Hammering Ferns: My Favourite Fronds for Botanical Prints

I often get questions about hammering ferns — which ones work best, which side to place down, how hard to hammer, and why the print changes colour after drying. So I hope this post helps if you’ve been curious about trying ferns in your own hammered flower art.

I admire ferns so much: their fractal beauty, their majestic growth, their endless variety. There’s something almost magical about those repeating little fronds, each one forming a natural pattern that feels both wild and perfectly designed.

I’m lucky to live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, where ferns grow all around me — in nearby forests, parks, my backyard, and even inside my house. I’m especially grateful to have some growing year-round in my yard, because it gives me a steady supply for my creations without damaging the plant.

Ferns are one of my favourite botanicals to hammer. They create undeniably beautiful prints with delicate structure, bright colour, and that signature fractal shape. They look stunning on their own, but they also pair beautifully with flowers and simpler-shaped leaves in a composition.

My go-to ferns

From my personal experience, different ferns behave very differently when hammered. Some are soft, juicy, and release colour almost instantly, while others are thicker, waxier, or more mature and need much stronger hits.

My personal go-tos are:

These are some of the ferns I reach for most often, especially when I want beautiful structure and strong natural shapes.

For store-bought options, the common florist cut fern is usually leatherleaf fern. It can make gorgeous prints, but it often requires very strong, confident hits — so mind your fingers and protect your table.

For indoor fern options, rabbit’s foot fern and button fern can be lovely to try. They often have a softer, more delicate structure than mature outdoor ferns, so adjust your pressure accordingly.

Which side should face the paper?

In my experience, most ferns release their pigment best from the underside of the frond.

So when hammering ferns, place the fern back side down on the paper, with the front side facing up toward you. Then cover it with your protective plastic sheet or another piece of paper before hammering.

This usually gives a stronger, clearer transfer.

Adjust your force to the fern

The biggest thing to remember is this: match your hammering force to the maturity of the frond.

Young, soft fern fronds need gentle taps.
Mature, thick, leathery, or woody fronds need firmer, more confident hits.

For ferns like leatherleaf or mature sword fern, you may need to hammer harder than you expect. This is where a strong, flat-head steel hammer really helps. But always stay careful — strong hits should still be controlled, not wild.

What happens to fern prints over time?

One thing to know about fern prints: in my experience, many of them turn brown either instantly while hammering or soon after drying.

And honestly, I love that.

The brown tones can give fern prints a very natural, earthy, almost vintage look. The prints often hold beautifully for years, slowly fading and softening over time — which is part of the beauty of working with real botanical pigments.

Sometimes I also like to draw outlines around fern prints afterward. It adds a crisp, graphic feeling and helps emphasize the delicate fractal structure. It’s also incredibly meditative to sit quietly and trace those tiny repeating fronds. It feels like continuing the conversation with the plant after the hammering is done.

Before You Pick a Fern

Please harvest ferns respectfully.

Never pull or damage the whole plant. Take only what you need, and only from places where you have permission. Avoid harvesting from parks, protected areas, trails, or wild spaces where plant gathering is not allowed. Always follow your local rules, and never take endangered or protected plants.

The best option is to grow your own.

If you love working with ferns, consider planting a few in your garden, keeping a potted fern, or using florist stems. Having your own supply means you can create regularly without harming local ecosystems. One small frond can make a beautiful print — you don’t need much.

Safety first

Always identify your plants before using them. Avoid poisonous plants, protected plants, and anything you’re not sure about. Make sure you’re not allergic to the plants you’re handling, and wash your hands after working with botanicals.

And remember: a hammer is a real tool. Flower hammering is creative and mindful, but it still involves impact. Keep your fingers away from the hammering zone, use controlled hits, protect your surface, and take breaks when your hands get tired.

Happy creating with nature

For me, hammering ferns is one of the most beautiful ways to connect with the plants growing around us. It invites us to look closer, notice structure, respect the natural world, and create with what nature offers — without needing artificial dyes or complicated materials.

I hope this encourages you to try ferns, grow your own, experiment gently, and share your passion for botanical art with others.

Happy creating with nature 🌿🔨