The Detailed Leaf Print: A Botanical Printing and Natural Dye Residency in Rural France
The Detailed Leaf Print A Botanical Printing and Natural Dye Residency in Rural France May 25–June 1, 2027 Les Gonies, Southwest France Five teaching days | Seven nights | Maximum 12 participants Spend a week in the French countryside learning my new botanical printing technique for creating exceptionally detailed leaf prints in natural color. We will work on silk and wool, focusing on prints that retain the fine character of the plant: veins, edges, texture and structure. Natural dyes will bring additional color into the process, creating results that are detailed, layered and intentional. Over five teaching days, you will create a substantial personal collection of naturally dyed and botanically printed pieces while learning how fabric preparation, plant choice, mordants, dyes, moisture, pressure and processing affect the final result. What We Will Explore My new technique for highly detailed leaf prints Botanical printing on silk and wool Natural-dye backgrounds and added color Plant selection and preparation Fabric preparation and mordant systems How to improve clarity, definition and consistency We will make multiple pieces throughout the week, allowing you to compare plants, fibers, colors and methods. What You Will Take Home Each participant will create an individual collection of naturally dyed and botanically printed silk and wool pieces. You will leave with finished work, process samples, practical notes and a much clearer understanding of how to repeat and develop the technique at home. This is not a workshop in which everyone makes the same object. Your work will develop through your own choices of plants, colors, fabrics and compositions. The Residency The residency takes place at Les Gonies, a working organic farm in southwest France. Les Gonies is rustic, informal and closely connected to the land. It is not a luxury retreat or a standardized hotel. The rooms, studios, farm buildings and outdoor spaces each have their own character, and the setting reflects the reality of a working, sustainable farm. For one week, we will live, work and eat together, with time for concentrated studio work, shared meals, rest, conversation and exploring the surrounding countryside. Meals are prepared by the owners using fresh, seasonal ingredients and produce from the farm whenever possible. Pricing and Booking Prices start from €1,495 per participating guest and vary according to accommodation type and occupancy. Accommodation at Les Gonies includes a mixture of simple indoor rooms, studios, a gîte, a small cabin, and furnished luxury tents. Because every space is different, accommodation and final pricing are arranged individually. Please use this form so I can send you all the details (pricing and full program) Once your accommodation has been confirmed, I will send you a personal booking and payment link. Materials and Fabrics Natural dyes, mordants, botanical materials, and shared studio consumables are covered by a required materials fee. Participants may bring their own suitable silk and wool or pre-order a curated textile pack from me. A detailed fabric guide will be provided in advance. All fabrics must be 100% silk or wool or cotton, and free from synthetic blends or finishes that could interfere with the process. Accommodation Seven nights of accommodation are included, from May 25 through June 1, 2027. Shared and private options are available in rooms, studios, a small cabin and furnished tents. Some accommodations have private facilities, while others use shared bathrooms. All accommodation is simple, rustic and limited in availability. Prices vary according to accommodation type and occupancy and will be confirmed directly. Meals The residency is full board, and an extra festive welcome and safer well dinner. Drinks are not included. Dietary requirements must be discussed before booking so the hosts can confirm whether they can be accommodated. Travel Monsempron-Libos Railway Station The nearest station is approximately 15 minutes away. Complimentary pickup will be available. Bergerac Airport Bergerac Airport is approximately one hour away. Pickup may be arranged in advance for €75 per journey, subject to availability. Toulouse Airport Toulouse Airport is approximately two hours away. Participants can continue by rental car or train to Monsempron-Libos. Detailed travel information will be sent after registration. Group Size The residency is limited to a maximum of 12 participants. This allows for individual guidance while still creating a rich range of plants, colors and results within the group. Who It Is For This residency is suitable for botanical printers, natural dyers, textile artists, designers and serious beginners. Previous botanical printing experience is helpful but not required. It is especially suited to people who want to move beyond pale, blurry or unpredictable prints and develop a more detailed, colorful and controlled approach. A Week of Focused Exploration We will print, unwrap, compare, adjust and try again. By the end of the week, you will have created a substantial collection of work and developed a much deeper understanding of how to create detailed botanical prints with natural color. May 25–June 1, 2027 Les Gonies, Southwest France Five teaching days | Seven nights | Maximum 12 participants