Every autumn, as the leaves begin to shift and the light changes across the hills of Big Raven Farm, I start thinking about cyanotypes and eco-printing.
There is something about fall that feels perfectly suited to these nature-based art forms. The colors are richer, the textures more abundant, and the landscape itself becomes an invitation to slow down, observe, and create. The goldenrod is fading, seed heads are forming, leaves are beginning their seasonal transformation, and every walk outdoors feels like a treasure hunt for artistic inspiration.
That's why I'm excited to welcome creatives, makers, and curious souls to the Fall Edition of our Cyanotypes and Eco-Printing Retreat at Big Raven Farm.
As both an artist and co-owner of Big Raven Farm, I've always believed that creativity flourishes when we give ourselves the time and space to be present. In a world that often rewards speed and productivity, these art forms invite us to do the opposite. They ask us to slow down, pay attention, and collaborate with the natural world in ways that are surprising, beautiful, and deeply rewarding.
And that's exactly what we'll be exploring together during this retreat.
Why Cyanotypes Continue to Fascinate Me
I've worked with cyanotypes for years, and I still get excited every single time I pull a fresh print from a water bath.
If you've never experienced the process before, it's difficult to describe the anticipation. You carefully arrange your botanical materials, expose them to sunlight, and then rinse the print. Slowly, the image begins to emerge. Blues deepen. Shadows appear. Delicate details become visible.
It never feels routine.
Perhaps that's because cyanotypes occupy a unique space between intention and surprise. You can thoughtfully plan a composition, but sunlight, moisture, exposure times, and the natural characteristics of each plant always contribute something unexpected.
Every print feels like a collaboration.
I think that's one of the reasons cyanotypes remain so beloved among photographers, textile makers, mixed-media creators, and everyday hobbyists. There is a sense of wonder built directly into the process.
In many art forms, we're trying to control every variable. Cyanotypes remind us that beautiful things can happen when we leave a little room for mystery.
Seeing Nature Differently
One unexpected gift of working with cyanotypes and eco-printing is how they change the way we see the world around us.
When I'm preparing for a retreat, I find myself paying attention to details I might otherwise overlook.
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The shape of a maple leaf.
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The lace-like structure of a fern.
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The curve of a seed pod.
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The intricate veins running through a flower petal.
Suddenly, everyday objects become sources of inspiration.
Participants often tell me that after learning these techniques, they can never walk through a park, garden, or woodland in quite the same way again. They begin noticing patterns, textures, and forms that were always there but somehow hidden in plain sight.
I love that.
Art has the power to make us more observant, and observation is often where creativity begins.
Why Fall Is My Favorite Season for Botanical Art
Every season offers its own beauty, but autumn brings something special to both eco-printing and cyanotype work.
Spring is about emergence. Summer is about abundance.
Fall is about character.
Leaves hold the story of an entire growing season. Colors become richer and more complex. Seed heads develop fascinating textures. Grasses catch the light in ways that can be breathtaking.
For creators, it's a season filled with possibility.
There is also something deeply satisfying about working with natural materials during a time of transition. As the landscape prepares for winter, we're given an opportunity to preserve fleeting moments through art.
A leaf that will soon fall becomes part of a permanent print. A flower that has nearly completed its life cycle creates unexpected beauty on paper or fabric.
There's poetry to that process that I never get tired of exploring.
Where Eco-Printing and Cyanotypes Meet
Many people first discover either eco-printing or cyanotypes independently, but some of the most exciting creative possibilities emerge when we begin exploring the relationship between the two.
If you'd like a peek into what these immersive days look like in practice, you can take a look back at our reflections on Awaken Your Creativity: The Wonders of Nature Cyanotype and Eco-Printing, where we explored the deep alchemy of bundling leaves, steam, and sunlight.
That's one of the focuses of our upcoming retreat.
Eco-printing and cyanotypes each offer a distinct visual language. One captures botanical pigments, textures, and natural dyes. The other harnesses sunlight and shadow to create luminous blue imagery.
When combined, they open the door to endless experimentation.
We'll explore foundational techniques, but we'll also spend time asking bigger creative questions.
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How can one process influence another?
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What happens when layered surfaces become part of the composition?
