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The Inspiration Retreat, Italy

9/22/2024

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Reveling in Inspiration in Italy

​After an incredible and transformative week at the Inspiration Retreat in Tuscany, my heart is brimming with gratitude for the beautiful visionaries, creatives, coaches, and presenters who made it an unforgettable experience for us all✨✨✨

Set against the backdrop of verdant landscapes and rolling hillsides in a renovated farmhouse and stables, historic villa, and idyllic restaurant serving up local and regional cuisine inspired us. 
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A heartfelt thank you to our guest presenter Lori Voss for grounding us with your holistic wellness lunches, infused with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki. The nourishment Lori brings through holistic meals is truly food for the soul🥗✨
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To global international speaker Prudence Todd your workshops restored and revitalized both our nervous systems and hearts, helping us deepen the connection from our sacral charkas to our hearts as we channel inspiration. 
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​To our amazing resident artist: Pamela Schneider your abstract painting workshops embodied pure freedom and flow, while Fran Schlosser's poolside figure painting sessions reminded us that inspiration surrounds us in every moment. Fran was commissioned to do 3 figure paintings while on retreat. 

Having artists on retreat share their artistry makes the retreat truly magical🪄
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Watercolor and Journal by Christine from our morning Arise and Alignment sessions. On retreat, I offer daily alignment sessions and prompts to support the over-arching theme of the retreat, tuning into vision, inspiration, and finding creative flow. This is one exercise from out morning sessions. Life is truly our canvas...and creative moments abound. 
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And to Christine Peine, Creative Wellness expert and coach your meditative art exercises sparked creative genius within all of us—we’re still basking in its impact! ✨🎨
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What started as hundreds of profitable workshops has evolved into a global creative soul retreat business, and I’m overjoyed to share that 2025 is going to be even more magical!* 🌿✨
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Our final evening of the retreat was spent in the Florence- the city of Art overlooking the Duomo and soaking in the brilliance of the sunset with 360  views. Architecture and natural beauty at it's finest. 
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A special thanks to my coach Wendy, for helping me anchor in this vision. Every great coach works with another, and I’m beyond excited for the international soul retreat business that we are creating! 

​If you’re ready to spark wild inspiration, grow your creative soul business, and experience transformative retreats in the most stunning locations—send me an email [email protected]

Let’s bring your most wildly inspirational vision to life in 2025! 
Until next time, Italy~ you have our hearts,
Ciao💞✨
Hilary 
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The Dream Retreat in Greece

9/21/2023

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Our Dream retreat to the island of Zakynthos, Greece brought us potent inspiration, connection and insight. The women who joined us and led workshops and presentations were full of big visions. You is a visual diary of the retreat - and I will add in more details as inspiration strikes. 

Day 1 - We gather to toast the start of the retreat! An artist, a coach, a spiritual entrepreneur, an author, a creator, an art studio owner, and a photographer spark so much magic, joy and inspiration - all are creative multi-passionate visionaries!

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ollowed by a moonlight meditation to invite in our vision. 
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Arise and Align gentle morning yoga sessions & spiritual wisdom with yoga teacher and breath-work practitioner, Paulina Podbiello. Working with Paulina is powerful and otherworldly. 
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I shared my signature workshop, intuitive painting, as I invited guests to unleash their creativity and deepen their connection to intuition. There is a point in every painting workshop, where the thinking mind relaxes & something else entirely takes over- I like to think of that moment as the connecting to the divine.  
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Day 3- Ancient Ancestors meditation with Wendy Moore, elite retreat coach encouraged guests to go deeper into their inner vision. Wendy also showered guests with chakra bracelets that diffused essential oils. 
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Day 4 - Hana, creator and stylist explores Seeing Life in Color with chalk pastels with artist, Fran Schlosser. Fran is a Calgary-based internationally collected artist, so we felt very lucky to have her with us in Greece. 
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Fran in her element near a heritage olive tree. 
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Day 5 - Becky Edwards, author and financial coach delivered a mystical & thought-provoking presentation inspired by her book, Unlocking the Vault: How Reinterpreting Space Time theory is the Key to Understanding your the Universe, and so much more!  

 (side note: there were 3 published authors in the group- so writers are definitely welcome)
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Day 6 - A magical adventure trip to the blue caves. The water was a stunning shade of turquoise. 
It is worth noting that we covered 2 major activities in one day! It had rained the day prior and so we adjusted our boat tour day! 

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 A culinary experience on a heritage olive farm recommended by a friend with a holistic skin care line- thank you, Stephanie - you were with us in spirit! 
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Paulina and Alia, our resident artist share a joyful moment in a garden..and lots of  laughter in between. 
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The Dream retreat also included the opportunity to have mini-branding sessions! 
Here's a peak behind the scenes of Erica, our photographer and Hana, our stylist doing their thing. We found that mini-sessions are opportunity to consider and communicate brand values, along with a chance to dive into the waters of creativity once again. 
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​All photos are candids by retreat guests. Second to last photo by Erica Haskett photography - I look forward to sharing more professional photos with you soon. 

In the meantime, if you would like to be the first to know about our upcoming retreats in 2024 - you can join the waitlist here >
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Shibori Indigo: The Ultimate Guide

11/11/2021

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Have you ever admired the beautiful color of indigo dipped textiles? Did you consider that you could create your own Shibori designs with natural indigo?

If you've ever thought about re-purposing something already in your closet or giving new life to linens then you are also in the right place! 

I'm a textile artist with over a decade of experience and have learned techniques from artisans in Japan and India. I have hosted Shibori workshops all over the country and I'm ready to share my best tutorials with you!

