The Ties that Bind Us
in Creativity and Connection
with Nina Bagley
September 14-19, 2025
For this shared adventure, picture yourself submerged in the hauntingly beautiful and spiritual grounds of Ghost Ranch, deep in the heart of New Mexico, immersed in the meditative rhythm of needle stitching and wire crafting, each sewn bead and twisted wire echoing stories of personal beliefs, emotions, and memories.
Let’s come together in a celebratory way as a single body of like-minded spirits, unifying our tactile artworks through storytelling, sharing, and weaving together the simple embellished threads of meaning and memory.
During our time together, we will create two focal pendants: a wrapped cross of ribbon/fabric/lace, and beads, and a spun cotton-based heart that is hand-sewn and covered with velvet (that you will colorize with Lesley) and an assortment of trimmings that you bring from home. Using these creations as focal points for either necklaces or wall hangings, we will explore options for their uses as diverse as our experiences. Perhaps a different shape resonates with your spirit, or your creation finds purpose adorning the walls of your sanctuary, a silent guardian of your spiritual life’s experiences.
This project is inspired by a technique nina developed many years ago, known as the "cocoon wrap". Inspired by extensive travels by car and by foot throughout the gorgeous landscapes of Tuscany, this technique originally involved crafting a simple bead construction using a 20-gauge wire base wrapped with fabric and ribbon to build a simple body to hold beads. Over time, it evolved into evocative unions of wire, fabric, ribbon, and beads, reflecting the profound beauty and spirituality found in the art of the region.
Nina Bagley
Nina Bagley has been a mixed media artist and jewelry designer since 1983, when she was a free lance creative artist for an antique boutique in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mostly self taught, her jewelry designs have been featured in several museum shops, and in boutiques across the country since the early 1990’s; since 2001, Nina has taught mixed media workshops all across the world. A move to the rural mountains of western North Carolina in 1995 turned her focus in jewelry and book making to themes inspired by her many walks in nature and visits to rivers, lakes, and streams. She has been a gatherer of found objects, both man made and natural, ever since she first learned how to walk. A combination of words and imagery gives Nina’s work an inviting appeal to those who love a narrative story - one told simply, openly and with genuine emotion.
She is the proud mother of two grown sons, and lives quietly with her pup in a small antique-filled log cabin in the middle of the woods.
SUPPLY LIST
heart material and kit list
- bits of lace, snippets of soft fabric in bits and pieces. small is great!
- embroidery needles, embroidery scissors, and a pair of good fabric scissors a little bit larger if wanting to trim heart base (felted wool, provided in kit)
- 10-20 straight pins
- floss, one skein, of a neutral color
- thimble if you use one
- assorted small beads through which needle and thread will pass; i am fond of vintage beads such as bugle, pearls, seed beads. it is up to you.
- a few tiny/assorted mother of pearl buttons for embellishment, optional
- vintage ribbon, optional (i have used sari silk ribbon, or velvet ribbon, to create a “pocket” for the back side)
- a page or two from old vintage book, optional. i like these for inspiration, or to tuck a word or two into the back pocket
- velvet for one heart will be provided in kit; you may wish to bring another couple of soft fabric squares, around 5”
- a round sturdy thin brass circle loop will be in kit, to be stitched onto top of heart so that it can be hung or worn
- a round brass tag will be provided with a word or two on front (to be determined)
- two felted wool heart bases.
- a small tube of fabric glue
cross material and kit list
- 15-20” of masking or washi tape
- a page torn from a book with old words, optional
- some fabric like linen or cotton that can be torn into 1/2” strips x 24” long (sari silk ribbon is good for this); also bring some old lengths of narrow lace, and/or tatting; i used some to tie my cross at the top to a round metal hoop
- 2 needles (one very thin beading needle and one stitching needle with an eye small enough to pass through your extra beads for stitching; i pin my travel needles to a small bit of fabric and then keep them in one place where they won’t be lost. I use John James beading needle size 15, made in England, ordered from Amazon. You might want to bring a couple of extra of both kinds, in case yours is misplaced in classroomor back in your room. Experience speaks here!
