said can't I at least try a scarf?

Just wow. Everything you need to know on how to do this skill is in her book. She has written on fabrics, flower choices, leave choices, oh my goodness the chestnut page! Also, I learned what mordant was!

There are four sections:
The Basics of Botanical Contact Printing
Plants to Inspire
Printing on Fabric the process
Printing of Fabric Techniques
Printing on Paper

I pay homage to Alison Kelly. She inspires and brought me back to simplier times.

I would love to thank NetGalley, the fantastic publisher Storey and the author Alison Kelly for the priviledge to read and write a review of Printing from the Garden.