Be Brave. Be In Community.
The magic of creating art rarely happens in a vacuum. While the solitary hours spent with your supplies are essential to finding our own voices, there is a profound, almost electric energy that occurs when we bring those individual voices together.
I’ve been reflecting deeply on this connection between community and creativity since returning from my recent workshop in Lakeland, Florida. There is something sacred about a room full of sould—all from different walks of life—sitting down together to get messy. In Lakeland, we didn't just share supplies; we shared stories, encouragement, and that specific kind of laughter that only happens when you’re elbow-deep in scraps.
The Mirror of Community
When we create in community, our art begins to reflect more than just our own perspective. We see a technique used by the person sitting next to us and it sparks a "what if?" in our own work. We witness someone else’s breakthrough and it gives us the courage to push through our own creative blocks.
In Florida, I watched as the beautiful humans I worked with moved from a place of "I’m not sure I can do this" to a place of "look what I made." That transition is what fuels me as a teacher. Community reminds us that we aren't alone in our artistic struggles, and it amplifies our joys.
Finding Your Creative Tribe
If you’ve been feeling a bit isolated in your studio, I want to encourage you to step out and find your people. There is a seat at the table waiting for you, and the connections you make will inevitably find their way into the textures and colors of your work.
I am so looking forward to continuing these connections throughout the year. While our May workshop in Amsterdam is now officially sold out, there are still beautiful opportunities on the horizon to gather, learn, and create together.
Upcoming Creative Gatherings:
Sacred Makers Soul Retreat (June 2026): A time to slow down and focus on the soulful side of our practice.
Portugal Retreat (October 2026): An immersive experience in one of the most inspiring landscapes imaginable.
You can find all the details and registration information for these upcoming dates right here: Southern Gals Designs Retreats.
Whether it’s in a sun-drenched room in Florida or a quiet corner of Europe, let’s keep making art together. Our work is better for it, and so are we. Leave me a comment and tell me how community has impacted your work.