Learn the ancient, magical craft of plant dyes

July 23rd-27th 2026

Mendocino, CA

Join us for a long summer weekend on the rugged Mendocino coast, where land meets sea and time begins to slow. Together, we’ll gather under open skies and warm sun to embark on a shared journey into the ancient art of plant dyeing - learning ancestral practices of scouring and mordanting, dyeing with flowers, barks, and leaves, eco-printing with pressed blooms, working with indigo, painting with plants, and more.

This retreat is more than a study of color. It is an invitation to move at a gentler pace, to find ritual within creation, and to reconnect with the natural world, with one another, and with your own creative spirit. Our days together are designed to awaken the senses, soften the nervous system, and open space for new forms of expression, meaningful connection, and lasting friendships.

Beyond the dye pots, there is room to wander and wonder, exploring the coastal bluffs, combing pristine beaches for shells and treasures, soaking in outdoor tubs, stargazing, gathering around communal bonfires, resting in solitude, and frolicking freely through the meadow.

Breakfast and dinner will be lovingly prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients to nourish and ground us throughout our time together. We’ll share these meals outdoors weather permitting, savoring good food, good company, and the simple beauty of being together.

"The retreat was truly spectacular. Allie led us on an unforgettable journey, blending magic and mindfulness at every step. We spent a few days preparing before diving into the colorful world of plant-based dye, creating vibrant, natural hues. The experience was as educational and inspiring as it was fun. The setting was a dream—Montana's pristine landscapes offered a rare connection to nature, and the group of people I met have become lifelong friends. I can’t recommend this retreat enough; it’s an experience that will stay with you forever."

-Amy, 2024 retreat attendee

What is inlcuded

-A room (shared or private options) in the main house

-Two shared bathrooms

- 4 organic breakfasts & 4 organic dinners 

-All plant dye materials 

-Field journal to record all notes, swatches, pressed flowers

-The opportunity to bring a few of your own pieces to dye in indigo and to eco-print with

-A six color watercolor plant paint palette for painting with

What is not included

-optional add on massage from Dani Boltz, licensed massage therapist, chef, and all around retreat fairy

-Lunch or snacks - please bring your own food for lunch and snacks throughout the weekend. There is a local grocery store that you can stop at on the way to load up!

-Transportation - Closest airport is 2.5 hours away. If driving, car pooling is always encouraged & I am happy to help coordinate that with attendees!

Itineray for the long weekend

Thursday:

-Arrive any time after 5 to get settled

-Opening Circle from 6-7

-Dinner & free time 

Friday:

-Breakfast 

-Intro to scouring and mordanting

-group picnic lunch in the meadow

-Mordanting part 2 / free time for exploration on the property or relaxation time

-Dinner 

-Watercolor evening painting with plants 

Saturday:

-Breakfast

-Becoming an Earth Alchemist & Dyeing the Rainbow

-Lunch at the property

-Group trip to the bluffs for an easy trail walk/walk on the beach 

-Dinner

-Fire & stargazing

Sunday:

-Breakfast 

-Indigo Dyeing

-Lunch & free time

-Eco-print workshop using your own clothes

-Dinner & cookout over fire

Monday:

-Breakfast 

-closing circle & farewell!

-check out by 10am

"A beautiful blend of retreat and community! This natural plant dye retreat came at the perfect time as I was looking for inspiration to get my creative juices flowing. With lots of workshop time and time to explore nature and build relationships with the other attendees, this experience was lovely. I loved learning about all of the plants we worked with and getting to experiment with the entire process! Allie does a beautiful job of creating a nurturing and relaxed yet full experience."

-Eva, 2024 retreat attendee

"I'm still glowing from the amazing 4 days of gorgeous, comfortable living and learning all about botanical dyeing. Our hosts went above and beyond to supply beautifully prepared meals and tranquil lodgings. We had a darling watercolor box of paints, notebook and handouts ready for us to delve into our study. Allie's instruction is exceptional: thorough, tried and true, well-documented, perfectly paced and digestible. Every day we savored time in the sauna, swimming in the creek, picking wild flowers, relaxing and getting to know our fellow artists and travellers. I made wonderful friends and am so grateful for the whole experience! I highly recommend this exact retreat for anyone, any age, any skill level."

-Elizabeth, 2025 retreat attendee

The Property

Tucked within 80 acres of quiet land, this light-filled cedar farmhouse offers a rare sense of privacy and ease. A place where firelight glows in the evening, meals unfold beneath open skies, and time slows to the rhythm of nature. Wander fields by moonlight, paddle across your own pond, rinse under the open-air shower, and gather by the fire as stars emerge overhead. With coastal trails and town just moments away, this peaceful retreat holds a truly magical, memorable energy—inviting rest, creativity, and deep connection to the land.

Retreat Package

$1800 for your own private room (can be shared with a friend of your choosing for a lowered price)

$1200 for shared room

All spaces are first come first serve. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your spot. Payment plans available or you can pay in full. Due to the intimate nature of these retreats, any payments made are non-refundable.

Available Rooms

-Primary suite with king bed

-Queen Room 1

-Queen Room 2

-Twin Room shared (3 beds)

Nearest Airports

Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS): ~80–90 miles (about a 2–2.5 hr drive)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO): ~140 miles, (about a 3 hr drive)

Oakland International Airport (OAK): similar distance to SFO

All retreat payments must be paid 60 days prior to retreat date. Because this is an incredibly intimate small group experience, any cancellations are pretty disruptive.