The Beautiful Leaf
Botanical Printing with Jane Goodall
September 4-10, 2026
in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Workshop Overview
Step into the vibrant world of San Miguel and let the colours, textures, and local plants inspire your botanical printing. From soft, subtle tones to rich, layered color, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore botanical printing in a beautiful hotel with a spacious workshop area surrounded by lush garden views and a sunlit courtyard, with a refreshing pool to enjoy after your printing sessions.
Returning from the success of 2024, Jane Goodall will guide participants through techniques, colour exploration, and creative experimentation. Linda Laino, with years of experience organizing botanical printing workshops and artistic retreats at this venue, ensures everything runs smoothly, so participants can focus entirely on making beautiful prints. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced printers who want to learn about her approach. Demonstrations and support and guidance in all techniques will be provided in addition to thorough class notes.
Workshop Activities Include:
Basic techniques and bundling approaches, including leaf profiling on cotton, linen, silk, and silk velvet
Ghosting, gradient-dyeing, and dye-soaked leaves
Exploring an extensive library of natural dyes and tannins, using them on different textiles
Layering indigo and other dyes to create striking effects
Learning how to print on silk velvet, creating a mirror-like surface and luxurious, vibrant results
Participants will leave with technical mastery, an expanded color vocabulary, and personal prints inspired by local plants.
Location
San Miguel de Allende, located in central Mexico is a Heritage UNESCO puebla magica, not to mention voted one of the best places in the world to live by Conde Nast Traveler two years in a row. Come and be captivated by the friendliness and beauty of this town! Linda Laino has lived in San Miguel for twelve years and is helping Jane facilitate the retreat.
More on San Miguel below.
“Thank you Jane for a wonderful workshop. I learned so much from you & all the others. It was a joy meeting everyone.”
Venue
We are sure you will be delighted with the accommodations and facilities- including heated garden pool. Hacienda de las Flores is a family owned, old-world style hotel in the heart of centro making it a super convenient and easy home base from which to explore San Miguel.
“Jane Goodall outdid herself as a teacher. All the participants were lovely, and every one produced beautiful work! The hotel site was perfect, and the staff was so accommodating!”
About Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall is a botanical printer based in the Cambridgeshire fens U.K. She has recently produced a guidebook that has been well received internationally. With a passion for the printing process, she delves into the details, capturing the essence of the plant with both precision and artistry. Jane has run numerous workshops in the UK, leading courses in beautiful locations such as the famous arboretum in Westonbirt, workshops in Cambridgeshire and her own studio in the Fens.
In her methodical approach, Jane dissects the variables, offering participants an approach to consistently achieve beautiful results. She empowers attendees with a technical prowess that acts as a foundation for their future creative work. @janegoodall
“Jane has perfected a process to enable every student to achieve brilliantly clear prints on paper, silk, and velvet. Her sheer enthusiasm together with a tried and tested approach ensures the magic happens and you understand why!”
Scenes from Jane’s 2024 Workshop in San Miguel
“This was a wonderful gathering of women sharing ideas and enjoying each other. Jane, and the workshop were over the top and so inspiring”
Please make your reservations to arrive at Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airports. Information about easy and reliable shuttle service will be shared with participants. Please note, if you decide to fly into Mexico City, it is another four hours to San Miguel.
All participants will receive a San Miguel “Survival Guide” with lots of information about restaurants, important phone numbers and activities for any free time.
Travel
Rooms
Double Queen
Deluxe King
Standard King
(All rooms are the same price and will be assigned as first come, first served.)
Workshop Cost: $3822
Suite King
Six nights accommodations(includes all taxes and tips)
Welcome Margaritas
Daily breakfast
Workshop with Jane
*Supplies
Arrival Dinner
Farewell Dinner
Included:
*Comprehensive class notes and a free Botanical Printing Guidebook (valued at USD $200), which includes membership of the Beautiful Leaf Facebook group for ongoing inspiration, support, and community.
All dyes, chemicals and equipment including dowels and barrier. Textiles will be provided for days 1-3.
Participants will be required to bring 3 yards of brushed cotton to be used as dye/iron blankets. More details about supplies will follow upon registration.
Not Included:
Airfare
Meals (except where noted)
Airport shuttle ($60 R/T)
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Please email Linda for availability. Registration is done by email, not on the site. You will then be asked to make a $500 non-refundable deposit with Paypal or Zelle. All balances will be due by June 1 2026.
NOTE: Please wait to make your flight arrangements until you are informed we are full.
About San Miguel
Mexico is a huge country that offers its visitors an amazing amount of diversity. San Miguel de Allende is located in the geographical center of the country and is said to be built upon a bed of crystal quartz. Many people believe this legend aids in the “magical” quality so often associated with this town. San Miguel is a peaceful, safe environment, full of friendly people, sophistication and charm to spare. It is small, but far from sleepy. The streets are always full of visitors and locals in a lively and festive atmosphere.
There is more than plenty to see and do on off hours during the retreat. Most days you can count on very cool mornings, warm to hot sunny afternoons, and slightly cooler evenings. Think layers and bring a light sweater. There is virtually no humidity. San Miguel is quite hilly in parts, and the streets are cobbled. You will most likely be doing a lot of walking (the best way to see the town!), so we suggest to bring good shoes.
We are at 6000 feet and if you have not been in high altitudes, you may feel a bit tired the first day or two. Luckily, there are numerous cafes, parks and plazas for rest and refreshments all over town. There are also ample and inexpensive cabs (and Uber) available should you need a break from the walking. The cab drivers, incidentally are some of the best locals to practice your Spanish with!
The web is full of articles and videos about San Miguel. Here are two to whet your whistle:
About Linda Laino
Linda is a visual artist and writer who received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. She has lived in San Miguel de Allende for thirteen years where she formally taught English Language Arts and continues to paint, write and share her love and knowledge of this charming and colorful town with other artists and teachers. She has been a waitress, a textile conservator, teacher and flower farmer, all in service to a lifetime of art making. Her painting and writing can be accessed here: www.lindalaino.com
Cancellation Policy
Please Review
All deposits and balances for workshops are non-refundable. We understand that it is sometimes difficult to plan ahead for a trip such as this and these uncertain times have created a bit more challenge. We thank you for your understanding of the need for these policies on our end.
Please read our full cancellation policy here.
Retreat Waiver
All participants will be asked to download and sign a waiver form and provide emergency contact info. Please email to: lalainoart@yahoo.com.
We look forward to welcoming you to San Miguel in September, 2026! Please do not hesitate to contact us. For questions about the workshop, please contact Jane at jgoodallyeo@gmail.com. For questions about San Miguel, contact Linda at lalainoart@yahoo.com