Journey with me on a pilgrimage
of creativty and self-discovery
I offer contemporary stitching, embellishment, and mixed-media workshops for beginners through advanced makers. As an expressive arts educator and contemplative artist, I create welcoming spaces where participants can slow down, experiment, and enjoy the creative process without the pressure of perfection. More than learning techniques, these workshops are an invitation to explore creativity as a form of self-expression, reflection, and renewal. I love sharing colorful, innovative techniques and encouraging playful exploration. Whether you are new to stitch and visual journaling or have years of experience, you will leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and work that reflects your own creative voice.
If you are a group or organization looking for a workshop, please get in touch. I can travel to a venue of your choice to host a group workshop
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The Contemplative Artist's Path
Visual Journaling + Poetry as Expressive Practice
Discover the relationship between contemplative practice, inspiration and creativity using the expressive arts as you follow the creative thread of your own intuition. Each of us is born with an innate capacity for creativity and self-expression. Through poetry and a visual journal practice you will cultivate a creative way to express and record experiences, feelings, and emotional reactions. As we enter into the creative process as a meditation practice the contemplative mind is opened resulting in a flow of ideas and inspiration offering ways of expressing contemplative insight through the combination of meditation and artistic practice.
Online course coming soon!
Stitching as Meditation
Mark Making with Thread
Focusing on the journey of the needle and thread on cloth is akin to taking a walk, with slow, deliberate movements to create calm and focus. Explore “slow making” as we stitch mindfully to bring a more meaningful and thoughtful approach to mark making with thread. We will take inspiration from textile traditions, such as American patchwork east Indian Kantha and Japanese Boro. We will explore mindful meanderings on cloth as we repurpose and reuse fabric scraps to make small studies for future inspiration. Before we stitch we will being with a guided mindfulness meditation to cultivate creativity and intuition, and imagination
The Mindful Studio
Cultivating Creativity and Well-Being
Whether you're a teacher, homeschooler, or simply seeking personal growth, you’ll explore creative and practical techniques to find calm and cultivate a more inspired mindset. Through a blend of guided meditation, reflective practices, and artistic expression, these workshops offer a meaningful way to connect with mindful creativity and develop greater self-awareness.
You'll leave not only with creative work and fresh inspiration, but also with simple practices to support well-being and nurture creativity in everyday life. These accessible approaches can be woven into your personal practice, classroom, or community with confidence and ease.
For more information visit: www.janedalton.com
"Jane taught visual journaling using a variety of creative techniques and gently introduced mindfulness without ever forcing participation. Even in moments of doubt, she brought the workshop to life with her positive, encouraging presence and made the material feel accessible and engaging."
— Kaitlyn, Workshop Participant
“This workshop was deeply engaging and freeing. I learned to trust my creativity, let go of perfectionism, and feel more confident in my art-making. I would highly recommend Jane’s workshops for anyone wanting to reconnect with their creativity in a supportive, inspiring space.”
--- Elizabeth, Workshop Particpant
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & RETREATS
May 16-30th, 2027
Recreating the Medieval Pilgrimage
Join art historian Bonnie Noble and artist-educator Jane Dalton for a transformative two-week journey through Dijon and Paris, inspired by the spirit of the medieval pilgrimage. Together, we will explore sacred sites, historic landmarks, museums, and contemplative spaces while engaging in reflective art-making, journaling, and mindful practices. This immersive experience invites participants to slow down, deepen their connection to place, and discover new ways of seeing through the lenses of history, creativity, and contemplation. Open to University of North Carolina students and other UNC institutions only.
June 6-11, 2027
Mindful Stitching: Textile Collage as Meditation
John Campbell Folk School Brasstown, NC
This workshop explores the art of layered textile collage through an intuitive, creative approach. Working with diverse materials—including fabric remnants, upcycled textiles, thread, fabric, and paint—students will learn how to assemble fabrics, textures, and colors into richly layered compositions that are personal and unique. Each session starts with a guided mindfulness meditation and an exercise to awaken creativity and support a more confident, intuitive approach to making art. This workshop provides a supportive environment for beginners and experienced makers alike to explore, experiment, and create meaningful one-of-a-kind textile art. To register visit: https://www.folkschool.org/
June 20-July 4th,2027
Spain as Muse
This contemplative pilgrimage to Spain is designed to foster creative exploration through contemplative arts-based practices. Rooted in Spain’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, this pilgrimage offers the opportunity to engage deeply with contemplative based artistic expression, self-reflection, and cultural exploration. The journey will focus on contemplative art practices, writing, and art which emphasize the development of creativity as a means of personal growth and spiritual insight. Open to University of North Carolina students and other UNC institutions only.