- good pair of small embroidery scissors
- small amount of embroidery floss, color of your choice. Bring a single skein of floss and you won’t use much of it at all, but will be safer for having extra.
- assorted beads from home (ex. smaller sew-on rhinestones and tiny seed beads for the pendant, which will be our primary focus), as well as a few other type round pearls or bugle beads that vary in size. ( I love the selection of Czech beads that I purchase on a regular basis from Karen at Arte Bella Surplus on Etsy
- small needle nosed jewelry pliers (round, bent, flat) and wire snips
- small ruler
- small embroidery scissors
KIT (Fee TBD)
- armature wire 2mm. I used roughly 15” for the cross, but I willl add a couple of inches extra.
- *26 gauge dead soft round darkened brass wire, 36” will allow for some extra; this is for beading on the wire, and then wrapping the cross body over the fabric and lace to hold it place.
- several brass circle rings, to be stitched to top of both the heart and the cross; provided in kits.
- 2 brass heavier gauged round charms with hole loop at top
- 2 bronze finish lobster clasps
Lesley’s retreat focused on place and art. The Ghost Ranch was an amazing backdrop to explore light, color, and a sense of place. She incorporated the feel of the land, color, the air, and imagination into our projects. I am still processing the magic of our surroundings in New Mexico and am grateful to have experienced Ghost Ranch with the assembled artists under Lesley’s guiding hand.
Myra Fraidy
I was transported into a magical land of wonder.... it seeps into your very soul. The gals I had the privilege to meet were awesome, sweet friends I hope to see again someday.
Valerie Cox-Crisler
There is something quiet about the land where you walk at Ghost Ranch. A serenity of place that I had never experienced. I left from my time at Lesley's Red Thread Retreat with new knowledge and ideas gleaned from our classes, a revived sense of enthusiasm for creating, and feelings of joy from new friendships and renewed acquaintances. Most importantly, I left with a peace in my soul that can only be described as transformative.
Laura Kennon
This is a once (now 3x) in a lifetime experience that truly influenced my approach to creating art. Waking up every morning in such an awe-inspiring place, with so much history, left me with a renewed look on my everyday life. I delight in revisiting Ghost Ranch in my dreams.
Arlene Blackburn
Zoe Blair
Location:
Abiquiu, NM. Fly into Albuerque or Santa Fe.
Leaving Santa Fe, New Mexico and diving about an hour north, you enter the landscape of vast vistas, table-topped mesas, tall cliffs, the Rio Chama bordered by huge old cottonwood trees, mountains in the distance and more beauty around every bend in the winding road. “It is not a country of light on things,” said Georgia O’Keeffe. “it is a country of things in light.” With a history as colorful as the surrounding red and yellow cliffs of the Piedra Lumbre (shining stone), Ghost Ranch offers a diversity of programs and adventure.
Open year-round, Ghost Ranch is committed to spiritual development, peace and justice, honoring the environment and exploring through the celebration of art, culture and nature. The landscape of Ghost Ranch—made famous by painter Georgia O’Keeffe—encompasses 21,000 acres of towering rock walls, vivid colors and vast skies. People from all over the world come to explore, create, hike or simply to rest and renew their spirits.
Owned by the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 1955, Ghost Ranch has been an Education and Retreat Center and is open to all.
Dates: September 14-19, 2025
Arrive Sunday September 14, 2025. Check in begins at 3PM. Group dinner at 5:30PM.
Class on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, September 15-18 (1.5 hr lunch).
Depart Friday morning by or before 10AM, September 19, 2025
All rooms are offered on a first come basis with a $300 deposit due at registration.
As always, the retreat cost is all inclusive except for a materials fee (TBD) due to instructors at the beginning of class. You will need to bring minimal basic supplies.
