Artistry of Paper Flowers with Catherine Oxley
May 8 - 10, 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 treasured time with you at Black Cat Farm in May, surrounded by spring in bloom, the rhythm of farm life, and the artistry of paper flower-making under the inspired guidance of Catherine Oxley.
We're looking forward to sharing three unhurried days using our hands, finding our breath, and noticing the little things we might otherwise overlook when we allow ourselves to let time stand still. We remember that our hands can know things our minds sometimes forget.
We'll learn and play, folding and painting paper petals into floral joy. We'll share exquisite meals, move our bodies gently, and experience the kind of contentment that comes from making something lovely and imperfect alongside one another.
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, and we’ll do our very best to make them happen for you. We have 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
Signature BOUQ Black Box
Paper Sculpting Tools
Foam Sculpting Pad
Kai Scissors
Wood Handled Steel Awl
Synthetic Bone Folder
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Demi Mixing Bowl
Chip Brush
Glue Applicator
Water Color Brush Set
Premium Watercolor Sheet
Custom Workshop Journal
Materials we’ll provide to use during the retreat
Assorted Floral Wire Wire Cutters
Premium Italian Crepe Papers from Carte Fini Floral Tape
Water Colors / Inks
Materials for you to bring
On the final day of the workshop, you will select a flower of your choosing to recreate in white paper. Please bring along any inspirational photos you may have to guide the process.
Friday, May 8th
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome Tea & Morning Snack
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Introduction to the Artistry of Paper Flowers
Paper Tinting for Jacqueline du Pré Roses
Paper Tinting for Jacqueline du Pré Foliage
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Table Lunch
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Paper Tinting for Himalayan Poppies
Forming The Poppy Centers
Cutting/Sculpting Poppy Foliage
3:15 PM
Afternoon Snack
4:00 PM
Session Ending
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Open Studio
Saturday, May 9th
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
Himalayan Poppy Flower Assembly
Himalayan Poppy Branch Assembly & Finishing
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Table Lunch
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Jacqueline du Pré Rose Centers
Cutting/Sculpting Petals
Jacqueline du Pré Rose Assembly
3:30 PM
Afternoon Snack
4:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Open Studio 7:15 PM
Black Cat Farmstead Dinner
Sunday, May 10
9:00 AM
Morning Tea & Snack
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Jacqueline du Pré Rose Foliage
Wiring of Foliage
Jacqueline du Pré Rose Branch Assembly
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Farm-to-Table Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Your Floral Choice
Examining Form & Scale
Free-Form Cutting/Sculpting
Assemble Completed Piece Student Sharing, Wrap Up & Farewells
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 6:15 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 @bouqpaperflowers 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.
