Chase's Mill in Alstead, NH presents Blooms & Hammers: Flower Pounding Basics with Kristy Rhoades as part of our 2024 calendar of community events. Flower pounding, also known as Tatakizome, is a captivating and ancient Japanese technique that involves hammering fresh flowers and other botanicals to create intricate patterns on fabric or paper. The process is surprisingly simple, loads of fun, and yields stunning results. Learn the basics of flower selection, preparation and technique, and bring home your own masterpiece! Materials will be provided, however you are encouraged to bring along some fresh blooms of your own. No experience necessary. Open to adults and to children 8 years and older with accompanying adult.

Kristy Rhoades only recently picked up this craft, but it spoke to her so deeply she has found herself trying the process with every flower she finds. As an accomplished seamstress, she has found ways to incorporate her flowered results into everything from cards to curtains to foraging bags.

The Mill Hollow Heritage Association (MHHA) operates Chase's Mill in Alstead, NH, as a workshop for hands-on learning and a community gathering space. Our water-powered mill embodies the history of small-town industry, celebrating New England's vibrant past and inspiring the future of sustainable power and rural technology.