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How can botanical impressions inform cyanotype imagery?
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How do we push beyond the expected and discover something uniquely our own?
These questions don't have a single answer, and that's exactly what makes them so exciting.
Some participants will gravitate toward textiles. Others may find themselves creating mixed-media work, journals, handmade books, or wall pieces. Every person approaches the process differently, and I always love seeing the directions people take.
A Lesson From a Previous Retreat
During one of our previous Cyanotypes and Eco-Printing Retreats at Big Raven Farm, a participant arrived feeling uncertain about her creative abilities.
She kept comparing her work to everyone else's.
Her prints weren't matching the examples she imagined creating, and she worried she was somehow getting it wrong.
We talked about embracing experimentation. Instead of trying to recreate a specific result, she began following her curiosity. She changed her arrangements, tested new materials, and allowed herself to play.
By the final day of the retreat, something had shifted.
Her work wasn't a copy of anyone else's. It had become distinctly her own.
What struck me wasn't the technical outcome. It was the confidence that emerged.
She left trusting her instincts in a way she hadn't when she arrived.
I've seen versions of that story play out again and again over the years. People come seeking techniques and leave with something much deeper: permission to explore, experiment, and trust their creative voice.
For me, that's one of the most meaningful aspects of teaching.
The Importance of Creative Play
Adults often forget how important play is.
We're conditioned to think in terms of productivity and outcomes. We want things to work the first time. We expect ourselves to master new skills quickly.
Art doesn't always cooperate with those expectations.
Fortunately, cyanotypes and eco-printing are wonderful teachers.
They remind us that mistakes can become discoveries. Unexpected results can become inspiration. Experiments can lead to breakthroughs.
Some of my favorite pieces have emerged from moments that weren't part of the original plan. A longer exposure time, a surprising plant reaction, an accidental overlap of materials—all can create effects I never would have intentionally designed.
That's why our retreat isn't simply about following instructions.
It's about curiosity.
It's about asking, "What happens if I try this?"
That mindset opens creative doors that technical perfection never could.
Learning From Nature and From Each Other
One of my favorite things about hosting retreats is the creative community that forms.
Each participant arrives with different skills, experiences, and perspectives. Some have formal art backgrounds. Others are complete beginners. Some love textiles. Others work primarily in photography, painting, collage, or mixed media.
Every person contributes something unique.
I often find that some of the most valuable learning happens between demonstrations. Someone discovers an unexpected plant combination. Another participant experiments with layering techniques. Conversations spark new ideas and fresh approaches.
Creativity is contagious in the best possible way.
By the end of the retreat, we've all learned from one another. I certainly have. Even after years of teaching, every retreat offers new discoveries.
More Than Finished Artwork
Of course, participants leave with artwork.
They leave with cyanotypes, eco-prints, samples, experiments, and finished pieces that carry the story of their time at Big Raven Farm.
But I hope they leave with something else, too:
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A deeper appreciation for the natural world.
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Greater confidence in their creative instincts.
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A willingness to experiment without needing a guaranteed outcome.
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A renewed sense of curiosity.
Those gifts often last longer than any individual piece of art. And they're part of why I continue to return to these processes year after year.
Join Me for the Fall Edition of Our Cyanotypes and Eco-Printing Retreat
If you've been dreaming about a creative getaway, looking to learn new artistic techniques, or simply longing for time to reconnect with nature and your creativity, I'd love to welcome you.
Our Fall Edition of the Cyanotypes and Eco-Printing Retreat at Big Raven Farm is designed for makers, beginners, and curious souls alike. Whether you're experienced in botanical printing or completely new to these processes, you'll find a supportive environment that encourages exploration, discovery, and creative growth.
Come gather inspiration from the landscape.
Come experiment with sunlight, botanicals, and natural materials.
Come spend time creating alongside others who share your curiosity and love of art.
Most of all, come ready to be surprised.
Because if there's one thing cyanotypes and eco-printing have taught me, it's this:
Nature always has one more beautiful idea to share.
Spaces are limited to keep the retreat intimate and hands-on. If you're ready to explore cyanotype printing, eco-printing techniques, and nature-inspired art in the beautiful Driftless Region of Minnesota, I invite you to reserve your place today.
I can't wait to create with you.