A Creative Floral Retreat: Featuring Fresh Blooms, Eco-Prints and Preserved Flowers at 1818 Farms

Join us for A Creative Floral Retreat at 1818 Farms, Saturday, June 28th from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm for a full-day immersive experience where you’ll explore the beauty of fresh flowers, eco-printing, and preserved botanicals. This hands-on workshop is perfect for flower lovers, creatives, and anyone eager to learn new artistic techniques using botanical elements. 

Begin your day under the 1818 Farms Pavilion, overlooking the flower field. Guests will participate in a Bloom Stroll and Bouquet Workshop, learning about the flowers that we grow and the elements of floral design necessary to create balanced bouquets. Each arrangement will be crafted in a beautiful vessel that can be taken home at the end of the workshop.

Next, the group will explore the ancient art of eco-printing and create an Eco-Printed Habotai Silk Scarf. We will use a variety of deciduous leaves gathered from the farm's surroundings to create colors and textures only available in nature. Natasha will discuss design layout best practices before participants design a scarf and learn our rolling techniques for sharp prints. We will then steam your piece for color extraction. 

After steaming, we will unroll your scarf and experience the unexplainable awe of the leaves providing you dyes and pigments that appear as though they have been hand painted onto your fabric. Lastly, we will discuss the curing process and how to properly hand-wash your scarf. 

You will leave the workshop with the scarf you design. The scarf will need to cure for approximately a week after the workshop and be hand washed according to the instructions provided.

Following our eco-printing session, we will enjoy a relaxing lunch at The Cottage, nestled in the historic town of Mooresville. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow participants, soak in the peaceful farm setting, and recharge for the afternoon creative sessions.

In the afternoon, guests will craft a beautiful Pressed Flower Candle Holder, blending preserved farm-grown blooms with a functional vessel. Each participant will receive a glass jar measuring 3.39" height and 3.20" outside diameter and will be provided with a beautiful selection of delicately pressed flowers. The flowers will be glued to the container to create a unique design. Once dried, this is the perfect vessel to hold a votive candle. This candle holder is sure to be a charming addition to any space.

To conclude the retreat, participants will create a stunning Dried Flower Panel. Each guest will receive a 14-inch by 14-inch panel, featuring a metal frame with a sturdy chicken wire center, wrapped in hand-woven natural grapevine for a finished look.

Participants will design their panels using a curated selection of vibrant farm-grown dried flowers, with an optional velvet ribbon for hanging. Natasha and her team will share design tips, discuss flower placement for a balanced, wildflower-inspired aesthetic, and provide guidance on how to dry and preserve flowers at home for long-lasting beauty.

We are looking forward to hosting guests at the farm for a full day immersed in hands-on floral artistry. Space is limited to 20 participants. Reserve your spot today for this one-of-a-kind creative retreat!