Kalangan Village, August 1, 2024 – Who would have thought that leaves we often step on could be transformed into unique and valuable works of art? This idea is precisely what the students of SDN Kalangan demonstrated during an eco-printing workshop organized by UNDIP Community Service (Kuliah Kerja Nyata / KKN) Team II students. With boundless creativity, they succeeded in creating eco-friendly fashion products that are ready to capture attention.
The workshop, held on August 1, 2024, began with an introduction to the basics of eco-printing. The students enthusiastically listened to explanations about the definition, benefits, and basic techniques of ecoprinting. After grasping the theory, they eagerly dived into hands-on practice.
Using tote bags as their medium, the students explored the pounding technique. They selected various types of leaves and flowers with intriguing shapes and colors, such as teak leaves, papaya leaves, bilimbi leaves, and many other kinds of leaves and flowers. The leaves were then arranged on the fabric of the tote bags. With great enthusiasm, the SDN Kalangan students hammered the fabric with wooden mallets until the colors and patterns of the leaves transferred onto the cloth.
The results were astounding! Each tote bag featured unique patterns and colors, reflecting the individual creativity of the students. Some chose simple leaf motifs, while others created intricate combinations of colors and patterns.
This activity not only fostered the students’ creativity but also raised their awareness of the importance of environmental conservation. By utilizing natural materials such as leaves, the students were taught to appreciate nature and reduce the use of chemicals.
“Through this workshop, we hope to instill in the students the understanding that caring for the environment can start with small and simple actions, like using natural materials to create useful products,” said Fina Nur Inayatika, a member of the UNDIP Community Service Team II who initiated the activity. Through this initiative, SDN Kalangan, in collaboration with UNDIP Community Service Team II, has proven that creativity and environmental awareness can go hand in hand, producing innovative products that are not only beautiful but also have a positive impact on our beloved Earth.
