Altogether Lovely: More Than a Creative Retreat

When I signed up for Altogether Lovely Retreat 2026, I expected art projects, inspiration, and maybe a few new creative techniques.

What I didn't expect was the strange gift of being known by women I'd only met a day earlier.

Somewhere between the custom sticker vending machine, giant cacti, thrift store treasure hunts, way too many impromptu Amazon deliveries, and late-night conversations, something deeper happened.

As creative women, we spend so much of our lives pouring out. We create for our families, our churches, our businesses, our communities, and sometimes we forget that creativity isn't supposed to be another thing on our to-do list. It's meant to be a gift.

The Cactus Craft House felt like a place where we were given permission to remember that.

Over the course of four days, our projects spread across every available surface. There were paper scraps, ribbons, paint, stickers, notebooks, and plenty of impromptu creations that were never part of the official plan (including an epic hair styling session for Lexi Chacon). I may or may not have created an unofficial Crafty Gremlin mascot for our group.

One of my favorite parts of the retreat wasn't just the projects themselves. It was watching how differently each person approached the same creative prompt. The same supplies would be laid out in front of us, and eight completely different interpretations would emerge. Every page, every project, every idea reflected the unique way God created each woman at the table.

There was so much inspiration to be found, not just in the artwork, but in the people. As much as I enjoyed the time to create, I loved the delicious meals shared outside in the glorious Arizona weather (thank you, Lisa Stander, for your amazing chef skills), and the early morning conversations over coffee in cactus-themed mugs.

Even the desert sky and the towering cacti felt like part of the creative experience. We found ourselves inspired by cacti that were more than 100 years old and paused to watch a glorious sunset during an evening walk.

The conversations flowed as naturally as the creativity. Some were hilarious. Some were deeply encouraging. Some wandered into stories about faith, family, ministry, and the winding paths that brought each of us to that table. We laughed until we cried. We shared pieces of our stories. We cheered each other on.

And somewhere along the way, strangers became friends.

One evening, after another day filled with creating and conversation, I found myself thinking about how quickly genuine connection can happen when people show up authentically. There is something sacred about gathering around a table with people who understand the language of creativity and faith. We skipped a lot of small talk that weekend. Instead, we talked about dreams, calling, family, challenges, ministry, and the ways God continues to meet us in unexpected places.

As I packed my suitcase to head home, I realized I was bringing back much more than finished projects and new supplies.

I brought home encouragement.

I brought home inspiration.

I brought home new friendships.

Most of all, I brought home a reminder to give myself permission to rest, to create, to laugh, and to make room for community.

That there's something holy about staying up too late talking.

That some of the best spiritual conversations happen around a table with friends.

And that being known is one of God's sweetest gifts.

We all returned home to our everyday routines, but we brought back something special with us. Around that craft table, a small tribe of women formed. Women who will continue to encourage, inspire, and lift each other up in the months and years to come.

Thank you, Kelly, for creating a space where creativity and community could flourish side by side. What a beautiful reminder that we truly are altogether lovely.

Curious about experiencing a Kelly Bangs retreat for yourself? Check out Kelly's upcoming retreats. I'd love to see you around the craft table next time.