The beauty of shibori is it's versatility. No matter your experience level, anyone can fold fabric and make gorgeous textiles. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to join me at the indigo vat! 

What is Shibori?

Shibori is an ancient technique that involves resisting dye to creating designs on fabric. This can be done by binding the fabric in a variety of ways and then using indigo dye to create the designs. Various tools can be used - rubberbands, shapes, clamps, even stones. Binding methods can be as simple as an accordion fold that is wrapped with string or can involve intricate stitching.

We'll begin with the basics so let's hop in!

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Shibori Ideas 

Unsure of what you'd like to make? It can be overwhelming! Don't get frustrated. Shibori is wonderful because no matter what you end up choosing, it will look stunning!

My Shibori Textile Design Basics tutorial is a great place to begin. Pick a simple project for your first design. A cotton bandanna or tea towel are great choices (and there are additional suggestions that can be found in the tutorial). 

Simple designs often result in elegant pieces. And you can always dip the item into the indigo vat a second time if you want to add more to your initial design. 

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Shibori Design 

I've had many workshop attendees tell me that they aren't creative and within 2-3 hours they have created incredibly designed textiles. If you are are feeling intimidated, you aren't alone! 

I host virtual and in-person workshops because a bit of guidance when you first start out is always helpful! I hope to see you at one soon but in the meantime my 3 Basic Shibori Techniques Tutorial is a wonderful guide that goes over three fabric manipulation techniques that are perfect for those new to shibori. 

I also wanted to share a couple of tips when you are considering your first shibori project: 

Tip #1: Create a space that inspires
Relax and breathe deeply. Block out time in your calendar. Put on music that moves you. Make time to think about what you would like to create. The creative process can be intimidating but remember we're here to have fun! Give yourself the space and time to explore your ideas. 

Tip #2: Don't feel compelled to start with a blank page
It's TOUGH to begin at square one (I have been there so many times). Get inspired! Pinterest is a wonderful resource for visual inspiration. Keeping photos of pieces you like on your phone is another great way. No matter where you keep your inspiration library, make sure it's handy when you are prepping your ideas!
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Tip #3: Design with shapes
When you are choosing your first textile piece to shibori design, it is helpful to think of your potential design in terms of shapes. 

Whichever shibori technique you end up using will be a result of the shapes you create with the fabric and tools you use to bind it. It can be a difficult concept to wrap one's head around but keep in mind - the fabric that is bound or sandwiched between shapes will resist the dye while the fabric exposed to the dye will accept the dye color. This guide has some helpful tips when it comes to shapes!

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The Indigo Vat

I'm drawn to shibori designs partly because of that beautiful, rich blue color imparted by the indigo. Let's dedicate some time to prepping the indigo vat you will need when your items are ready. 

I prefer working with organic indigo powder (kits are available here) to make the process as sustainable as I can and because I like its aesthetic. 

Making your own indigo vat may sound intimidating but can easily be done at home. Whether you are working with a kit or gathering your own materials, this guide has TONS of pictures you can follow each step of the way. 

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Selecting Fabric for Shibori 

Choosing the right fabrics items for your shibori pieces is a HUGE consideration! Synthetic fabrics may not accept the dye evenly (and it run completely off some) so take a little time when selecting your fabrics so your end result looks amazing!

I have tested out so many natural fabrics over the years and I have found that cotton, silk, and wool work best. If possible, I recommend working with organic materials.

Take a look around your home. There may be a tea towel or t-shirt you can easily up-cycle into something new to you. You can't go wrong with a small cotton tote or pair of socks! If you'd like my natural fiber guide, be sure to drop a line! 

Shibori techniques 
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You have your items you'd like to work with, now it's time to have fun and create! If you are referencing your inspiration library you probably have an idea of all the designs that can be created with shibori techniques. To begin, we will focus on Kumo, Arashi and Itajime. I learned about these through reading, LOTS of experimentation and practice. 

You are probably most familiar with Kumo Shibori, which means spider-web, and is a way to form a ring or a circle through binding. This technique comes to mind when thinking about colorful tie-dyed t-shirts, but it's origins are rooted in ancient Japan and India. Kumo is the practice of tying and binding found objects, which are often pebbles or stones.

Next, up is Arashi, a pole dyeing technique. The word Arashi, means storm, and in this technique twine is used to create directional lines. This effect is achieved through wrapping fabric around a dowel or pole, securing it with twine, then dyeing it. For this method, a deeper vat or 3 gallon bucket works well and the fabric can also be scrunched up toward the end of the pole.

Itajime Shibori, using various folds to pleat the fabric then securing it with shapes. Then shapes are applied to resist the dye leaving the space where the shape is placed in white. Shapes can be cut from a variety of materials including wood, cardboard and Plexiglas. 

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Advanced Shibori Techniques 

Once you have dipped a few shibori pieces you may want to try a stitched resist pattern. Thread is used to create a design to resist the indigo dye and it is carefully removed after dipping the fabric. This guide will walk you through mokume (wood grain) shibori.

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    HI, I'M HILARY.
    This is where I share inspiration for creative well living & following your dreams. With a love to sustainable conscious creation. You will notice that  I offer workshops that inspire you to LIVE a soul-inspired life and manifest your dreams. I hope to meet you at one of my retreats or inside one of my group programs. I truly believe in the power of community and connecting with visionary femme creatives like you! For weekly inspiration -find me on YouTube
    Shibori Workshops in Los Angeles
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    Shibori Textile Design Basics
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