An Encouraging Journey Through Clay and Paper
May 15 - 17, 2026
Black Cat Farm | Boulder, CO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Pages 4 - 5
Venue Pages 6 - 7
Materials Pages 8 - 11
Daily Schedules Pages 12 - 15
Inspiration Pages 16 - 17
Notes Pages 18 - 21
Boulder Local Favorites Pages 22 - 23
Our Team Pages 24 - 25
We can’t wait to share this rare, unhurried time with you at Black Cat Farm in May, surrounded by gardens brimming with blooms, the natural rhythm of farm life, and the encouragement of Elsa Mora as she takes you on a special journey through clay and paper.
We're looking forward to sharing three immersive days using our hands, finding our breath, and seeing what we notice when we allow ourselves to let time stand still. We remember that our hands can know things our minds sometimes forget.
Engaging with clay and paper in unconventional ways, we’ll awaken our senses and remember what we’re capable of. We'll share incredible farm-totable meals, move our bodies through gentle yoga, and experience the kind of gathering that can only come from making by hand, side-by-side.
Inside this Retreat Booklet you’ll find everything you need to get ready for our time together. We’re always here for your questions or special requests.
There is just one ask of you, and that’s to leave the most important thing behind: your expectations. When we show up to an experience with a blank slate and beginner’s mind, without a preconceived idea for how it will be or how we’ll feel, we create space for delight, surprise, and maybe even a bit of magic to unfold.
Every retreat is its own unique experience, bringing together a beautiful mix of returning participants and brand new friends joining our Makerie family.
The creative community we build together is one of the most cherished parts of it all, and we already can’t wait to create this with you and our own two hands.
We’re so happy you’re coming.
Ali, Eric & Jill
Black Cat Farm 9889 N 51st St Longmont, CO 80503
As you turn onto 51st Street, drive past the farm entrance and you will see the parking area on your left.
Materials we’ll provide for you to keep
Elsa's Favorite Scissors
Set of Clay Sculpting Tools
Mini Rolling Pin
Set of 15 Paintbrushes
Special Carry Home Box
Materials we’ll provide to use during the retreat
Earthenware Clay
Glassine Paper
Colored Paper
Glue
Pencils
Materials for you to bring
A word that means something to you.
Today you will explore the five senses through clay, creating a series of small ceramic forms inspired by sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Through shaping, carving, and adding decorative details, each piece will become a personal response to the way you experience the world. Together, these small sculptures will form a meaningful collection that reflects memory, perception, and the unique language of your own senses.
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome Tea & Morning Snack
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Workshop Time
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Table Lunch
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop Time 3:15 PM
Afternoon Snack 4:00 PM
Session Ending 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Open Studio
Saturday, May 16th
Today you will discover special techniques for sculpting with paper and use them to create small works inspired by the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Through folding, shaping, layering, and construction, each sculpture will take on its own character and energy. As a group, these pieces will become a poetic exploration of the natural forces that surround us and the ways they live withi our creative imagination.
9:00 AM
Morning Tea
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Gentle Body Movement & Breathing with Caitlin
9:30 AM
Morning Snack
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Workshop Time
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Table Lunch
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop Time 3:30 PM
Afternoon Snack
4:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Open Studio
7:15 PM
Black Cat Farmstead Dinner
Sunday, May 17th
Today you will turn inward and give words to what matters most. Through reflection and guided prompts, you will create a personal manifesto on creativity, self care, and the kind of inner life you want to nurture. You will write words inside a handmade folding paper sculpture, creating a keepsake that opens as a reminder of your intentions, your values, and the creative sp irit you wish to protect.
9:00 AM
Morning Tea & Snack
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Workshop Time
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Table Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Workshop Time
3:30 PM
Student Sharing, Wrap-up & Farewells
3:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Open Studio
*schedule subject to slight changes
What a treat to be on a working farm! Depending on the weather, (which can be very unpredictable in Colorado) we may work and play outside so please plan to bring appropriate clothing for various conditions to keep you cozy and comfortable - warm hats, sun hats, jackets, scarves, fingerless mittens, etc. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the farm, where there will be uneven surfaces and potential muddy spots. This is definitely a ‘no-heel’ zone. Being on a working farm, please be thoughtful about closing gates and doors you encounter. Thank you in advance.
Each of our retreat days, you are welcome to cozy up in the barn or your favorite farm spot to continue your creative work. There will not be an instructor present so this quiet time will be yours. Check our schedule for times.
For those of you joining us for dinner on Saturday night, the evening begins at 7:15 pm on Saturday evening. The dress is comfy and casual. Please note that other guests with reservations will be dining at the farm on the Friday and Saturday nights, but our group will be seated together. The barn/workshop space is reserved exclusively for us throughout the retreat.
We encourage you to use your phones as little as possible during workshop time so you can immerse yourself in the experience and be present to the learning. If you do bring your phone into the workshop place, please put it on silent mode and step out of the room when you need to make a phone call during class time.
We might have a photographer capturing parts of the weekend. Some of these images may appear in print publications, promotional videos, or other marketing purposes. If you opted out of being photographed during the registration process, please make sure to remind us upon arrival so we know not to include you in images or video footage. Thank you!
If you share this experience on instagram, please tag our team at @themakerie, @blackcatboulder, @caitlinrosekenney and @elsamorainstant so we can celebrate what you’re posting.
Cedar & Hyde
well-curated modern day mercantile with thoughtfully made women’s apparel and one-of-a-kind decor
Common Threads great women’s clothing consignment
Hytte & Co. the loveliest curated home goods boutique; sister to Suti & Co.
Liberty Puzzles
gorgeous locally made wooden puzzles with the most uniquely shaped puzzle pieces
Süti & Co.
scandinavian goods you can’t resist
The New Local beautiful collection of local art made by women and non-binary artists
Two Hands Paperie locally owned paper & creative goods haven
Avanti
upscale food court; amazing rooftop views Basta
wood-fired goodness; do not miss the campfire ice cream
Bramble & Hare
Black Cat’s sister restaurant; the coziest farm-to-table restaurant with an ever-changing exciting menu
Cozobi contemporary Mexican cuisine deeply rooted in tradition; try the sweet potatoes!
The Kitchen gorgeous seasonal American bistro; garlic fries for the win!
Boxcar Coffee Roasters
a sunny, energetic vibe with excellent lattes
Creature Comforts
sweetest cafe serving all day coffee, beer, & wine
Süti & Co.
the coziest cafe in town, this Scandinavian-style cafe makes the most beautiful desserts
Trident the very first cafe in Boulder and still going strong, attached to the loveliest small independent bookstore
Check out our Google map with these local Boulder favorite spots!
Boulder Bookstore
dreamiest local institution in the heart of downtown; look for an author talk while you’re in town
Trident Booksellers
book lovers haven with new and used books emphasizing art, culture, poetry and spirituality
Anemone
newly redone, this mildly challenging 3.4 mile loop takes you into the foothills
Bobolink
lovely, flat 2.4 mile out & back trail along a creek in east Boulder
Boulder Valley Ranch just north of Boulder, this 3 mile flat loop has majestic views
We very much look forward to sharing this special creative experience with you.
