Modern pressed flower: Studio weekend
Fall Retreat: October 16-18, 2026
Location: New York City
A THREE-DAY, IN-PERSON PRESSED FLOWER STUDIO WEEKEND IN NEW YORK CITY
Spend three unforgettable days immersed in flowers, art, and creativity in New York City.
This intimate Studio Weekend brings together a small group from my creative community, including past students and others who have been inspired by my work, to create together, receive personal mentoring, and celebrate artistic growth. For many participants, it is the joyful culmination of months of learning with me online, offering the opportunity to finally bring that learning to life in person.
Throughout the weekend, I'll share the signature techniques and artistic approach I've developed over the past three decades while offering individual guidance, thoughtful critique, and creative encouragement as you develop your own botanical artwork.
We'll spend two inspiring days creating together using an extraordinary botanical library of pressed flowers I've collected and preserved over the years. On our first day, you'll begin with smaller projects as we explore composition, color, and my signature artistic approach before building toward a larger finished artwork by our final day.
In between, we'll enjoy a guided visit to the iconic New York Flower District, where I'll introduce you to my favorite vendors and teach you how to recognize flowers that press beautifully. Together we'll select an extraordinary assortment of blooms before returning to continue our work, pressing flowers side by side in your handmade flower press. As we create together, I'll teach you the techniques I've developed over three decades to help flowers retain their color, preserve their vibrancy, and avoid browning, giving you the skills to continue creating beautiful botanical artwork long after the weekend ends.
Because the group is intentionally small, I'll work closely with each participant to strengthen technique, refine artistic vision, and help bring each artwork to completion. One of my favorite parts of these weekends is watching artists encourage one another, exchange ideas, and become part of a creative community that often continues long after the weekend has ended.
We'll also enjoy wonderful meals together, including a delicious dinner in Times Square, experience a Broadway show (including a backstage tour whenever possible), and savor the rare gift of uninterrupted creative time in the heart of New York City.
Before we come together, you'll meet with me one-on-one to prepare for the weekend. You'll leave with handmade cards, a handmade flower press filled with flowers you selected in the Flower District, finished artwork you'll treasure, a clear understanding of how to continue pressing flowers successfully at home, and renewed confidence in your own creative voice.
Scroll below to step into the full rhythm of the weekend and discover all that’s included.
FRIDAY EVENING | WELCOME & CREATE
We begin the weekend by slowing down together. Over wine, light bites, and conversation, you'll settle into a relaxed, phone-free creative evening designed to help you reconnect with the simple joy of making art and getting to know the wonderful group of artists and flower lovers you'll be spending the weekend with.
Using an extraordinary botanical library of pressed flowers gathered over many years, you'll create handmade cards and small botanical collages while I introduce the techniques, design principles, and artistic approach we'll build on throughout the weekend. I'll work alongside you, offering personal guidance and helping you become comfortable with the materials before we begin our larger projects together.
This first evening isn't about perfection. It's about curiosity, creativity, and discovering your own artistic voice. By the end of the night, you'll leave with beautiful handmade pieces, new confidence, and excitement for everything that lies ahead.
All materials are thoughtfully provided, including handmade paper, premium cards and envelopes, brushes, adhesives, and hundreds of carefully preserved pressed flowers.
Friday, OCTOBER 16TH 6:00pm - 10:00pm
We'll begin with a guided visit to the iconic NYC Flower District, where I'll teach you how to recognize flowers that press beautifully, what to choose, what to avoid, and how a flower's shape, moisture, and color all influence the final result.
Together we'll select an extraordinary assortment of blooms, which I'll purchase and share with the group when we return to our creative space. There, we'll fill your handmade flower press side by side as I teach you the techniques I've developed over three decades to help flowers retain their color, preserve their vibrancy, and avoid browning, even with thicker or more delicate varieties.
You'll learn the complete process: from choosing flowers to pressing them successfully, using the same techniques I rely on in my own artistic practice. You'll leave with a flower press filled with beautiful blooms, along with the confidence and knowledge to continue pressing flowers successfully long after the weekend ends.
Fresh flowers, all materials, your handmade flower press, breakfast snacks with coffee and tea, and transportation back to our creative space are all included.