Your Red Thread Retreat fee includes:
- 5 nights lodging at Ghost Ranch on the Tumblewood and Coyote buildings in the Upper Mesa.
- Dinner Sunday through Thursday - includes a hot serving line with a soup, salad and dessert bar.
- Lunch Monday - Thursday includes serving line with a soup, salad and dessert bar.
- Breakfast Monday - Friday includes a hot serving line plus oatmeal, yogurt and fruit bar.
Meals are served cafeteria-style with your choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Vegetarian and vegan entrees are available. Meal times are fixed and served at:
Breakfast – 7:30-8:30 AM
Lunch – noon-1:00 PM
Dinner – 5:30-6:30 PM
Be prompt for the best selection!(In the middle of our lodging rooms is a center room that is great for gathering. There is a microwave, 2-burner stove and very small refrigerator in this space along with a bathroom, sofas and tables/chairs.The closest off-site food and beverage source is Bode's General store, 13 minutes SE in Abiquiu, NM. All amenities are available in Española, NM, 40 minutes SE)
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- 4 workshop days - 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Classroom is open 24 hours
- 4 workshop days - 9 AM - 4:30 PM
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- Optional Thursday afternoon free time
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- Labyrinth and Meditation Garden walks. Air-conditioned Ghost Ranch Library and Museum of Paleontology and Anthropology.
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- 24-hour access to our private gathering/evening art room at the Upper Mesa lodging.
- Additional options available for a fee. The Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape Tour, Guided Hikes or Horseback trail rides with the resident cowboys. All require advance reservations. Schedule directly with Ghost Ranch if interested.
Things to Consider before Registering
Impt! There is a steep unpaved walking path from the Upper Mesa lodging that brings you close to the Dining Hall, Library and Art Center area. If you love to walk and are of average fitness to walk up and down an incline, you will not have a difficult time. There is parking available at all locations if you choose to drive rather than walk. Carpooling, too!
Cell phone service is limited and best at the Welcome Center & library. An emergency number will be provided if someone needs to reach you. WiFi hot spots are located in some buildings but service can be slow or intermittent.
Altitude sickness can affect people of any fitness, age or body type. Ghost Ranch is over a mile above sea level. You may feel tired, headachy or dizzy until you adjust, Your sleep may be disrupted and you may feel nauseous, if you are more affected. Go easy initially.
Drink plenty of water, beginning in the days before leaving home; your time in New Mexico will be much more pleasant, and BRING A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE.
Registration Fees
Private Room - $1895 -3 remaining
Double Room - $1495 -1 spot remaining
$300 deposit due at registration.
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Balance will be billed in February 2025. There is an option to pay 1/2 at that time with the remainder billed within 30 days. If registering after July 15, 2025 (space permitting) payment will be due in full at time of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation by or before March 10, 2025 - Full refund less a $150 cancellation and processing fee.
There will be no refunds after March 10, 2025, but if you or I find someone to take your spot, you will receive a full refund less the non-refundable initial deposit $300.
In the evening I go up in the desert and spend hours watching the sun go down, just enjoying it, and every day I go out and watch it again. I draw some and there is a little painting and so the days go by.
Georgia O'Keeffe
SEE YOU THERE IN
Please note: you will need a car to get to your rooms when you arrive with luggage. There are no shuttle services to Ghost Ranch. Ride sharing from the airport is suggested. Join the private Red Thread Retreat group on Facebook to connect with other travelers.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING:
Art Supplies
Apron or work clothes
Good walking/hiking shoes
Snacks
Beverages of your choice
Cooler
Packaging materials if shipping anything home
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare and travel expenses to and from Ghost Ranch
Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (always suggested).
Any food and beverage you will want while at Ghost Ranch in addition to the meals provided.(There is a small grocery/convenience store located about 20 minutes from Ghost Ranch.)
