PLANT TO PATTERN

Macrame and Natural Dyes Retreat in

Guatemala

March 2nd-8th, 2025

Join us in Antigua Guatemala for a 7-day retreat dedicated to the art of natural dyes and macrame, inspired by the city’s stunning, colorful walls.

$1,650 USD per person in shared room

Reserve your spot for $500 USD

This week-long retreat is dedicated to exploring the art of natural dyeing and macrame weaving. Guided by skilled artists, participants will immerse themselves in traditional techniques that celebrate the region’s rich natural dye & textile heritage.

The experience begins with a visit to vibrant local markets and an introduction to the plants and natural elements that inspire our color palette. Through hands-on workshops, participants will learn to create their own dyes and transform them into unique patterns on textiles.

Participants will stay in a charming and tranquil colonial hotel in the heart of Antigua, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and creativity. This intimate retreat, designed for up to 12 participants, provides ample opportunities to refine skills, engage with local craft traditions, and connect deeply with the process of plant-to-pattern creation.

No prior experience is required to join this retreat, as all processes will be guided step by step.

A Look Into Our Creative Journey

  • Arrive to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City

    Transportation from airport to our hotel in Antigua

    Walking Tour of Antigua

    Welcome Dinner

  • Visit the local market to buy all the plant materials to dye for the week

    Lunch in a beer garden

    Advanced natural dye workshop with 2 vats and pH modifiers to color cotton and threads

  • Intro to macrame workshop to create your own plant hanger

    Lunch in la casita

    Begin preparing your macrame threads in your own work station

  • Dedicate the entire day to your macrame piece. Apply your newly learned skills and techniques to bring your vision to life

    Lunch in la casita

  • Final morning in the studio to finalize your macrame project

    Free afternoon to explore Antigua

    Dinner celebration and show at natural wine bar

  • Optional studio visit to a local master natural dyer

    Great if you decide to extend your time in Guatemala, or your flight leaves in the evening

    Transportation from hotel in Antigua to airport

Accomodation & Studio

All Details

Dates: March 2nd-6th, 2025

About: This week is dedicated to fostering your personal growth through hands-on workshops, deep connections, communal sharing, and creative activities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Antigua's colorful and historic environment.

Pricing and Payment: $1,650 USD per person in shared room.

A non-refundable deposit is required in order to reserve your space on this trip. The remaining balance can be paid at least 60 days prior to the trip.

Included:

  • 5 days of comprehensive workshops on natural dyeing and macrame techniques, designed to foster your creativity and personal growth.

  • 7 day & 6 night accommodation in a shared suite with double beds in a charming boutique hotel in Antigua, Guatemala.

  • Pick up and drop off from Guatemala City airport (upon arrival and departure).

  • Welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town.

  • Daily freshly prepared meals (breakfast & lunch) featuring locally sourced ingredients showcasing authentic Guatemalan cuisine and holistic nourishment.

  • Guided tours of Antigua's vibrant market, stunning walls and local artist studio to gather inspiration and materials.

  • Studio space to work on your projects and develop your artistic practice.

  • A curated gift bag filled with artisanal items and tools.

  • Group sharing circles and discussions to connect, be seen, and witness each other's creative journeys.

  • A final dinner in a natural wine bar where you will present your completed macrame piece inspired by Antigua's colorful walls.

March 2nd-8th, 2025

Hosted by GRACIA + Studio Fueguita

  • Mafer Hernández creates visual experiences on color, light, space and movement using photography, installations, books, natural dyes, botanical pigments, and sculptural elements. 

    Mafer holds a BFA in photography and printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute (2018). Her work has been presented at La Fototeca and Museo Ixchel in Guatemala, and Root Division and Arion Press in San Francisco, California. Her work is included in the de Young Museum Collection and the Latin American Collection of the Stanford University Libraries.

    Mafer is the founder of GRACIA a Guatemalan-owned and artist-run project established in 2019. Their mission is to promote a broader and engaging dialogue across countries, cultures, and research fields. They achieve this through residencies, creative education, and public programs, with a focus on cross-cultural exchange, artistic practice, and personal exploration.

    In the past five years she has hosted artists in residence from across the world and has facilitated community-based art workshops in various cultural institutions and independent spaces in Guatemala and Spain.

  • Alongside a team of talented Guatemalan women, we're bringing this dream to life. Fueguita, meaning "little fire," symbolises the strength and spark within every woman, the fire used to create vibrant colours in our textiles. and the passion driving our creations.

    This project was born from a love for textiles, a curiosity to explore different techniques, and a commitment to create something unique with a sustainable vision.

    Website

FAQs

  • Creative Enthusiasts

    Individuals who are passionate about art and want to explore new creative techniques. Whether you're a an established artist or just starting, this retreat offers a chance to deepen your skills in natural dyeing and macrame.

    Personal Growth Seekers

    People looking to connect with their inner creativity, find mindfulness, and engage in a meaningful artistic journey. The retreat provides a space for self-discovery and personal development through hands-on workshops and collaborative experiences.

    Community Builders

    Artists and creatives who wish to engage with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. The retreat fosters connections and collaboration, providing opportunities to network and share experiences with fellow participants.

  • Your spot will be confirmed with a $500 USD non-refundable deposit.

    After this payment, we will follow up with additional information and a payment link for the remaining balance to be paid at least 60 days prior to the trip.

    We are here for you to make this process as simple as possible and are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please feel free to email us here.

    • The retreat will host up to 12 people and foster a healthy balance of connection & intimacy as well as personal creative time.

    • Everyone will be sharing a room, you are able to request who you’d like to be with, or we are happy to match you with someone we think will be a good fit.

    • Most meals will be plant-based, whole food centered. All dietary needs are welcomed and can be accommodated.

    • Airfare to get to Guatemala. Please note we do offer airport transportation to and from the hotel.

    • Travel health insurance (required)

    • Dinners, except welcome and final dinner.

    • Alcoholic beverages.

    • Any additional services.

    • Personal spending money.