Botanical Dyeing and Printing in Color
with Suzanne Dekel
August 13-19, 2023
Bonus!
Suzanne will be offering a two-day workshop designed just for locals in San Miguel
August 21-22: (scroll to bottom for info)
Join us for a one week-long workshops in stunning San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Location
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a World Heritage UNESCO puebla magica, not to mention voted one of the best places in the world to live by Conde Nast Traveler 2 years in a row. Linda Laino has lived in San Miguel for ten years and is working with Suzanne to facilitate the retreat. (more about San Miguel below).
Retreat Venue
Hacienda de las Flores
Hacienda de Las Flores is a family owned, old world hotel centrally located with beautiful outdoor spaces and swimming pool.
Cost
We have designated three price points for this retreat depending on your room choice:
$2540 Single
$3155 Double
$3275 Suite
Rooms may be shared at no extra cost.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
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Meals (except where indicated)
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Tips
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Airport shuttle
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
What's Included
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Six nights accommodations + all taxes
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20 hours workshop time
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Welcome dinner with Margaritas
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Breakfast daily
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All materials including quality silk and wool fabrics
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Artist Studio Tour
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Farewell dinner
Travel
Please make your reservations to arrive at
Leon (BJX) or Queretaro(QRO) airports.* Information about easy and reliable shuttle service will be shared with participants. Please note, if you decide to fly into Mexico City, it is another four hours to San Miguel.
*Note: Please wait to make your flight arrangements until we inform you the retreat is full.
August 13-19
Botanical Printing
The best fit for students with some natural dyeing experience. Focused more on botanical printing
Sunday August 13
Arrival dinner 6:00
Monday, August 14
Specific mordant recipes and botanical prints treatment for cotton.
Create samples with different leaves.
Thursday, August 17
Learn different techniques for working with color.
Friday, August 18
Open studio
Choose a technique that you preferred most and make a large botanical print.
Farewell dinner
Saturday, Ausugst 19
Breakfast and shuttle.
Tuesday, August 15
Mordants and tannins. We will create a project on silk using different combinations.
About Suzanne Dekel
"Hi, I'm Suzanne Tamar Dekel – international natural dye expert and workshop facilitator.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by color, history and music, and surrounded myself with beautiful, vibrant colors and tones. I often find myself exploring the woods and fields near my home, searching for new hues and researching the natural coloring processes that occur in nature.
Over the years I've gained in-depth knowledge and expertise in natural dye processes – both historical and modern, and love sharing this abundance with the world.
With over two decades of teaching experience in South America, Europe and the Middle East, I've been able to relay the beauty and intricacy of natural dyes, music and history to diverse audiences globally.
My online and in-person workshops will teach you about dye processes, and allow you to experience the thrill and softness of the intricate, complex procedure in a methodical, welcoming environment. "
Testimonials
“San Miguel is a beautiful town and very welcoming to tourists. Suzanne was so generous with her time and knowledge in sharing all about natural dyeing and botanical printing. It was a great week and I met some lovely people. Highly recommend the location and the coursework.” ~Becca Riley
I was new to the fascinating and somewhat complicated world of natural dyes and botanical printing when I took Suzanne’s workshop in San Miguel. Suzanne is an excellent teacher who has honed her own skills through years of experimentation and her own natural dye business. Her orderly approach, clear explanations, generosity, and patience gave me the foundation I needed - and the passion - to continue on my own.
~Mary Jane Henley
Reserve Your Room
In order to reserve your spot, please choose your room, fill out the registration form, note your room choice in the form and send a $500 non-refundable deposit to lindalaino@gmail.com through Zelle or Paypal. All final payments are due by March 1, 2023.
Please Note: For Paypal, PLEASE use the "friends and family" option, otherwise, please add the 3.5% fee to your payment. There is no extra fee to pay through Zelle.
Please select your room and note it in the registration form. Rooms can be shared at no extra cost.
$2540
#1 Twin Beds
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#9, 10, 11, Double
#9, #10 # 11 Reserved
$3155
#2, 14, One King, OR # 3, 4, 5, 19, Two Doubles
#2, #3, #4 Reserved
$3275
#17, 12, 20 King Suite
#17, 12, 20 RESERVED
#6, 7, 8 Two Queen Beds Suite
# 8 Reserved
About San Miguel de Allende
Mexico is a huge country that offers its visitors an amazing amount of diversity. San Miguel de Allende is located in the geographical center of the country and is said to be built upon a bed of crystal quartz. Many people believe this legend aids in the “magical” quality so often associated with this town. San Miguel is a peaceful, safe environment, full of friendly people, sophistication and charm to spare. It is small, but far from sleepy. The streets are always full of visitors and locals in a lively and festive atmosphere.
There is more than plenty to see and do on off hours during the retreat. The weather in September is temperate. Most days you can count on very cool mornings, warm to hot sunny afternoons, and slightly cooler evenings. Think layers and bring a light sweater. There is virtually no humidity. San Miguel is quite hilly in parts, and the streets are cobbled. You will most likely be doing a lot of walking (the best way to see the town!), so we suggest to bring good shoes.
We are at 6000 feet and if you have not been in high altitudes, you may feel a bit tired the first day or two. Luckily, there are numerous cafes, parks and plazas for rest and refreshments all over town. There are also ample and inexpensive cabs (and Uber) available should you need a break from the walking. The cab drivers, incidentally are some of the best locals to practice your Spanish with!
The web is full of articles and videos about San Miguel. Here are two to whet your whistle:
About Linda Laino
Linda is an artist, writer and teacher who received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. She has lived in San Miguel de Allende for almost ten years where she formally taught English Language Arts and continues to paint and write. She has organized writing and painting retreats of her own in San Miguel and is recently sharing her love and knowledge of this charming and colorful town with other artists and teachers. Her many pleasures in San Miguel include terrace cocktails with friends, hiking in the countryside and feeding the hummingbirds. Her painting and writing can be accessed here:
All participants are asked to download and sign the waiver form and provide emergency contact info. Please email to: lalainoaart@yahoo.com.
Cancellation Policy Please Review
All deposits and balances for workshops are non-refundable. We understand that it is sometimes difficult to plan ahead for a trip such as this and these uncertain times have created a bit more challenge. We thank you for your understanding of the need for these policies on our end. We ask that retreat participants be vaccinated. Note: Mexico never closed its borders to travelers during 2020. Masking, as well as sanitary precautions are still taking place as a rule here in San Miguel.
All balances are due March 1, 2023.
Please read our full cancellation policy here.
We look forward to welcoming you to San Miguel in 2023! Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. For more info on the workshop, please contact Suzanne : suzannedekel@gmail.com For questions about San Miguel, please contact Linda: lindalaino@gmail.com.
Two-Day Local Workshop
August 21-22
Location: Hacienda de las Flores
Hospicio #16, San Miguel de Allende
9:30-12:30
2:30-4:00
Limit: 15 spaces
Botanical printing and play with indigo.
Day one: sample works
Day two: print a shawl
Cost: $385 includes $50 materials fee and shawl. If you are interested in this workshop, please email Linda directly for registration and payment procedure: lalainoart@yahoo.com
