For the second year in a row, Los Poblanos welcomed a gathering of makers, designers and creatives for a four-day retreat co-hosted by Cathy Bailey of Heath Ceramics and Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin. Rooted in a shared commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and a deep connection to place, the retreat brought together a community of curious minds to connect with each other, get inspired and explore the art of making.
A Creative Retreat Rooted in Craft, Community and Place We have long admired Heath Ceramics and Alabama Chanin as examples of businesses that honor their origins and a sense of place. Heath’s philosophy of design-led manufacturing and “truth to materials” celebrates thoughtful production, timeless utility and the beauty of handmade objects. Alabama Chanin’s approach to slow design, sustainable textiles and cultural preservation reflects a deep respect for materials, makers and the stories woven into every piece.
Four Days of Creativity and Discovery
Set among the gardens, historic architecture and working landscapes of Los Poblanos, the retreat invited participants to slow down, experiment and reconnect with their creative instincts. From the moment guests arrived, the experience encouraged exploration, including farm tours, conversations over cocktails in the La Quinta Library Bar and a welcome dinner celebrating the week ahead. Sessions included Creative Process and Design, The Physics of Sewing, Journaling and Creative Observation, Stitching on Paper, Ceramic Bead Making, Ceramic Bead Glazing and Fabric Painting.
Guests created their own ceramic buttons and beads, glazing and firing their pieces in a mini kiln brought specifically for the retreat. Textile workshops explored techniques rooted in mindful making, including appliqué, stitching and material studies inspired by Alabama Chanin’s approach to sustainable design.
Between workshops, guests were encouraged to wander the property, finding inspiration in the details that surround us — from historic architecture and handcrafted tilework to ironwork, tin details, gardens and the natural patterns found throughout the land. Time spent observing, sketching, stitching and journaling transformed the property itself into part of the creative process.
Meet the Makers: Craft, Land and Community at Town & Ranch
We were thrilled to invite the public to join retreat participants for a gathering at Town & Ranch, where Cathy, Natalie and Los Poblanos Executive Director, Matt Rembe, discussed the ways each business is informed by and connected to the land. Each organization has spent decades building a creative ecosystem rooted in place, from clay and textiles to farming, foodways, hospitality and spirits. Panelists shared their experiences building businesses where craftsmanship and community remain at the center.
In a world increasingly focused on speed and convenience, the evening highlighted the importance of slowing down and recognizing the value of handmade work. Whether a ceramic vessel, a thoughtfully constructed garment or a handcrafted ingredient, objects made with intention carry the mark of the people and places behind them.
Journaling as a Creative Practice
During the retreat, Cathy and Natalie shared their approach to journaling as a tool for organizing inspiration and encouraging creativity. A journal can be writing, drawing, stitching or anything you want to serve as a living archive of observations, ideas and discoveries.
Begin by leaving space at the front of your journal for an index and inspiration board — a place to collect sketches, notes, images, fabric scraps and ideas as they arise. As your journal grows, number your pages and update your index so ideas are easy to revisit.
This simple practice transforms a blank notebook into a living archive of inspiration, where ideas can gather, evolve and flourish over time.
We ended the week feeling uplifted, inspired and full of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us at Los Poblanos. This retreat reminded us that creativity flourishes when we slow down long enough to notice: the texture of clay between our fingers, the pattern of light through the trees, the stitch that holds a story together.