Botanical printing on paper is one of my very favorite sustainable technique to create wonderful prints on Art paper. Paper is a cellulose material and it takes the dye very well if mordanted like linen/cotton/hemp. It is a very versitile material and once printed you can transform it in many different items or simply display it as a mono print.
Over the years I have been teaching printing paper online and in person and during the Covid period I have developed an online course in 12 lessons which allows you to create a number of effects from a flat background to some more moody effects when boiled in a pot.
Once we resumed meeting in person I put together a 7 day in person retreat which I run yearly in the South West of France. It is a residential course perfect for beginners or more advance printers. During that week we take time to study via sampling how mordanting and dyeing affect the prints and we create a large body of work on paper, cellulose fiber such as linen and leather to take home as well as some good robust notes for the future.
The retreat is off course residential and we are hosted by JF and his wife Krystel in their farmhouse not far from Toulouse but in the countryside. I only welcome a small group and the experience is very immersive but also very creative.
In the past years the groups of 8 participants have bonded very well and often they still speak in the whasap group after months in a really friendly manner.
The course is ran in a beautiful studio in the middle of the garden and the residence is in a family house (old farmhouse) with the rooms of an open gallery and a large dining room where we meet 3 times a day for meals. JF cooks for us in a true French style using only fresh products from the market. Gradually we just become one family and normal life gradually vanishes as no tv or news are brodcasted there.
We forage the local flora for our prints and on the sunday off we visit the local market to test the home made pizza and ice cream as well as mingle with the locals. It is the event of the are and a very fine event. On Sunday afternoon I usually set up an Indigo vat and those who want to do something creative can dye while others might rest.
This is not the type of retreat where we visit the area for some local shopping although I might introduce a trip to a local market this year if I can find the transport.
The accommodation is shared rooms but as the building is an old farmhouse the rooms are huge and comfortable leaving enough space to everyone for me time. There is an outside gallery with comfi chairs to allow you to relax mornings and evenings, a large seating room where you can catch the Wifi and seat in the cool when outside is too hot and a reading room gallery where you can enjoy JF collection of classic books. Krystel is an artist herself and their home is full of beautiful textiles and books ready to be explored.
We have a pick up point at the local train station on the 2nd of July 5pm for everyone arriving by public transport as the drive to the farm is still around 20 minutes but it is possible to commute directly by taxi from Toulouse Blagnac airport. The course runs until the 9th July evening. On the 10th after breakfast we will drop you off at the same station back into normal life. Often I will take that train back to Toulouse myself.
During the week of the course we will cover:
- 3 Mordanting methods to suit cellulose and protein fiber
- Dye extraction from plant based matter
- Selection of leaves from the local ressources and some information to allow you to adapt to your area
- Substantive and adjective dyes
- Botanical printing on paper, cellulose and leather both steamed and by immersion
- On our day off (Sunday) we will visit the local market and Indigo dyeing is optional in the afternoon (dye your own fabric/cloth).
- Finishing your pieces and neutralising.
- A book structure will be shared for you to learn although often we don’t have time to make it there and then.
- You will be given information on a web-based support to take home.
- A debrief at the end of each day.
- A hands on sustainable approach and collaboration between participants is encouraged.
- On the final day we will be setting up our work as a mini exhibition to share with the host and to review our learning.
You will leave with samples on fabric, paper, leather and some great new knowledge.
I have calculated a fully inclusive price of £1500 for the 7 days (deposit is £150 to secure the space, then two payments £675 end of March and end of May) , it even includes the odd glass of local red wine that JF serves to compliment the meals. Accommodation and 3 meals a day, the commute included above, the workshop, the material and dyes are all included. What you will have to fund yourself is :
- Your sunday lunch.
- your costs till you arrive either at the train station and when you leave or your own commuting costs if you come in a different way.
- Your costs if you would like additional food or drinks. The menu is European and is ok for vegetarians. For strictly Gluten free contact me as there might be an extra cost due to the high cost or food such as “bread” “pasta” etc… For any special diet please contact me there will be a small added cost to help our host.
- Any dye kit you might want to order from me or any additional material you might choose to bring in.
Below I have added a selection of photos from last year’s retreat to inspire you.
During the week our group becomes closer and as we focus on our technique the work we produce gets better and better but also we form friendship that will last and our vocabulary moves from everyday things to dye terms, names of leaves, effects, we simply meditate on our techniques. It is such a refreshing moment in this crazy world.
On our day off we walk down to the local market to buy picnic food, and other local reaches, potteries, ice cream, hand made knifes… before spending the afternoon playing with some Indigo Shibori in a most informal manner.
My retreat does not accept partners because i want our group to feel the immersion and the closeness of a retreat but partners can find something to do in the close by Toulouse and meet you at the end.
We share rooms and there are two tents to share…. Our retreat is fully immersive and from the moment you meet us the day before we start to the moment you leave after breakfast the day after we finish you can live cash free. All is included including the local glass of wine.
If you want to find out more about the program and cost scroll below… If you want to reserve one of the 8 spaces please click the link below and make the deposit payment but … Watch out it is not refundable should you change your mind so think it through.
The deposit will secure a space, balance of the payments will be made between March and May 2025. The total cost is £1500 and the deposit is 10%. The balance will be payable in two amounts of £675 end of March and end of May.
Payments are non refundable but I will accept a replacement for your space if you cant make it. Please contract a travel insurance in case you have an event to forces you to cancel.
Dates:
2nd July 2025 – Arrival at 17 h
3rd to 9th July inclusive Retreat
10th July departure after breakfast
Location:
Toulouse area.
Accomodation:
Shared rooms full board.
Food type (standard european, if you have a special diet please contact me to discuss at bettysbeautifullife@gmail.com )
THE LANSDOWNE HOUSE 