THE PRINTMAKING PICNIC
JUNE 27, 2026
10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
A day of beginner-friendly printmaking with vintage & picnic-inspired touches
Sun printing
Linocut block printing
All supplies and lunch included
$325 per person
$299 early bird
The Printmaking Picnic creative retreat is just one day, but is designed to feel like a true escape. It’s for those ready to prioritize their creativity and find a community.
Guests will be guided through two unique workshops, plus have everything they need for even more crafts (or relaxing and socializing, if preferred). Materials, food, drinks, and treats are all included. You just have to show up!
All levels are welcome, but this retreat is especially beginner-friendly, offering space to slow down, learn new skills, and have fun with new friends.
About
At the Printmaking Picnic, you’ll learn two methods of printmaking at a charming 19th-century farmhouse in Boyds, just an hour’s drive from DC.
From 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, you’ll be surrounded with a small group of like-minded creatives, open air, and rolling farmland. The property is serene and perfect for learning, crafting, and connecting.
We’ll begin with snacks, tea, coffee, and a quick group activity, then start with an introduction to cyanotype printing workshop taught by retreat coordinator Mia, using botanicals and vintage glassware to create sun-developed prints. After a homemade lunch and time to wander the grounds, do some crafting, or simply rest, you’ll move into an all levels linocut workshop led by guest instructor Rose Jaffe.
To close the day, you’ll have plenty of open creative time to spread out, work on your own craft projects, or try something new using the shared materials provided. We’ll do a show and tell at the very end and say our goodbyes!
Cyanotype process: composing, exposing, and developing a sun print, using texture from plants and vintage glass.
Itinerary
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Arrive and settle in with some snacks, tea, and coffee in the house’s sunroom or on the patio overlooking the pond.
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Introduction to retreat and quick group grounding activity. Get to know your fellow attendees.
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Cyanotype printing workshop with Mia using plants and vintage glass. Learn how to compose and develop your own sun print (weather dependent). If it’s cloudy, we’ll use stamping foam to create prints.
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A homemade lunch, with extra time for your choice: exploring, resting, or crafting. Picnic blankets and baskets available if desired.
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Introduction to lino block printing with Rose Jaffe. Learn the process start to finish from sketching, carving and printing.
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Open crafting. Work on your own project, or use our supplies. Our supplies will keep the printmaking fun going: they include stamping foam, cardstock, stamps, fabric, pens, pencils, markers, and more!
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Show and tell time, group photo, wind down. Reflect on the day.
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Depart with your completed projects, feeling confident in your new printmaking skills and creatively inspired!
Linocut example
the Location
The Printmaking Picnic will be held at a beautiful farmhouse in Boyds, Maryland, which is about an hour from DC. The exact address will be shared with confirmed guests.
The goal for attendees is for them to be inspired, relaxed, and to have fun. This is the perfect spot for all of those: it’s ideal for the slow, crafty day we have planned. The house is quiet, with both indoor and outdoor spaces to create and unwind. A spacious patio (with shade - it will be June, after all) overlooks a peaceful pond, with rolling farmland in the background. During lunch, you can grab a picnic basket and explore.
Ample on-site parking is available. It’s recommended to arrive by car, as public transportation drops you off about a mile away.
Coordinator: Mia Concilus
Mia is the founder of Meadow Creative Retreats. She is a serial hobbyist, artist and workshop teacher, and lover of the outdoors.
For this retreat, Mia will be guiding attendees through cyanotype printmaking (sun prints), grounding activities, and the general flow of the day. She can be contacted with any questions before or after the retreat at mia@meadowcreativeretreats.com
Guest Instructor: Rose Jaffe
Rose Jaffe is a visual artist focused on the power of art to build community, promote healing, and spark joy. Rose earned her BFA at The University of Michigan and has pursued a creative career full time after teaching middle and high school art.
She has painted over 50 murals nationally and internationally, including over 40 in her hometown of Washington, D.C. Her art has been featured in numerous publications, including the Washington Post, City Paper, NBC and CNN among others.
Her work is vibrant and often playful, with themes of political activism, natural healing and spiritual grounding. Rose is dedicated to harnessing the power of art to spark conversation, build connection, and create social change.
For this retreat, Rose will be teaching a lino block printing workshop designed for all levels, covering the process start to finish from sketching, carving, and printing. You’ll walk away with a hand-carved stamp that you can use forever!
What’s Included
A day at an updated 19th century farmhouse, with multiple rooms and outdoor spaces for crafting
Cyanotype printing workshop (all supplies included)
Linocut workshop (all supplies included)
Craft materials and tools to experiment with
Delicious picnic-inspired snacks and drinks
A homemade lunch (vegetarian option available)
Picnic blankets and baskets for use while at the retreat
Host support leading up to, during, and after the event for any questions you may have
A welcoming group of likeminded people
At least two finished pieces you’ll feel proud to take home
Photos of special moments
A small welcome gift
Creative inspiration
Memories and skills you can take back with you
If this sounds good to you…
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The exact workshops vary depending on the retreat, but we are particularly inspired by vintage and traditional craft themes, such as printmaking, stained glass, crochet, and more. Be sure to check the detail page for your retreat to know exactly what you’ll learn.
We also have a supply of basic craft materials for you to use during open craft time, such as watercolors, magazines, stamps, markers, etc.
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We keep our retreats small so everyone can get to know each other. Each retreat will have 8 - 12 people.
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We welcome adults of any gender identity, race/ethnicity, ability, and sexual orientation. We strive to provide a safe space for all to create.
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Absolutely. Guests are welcome to come on their own, and the day is intentionally designed to feel welcoming and easy to step into. There are natural opportunities to engage with others, along with plenty of space for solo creative time if that’s more your thing.
No prior art experience is needed. Whether you have never picked up a paintbrush or have your own thriving art practice, you’ll be able to learn, connect, and create.
You also don’t need to be local to attend. We welcome folks from anywhere.
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Everything - all you need to do is show up! You can check the event page for the retreat you are interested in for specific details, but in general, workshops with all materials, additional craft supplies for experimenting with, meal(s), snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included with every retreat.
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We do our best to balance flexibility with the advance planning that retreats require. You have 14 days after your booking to receive a full refund. After that, you have until 30 days before the retreat to receive a 50% refund. Cancellations and bookings made less than 30 days from the retreat are non-refundable. However, we are always willing to work with you to transfer a credit to another event.
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Still have questions? You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email (mia@meadowcreativeretreats.com). We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.