SAturday, OCTOBER 17TH 8:30am - 2:30pm
Flowers in the City
Saturday Evening, OCTOBER 17TH
The Artist's Evening
After a full day of flowers and creativity, we'll enjoy dinner together at a fabulous restaurant in Times Square before experiencing the extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a new musical in its final Preview weekend.
As an actress, I've always believed that inspiration comes from experiencing great art in many forms. Sharing an evening of theater together is a special part of the weekend and a chance to celebrate creativity beyond the studio, while enjoying one of New York City's most iconic experiences. For October’s retreat we will see a brand new Off-Broadway musical at the Duke Studios Theater in Times Square. We will also get a backstage tour after the show with the director. Restaurant and show will be announced soon!
Sunday OCTOBER 18TH 10:00- 2:00pm
COMMITMENT + COMPLETION
Our final day is devoted to creating a larger, finished work of art. You'll choose from an extraordinary botanical library of pressed flowers, along with a beautiful selection of handmade papers, to create a piece that reflects your own artistic voice.
Gluing is commitment. Sometimes what we need most isn't more time or more ideas. It's clarity, encouragement, and an experienced eye to help us know when a piece is truly finished.
I'll work alongside you throughout the day, offering personal guidance as you refine your composition, strengthen your design, and confidently bring your artwork to completion in a calm, supportive creative environment.
You'll leave with a finished artwork ready to frame, a handmade flower press filled with flowers you've gathered and pressed yourself, and the confidence, skills, and creative momentum to continue making beautiful work long after the weekend has ended.
Breakfast nibbles, coffee, and tea are provided.
What to Bring + Helpful Notes
This weekend is designed to feel focused, supported, and well cared for.
One-on-One Meeting
Upon signing up, we will schedule a one on one zoom meet to discuss what you hope to get out of this weekend and what your Sunday project will be.
Flower Press (Included)
A brand-new flower press will be waiting for you in the studio, empty and ready to fill. You do not need to travel with one unless you prefer to bring your own. If you choose to bring your own press, I recommend one similar in size to mine so you can fit the greatest variety of blooms. If you already own a press, and would like to bring yours, please email me and we will be happy to reduce the price of the retreat. But please know that having multiple presses is a must for a serious flower presser. :)
Saturday Flower District Experience
Saturday is fully supported. My assistants will be with us throughout the morning to help carry purchases in our Hulken bag, take your tea or coffee orders and grab them for you to-go, and make the experience feel seamless so you can browse and learn hands-free. I will guide us through the Flower District, visiting my favorite shops, select and purchase all the blooms, and arrange Ubers to bring us back to the studio in small groups. You will not need to navigate logistics. Your brand new press with all supplies will be waiting for you when you return.
For Sunday’s Larger Piece
If you don’t know what you’d like to make, that is ok! Hundreds of pressed flowers and dozens of different handmade papers to choose from will be provided. OR, if you have an unfinished pressed flower project you’d like support with, bring it. We will discuss a plan for your final piece during our one-on-one Zoom meeting.
Sunday is designed to help you refine and complete work that reflects your own aesthetic and practice.
Suggested working size:
• 12″ × 18″ if you are flying (easy to carry on)
• 18″ × 24″ if you are driving
After registration, you and I will schedule a call to discuss your goals for Sunday. Together, we’ll map out what to bring so you feel prepared and confident. Email me at hello@modernpressedflower.com.
In addition to all the supplies throughout the weekend and a flower press, each guest will receive:
All food and drink during our work sessions
Prix-fix dinner Saturday night
Tickets to a Broadway Show
Ubers from the Flower District to where we will press our flowers on Saturday morning
A beautifully-wrapped gift from Domain of the Flowerings
A tube of 15 unique sheets of my signature gift wrap
Travel & Logistics
Travel and lodging are not included, but we are reserving a block of rooms with a special discount rate for our guests at a wonderful hotel.
Instructions on how to get this special rate and exact Midtown West studio location and arrival instructions will be shared upon registration.
Quick Note
Midtown West Manhattan / Hell’s Kitchen / Columbus Circle area is very walkable and extremely easy to navigate by subway and Uber, so you’re also welcome to choose any Hotel, Airbnb, or VRBO nearby that suits your budget and travel style.
Join Us
Spots for this retreat are limited to 10 participants from my community, and interest is expected to be high. I’d love to have you join me for the Studio Weekend in New York City!