An Edge of Fall Weekend at my Cottage Studio: The Suitcase Journals September 10th-13th, 2026

Join me Thursday, September 10th- September 13th, 2026 for a 4-day workshop at my studio, 949a Mirror Lake Road, Yardley, PA

On this glorious long weekend workshop, I will open up my heart and my studio fully to a small, intimate group where we work on two mixed media projects with a strong emphasis on process & meaning.

This is a weekend of pure play and epiphanies as we use mixed media & art journaling to to reconnect with our creativity and to consider the process as well as the end creation.

These long weekends are freeing and intimate. People who attend feel as if a huge creative shift happens inside them. We will create a safe space to explore and experiment with a feast of materials.  My studio will become your studio. 

In this on the edge of fall workshop, we will use the linings of vintage suitcases to become one of a kind art journals, honoring exactly where we are. As we take apart all the pieces and reassemble them, we will be putting back into place pieces of ourself. We will think about what we carry and what we want to place down.

Our second project will be altering the small piece of travel luggage we bring with us to this workshop. 

The art of slow stitching and intuition will be a part of our circles. 

I share all of my art supplies with you in the hope of you seeing the entire world as your art store.

With a 237-acre historic farm as our backdrop, we will work outside and inside my magic studio cottage to get out our heads and into our hearts. 

If you are looking to find or rejuvenate the artist and writer within, these September days will rejuvenate your soul.

We will begin with cozy dinner around my kitchen table in Lambertville, NJ.  This delicious dinner will set the stage for a weekend of creative permission and friemndship. Friday is a full creative day in the cottage and outside in the fresh air. Saturday begins with a field trip and treasure hunting and then back to the studio for lunch, show & tell and to create. Sunday we gather through early afternoon  as we finish and share all the gifts of the weekend.   We will work outside on the farm as the lilacs and peonies come to life on the farm surrounding my studio cottage. 

You will need a piece of vintage luggage for this workshop.  You are also able to purchase one from me for $25. Just let me know at least one month prior to the workshop.

Our long spring weekend together includes:

• Endless art supplies and inspiration.
  
• Dinner at my home, two morning continental breakfasts, three studio lunches, snacks and bottomless coffee and tea.
• Two different projects, an altered art journal and a small piece of vintage luggage that we will embellish and completely redo. Both projects will open our hearts up as we create using the materials around us, in my studio and on the farm, using many mixed media techniques. We will be doing all types of photos transfers, encaustics, layering, dying, rusting, painting, cyanotype, sewing on paper, stream of conscious writing and experimenting with water-soluble materials and fibers...plus whatever else I discover until we gather.
• On Saturday morning, we will treasure hunt through an out door flea market searching for ephemera and goodness to use at the studio and to bring back home. Don’t be surprised to find hidden treasures inside the treasures.
  

→ Travel and lodging are not included. There are fabulous AirBNB's in Yardley, Newtown, Langhorne, Pa (Bucks County) as well as in Lambertville, NJ (about 20 minutes from my studio and the love bubble artsy river town that I live in). Please send any questions you have to me: colleen@colleenattara.com

Kind words about this long weekend workshop:

 "It was one of the most unique creative opportunities I have had. Colleen, you have a gift...you are a gift to all who came. You told us when we arrived that everything you need is here. You were so right. We came from all backgrounds and levels of experience. I have never seen people change and gain confidence in such a short time. You and your studio are magical."-Linda

"I felt like my creative light has been so dimmed these past several years. Your workshop was like a hand pulling me out of brackish, silty water to witness a sunrise after forgetting sunrises existed. I never felt such a strong calling and inspiration to create." - Catie

"The workshop you had was so amazing. I came home in a love bubble. It was hard to re-enter…." - Karen

"Months later, I am still reflecting on the wonderful weekend I experienced at your studio. It brings me so much joy every time I think about it…it was truly magical in every sense…I walked into the adventure without any expectation and left overjoyed, overwhelmed with ideas and the excitement for creativity." – Elena

Cancellation policy:  No refunds after July 20th, 2026.  You may transfer (means you may apply funds to another attendee) through July 20th, 2026.  All requests for refunds must be received in writing before July 20th, 2026. In the case of acts of God, war, disaster or unforeseen circumstances, Colleen Attara Studio reserves the right to reschedule this workshop. There will be a $75 administration fee on all cancellations. There are no exceptions.

Note: these amazing pictures come from my eye and the eye of these talented artists & photographers: Cindy Fatsis, Elizabeth Wade, Dalis Davidson. xo
The luggage pictured here was created in my workshops by Forrest Elliot, Melissa Schulz and Lauren Teller.

© Colleen Attara Studio.