JULY 24 - 27, 2025
4 days of cyanotype play and immersion

cyanotype
retreat

The 2025 Atwater Designs Cyanotype Retreat is open for enrollment!

WEST CHESTER, PA

purchase your ticket

Imagine slowing down long enough to follow your curiosity. What would you make? How would you think about the time in front of you? We all deserve a little bit of respite in this hurried world. 

Join me for a 4-day immersion in the cyanotype process.

Over our time together, you will learn my signature techniques for creating cyanotypes on paper, fabric and more, all while having space to experiment and relax.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

What you will discover + create:

  • Inspiration and Collection: Learn to observe and collect nature's subtle beauty for the creation of your cyanotypes. We'll spend time walking and talking about what plants make better cyanotypes.
  • Cyanotypes: Dive into the fascinating world of cyanotype, creating on both paper and fabric. Learn how to manipulate the print with the wet cyanotype process, how to bleach and tone your prints, and even make a small accordion fold book.

This retreat is an opportunity to learn new skills while joining a community of creatives who share your passion for the natural world and creating from nature. It's a time to slow down and connect to your creativity.

Spaces are limited for the retreat to ensure a personalized and immersive experience for every participant. Reserve your spot now and get excited about the bounty that this time together will bring forward. I cannot wait.


RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Hi there! I'm SaraH.

I am thrilled to host you at my studio and home for an unforgettable retreat experience in the scenic heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

With over twenty years of passion and expertise in alternative process photography and bookbinding, I am so excited to guide you through 4 days of artistic exploration and personal growth.

This retreat is more than just a learning experience, it's a time to step away and immerse yourself in the journey of the cyanotype on paper and fabric, let your imagination run wild and take home a little bit of magic.

I hope to see you this summer in West Chester!

xoxo, Sarah

October 2022, fate led my husband John and me to a 'For Sale' sign outside a house we'd long admired on our frequent jaunts from our West Chester home to Stroud Preserve. Dated back to 1802, this house, with its two-story garage, a former fabric studio*, is nestled in a beautiful little patch of Chester County. The moment we spotted that sign, we seized the opportunity for a visit and only a few days later our offer was on the table. It just felt right, as if life here was waiting for us. The moment I stepped inside, I knew I was home. Now, the gardens are full of life, the studio is steadily shaping up, and I can hardly contain my excitement to welcome you! You'll find ample space to learn, explore, reflect, and savor your own slice of heaven.

* studio is on the 2nd floor and is not handicap accessible 

the location

Thursday, July 24 - 1:00 pm - 7:00pm
1:00 pm – Arrival, Orientation + Intro to Cyanotype on paper
3:00 pm – Specimen walk, creation time, happy hour
6:00 pm – Dinner on your own

Friday, July 25 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
10:00 am – Arrive at the studio, coffee + tea
10:30 am – Morning session
12:30 - 1:30 pm – Lunch in the garden
1:30 pm – Afternoon session
6:00 pm – Dinner on your own

Saturday, July 26 – 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
10:00 am – Arrive at the studio, coffee + tea
10:30 am – Morning session
12:30 - 1:30 pm – Lunch in the garden
1:30 pm – Afternoon session
6:30 pm – Celebration dinner

Sunday, July 27 - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
10:00 am – Arrive at the studio, coffee + tea, final touches
11:30 am – Light lunch and sharing of work
1:00 pm - Depart
THERE'S NO EXPERIENCE QUITE LIKE BEING AMONG FELLOW CREATIVES. JOIN THIS INTIMATE GROUP TO SPARK INSPIRATION AND BE INSPIRED.

Here's what I have planned for you:

If you are coming from out of town, download the guide for places to stay, local restaurants, and must-visit sites in the Brandywine Valley

Sip leisurely coffee in downtown West Chester and find calm in Philadelphia's lush gardens (there are so many!) With easy air and train access as well as ride share services, logistics within the area are accessible. Whether the all new Hotel Indigo, an Airbnb, or a cozy stay in an area B+B, you'll find the Brandywine Valley a perfect spot to recharge your creative batteries. There are lots of fabulous accommodations for out-of-towners.

*lodging is not included in the retreat price

download the guide

Bringing creatives together is my thing!

"What a wonderful way to recharge, learn and explore new techniques, while connecting with nature and other artists from many walks of life. Sarah introduced me to a new technique, cyanotypes, that I’ve never experienced before, allowing me to see my subject in a new light, and bringing the wonder and joy of new discoveries to inspire my art.

hali

"Sarah is a gracious host. She really makes you feel at home and gives you space to channel your childlike wonder and curiosity. She gives you the tools and the safety to just play. Her family is so incredibly welcoming by cooking and serving us all day, I did not want to leave! Her studio is filled with accents of whimsy and archetypes of nature, it was refreshing and exciting to walk around and explore her studio space and garden. She is organized and it makes you feel good to learn in her space. The next day and throughout the rest of my week I was energized and inspired. How lucky I felt to be able to do this for myself and my art practice. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

karen

$1850  $1550

cost

4 days of cyanotype education and inspiration
 in West Chester, PA*
*does not include lodging
all supplies included
delicious, summer time food and drink

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

early bird price through 3/15/25

thoughts from past attendees

"The retreat was a gift - a low pressure time to relax, have deep meaningful conversations with fellow creatives, experiment and have fun. I left the retreat energized and grateful."

traci

"The magic that was bringing together all of these women can't be bottled up and served online."

anna

"Sarah hosted the retreat in a welcoming atmosphere, where we could learn about cyanotypes. It was organized and she did an awesome job leading and teaching the workshop. I loved the studio and the camaraderie within the group. The inspiring stories shared by other participants were uplifting, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to share my own thoughts as well. I came away feeling truly inspired to create my own artwork. "

Rajshree

"You may be thinking, can I really step away from life? Is it really worth it to spend time in person? The answer is an irrefutable yes."

charlotte

Frequent Questions

How much is the retreat?

The early bird (until 3/15) is a one-time payment of $1,500. The price increases to $1,850 on 3/16.

When is it?

The 2025 Atwater Designs Cyanotype Retreat is from Thursday, July 24 @ 1pm - Sunday, July 27 @ 1pm

Where is it?

The event is held at my studio and garden in West Chester, PA. The retreat DOES NOT include lodging. A guide to the area will be sent to you via email.

How do I know if this is right for me?

This retreat is open to anyone and everyone who has a love of art and nature. All levels are welcome. There are no requirements for purchasing a ticket. I hope, if you feel this is right for you, that you will join us!

I have some dietary restrictions, will they be accommodated? 

YES! I am well-versed in dietary accommodations. I believe food is how we show love and belonging. I will send a survey out a few weeks prior to the event where you can fill in your preferences. 

Is it rain or shine?

It is a rain or shine event! No matter the weather, we'll be hanging out!

Is there a refund policy? 

Unfortunately, the ticket is non-refundable. Think of it like a concert or a ball game. If you cannot make it, you are more than welcome to give your ticket to someone else. 

What are the take-a-ways?

The physical take-a-ways are a box of goodies and all cyanotype artwork created on paper, fabric and more! But you will likely walk away with so much more: some thoughts about your life, inspiration, friendship, and connection simply by being in the room with other creative souls. 

@atwaterdesigns

follow along