DJ's Fiber Arts
Creatively unique artwork from fabric, wool, yarns, beads and more
"NO RULES, JUST ART®"
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"I came around a corner at Houston and immediately said, 'Oh! That's Deb Deaton's work!' The techniques I learned in Deb's Beginning Inktense class became an important part of my Honorable Mention-winning Cherrywood Challenge piece. I truly couldn't have created it without her class."
— Donna Q., Honorable Mention, Cherrywood Challenge
A Flexible, Immersive Experience
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"There are teachers...and then there are teachers. You are THAT teacher."
— Glenna S.
This retreat is designed to support you exactly where you are in your creative journey.
You are welcome to:
• Bring a project you’re currently working on
• Start something entirely new
• Explore techniques from optional breakout sessions
• Or simply spend five days creating in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Unlike a traditional class where everyone creates the same project, this
retreat is built around your artistic goals. You'll have direct access to me
throughout the week for individualized coaching, creative problem-solving, encouragement, and plenty of one-on-one instruction.
👉 This is your time to create, explore, and grow—your way.
A Typical Day at the Retreat
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"I loved being with this group of dynamic women...creating an environment of no rules and pure challenges to stretch our creative energy."
— Judy P.
Every day follows a comfortable rhythm while remaining flexible enough to support each artist's individual creative journey.
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
✨ Morning Inspiration & Demonstration
We'll begin each day with a demonstration, creative discussion, or technique designed to spark new
ideas—or one that's tailored to projects participants are creating.
🎨 Creative Studio Time
I'll be right there beside you, offering personalized coaching, answering questions, helping solve
challenges, and encouraging you every step of the way as your project comes to life.
🌟 Optional Specialty Breakout Session
Approximately two hours each day will be devoted to one of our specialty breakout sessions. Prefer to
stay focused on your own project? That's perfectly fine! Every breakout is completely optional.
🥗 Lunch & Conversation
Enjoy a catered lunch while getting to know other artists, sharing ideas, and building new creative
friendships.
🧵 Afternoon Creative Time
Continue creating with individualized instruction, experiment with new techniques, and enjoy
uninterrupted studio time.
💜 Daily Show & Share
We'll wrap up each day by celebrating everyone's progress, sharing ideas, solving creative challenges, and inspiring one another.
The order of activities may vary slightly from day to day depending on the breakout sessions and demonstrations.
Don't Have a Project? Let's Create One Together!
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"I have turned the dog portraits into a nice little business. I am currently working on my 20th portrait!"
— Glenda M.
One of the questions I hear most often is:
"What if I don't have a project to bring?"
Perfect!
Before the retreat, simply send me a favorite photo—an animal, landscape, flower, or
another subject that inspires you.
I'll help you prepare your image, enlarge it if needed, and together we'll design a project
that's uniquely yours.
By the time you arrive, you'll have a creative direction and five uninterrupted days to
bring it to life—with my guidance every step of the way.
Specialty Breakout Sessions
As part of the experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in optional sessions designed to introduce new techniques and expand your creative toolkit.
• Gel Printing on Fabric: Layers, Texture & Discovery (Guest Instructor)
• Layered Dimensions: Fiber, Texture & Stitch (Deb Deaton)
• From Hide to Bloom: Painting & Stitching Florals on Leather (Deb Deaton)
• Captured by Light: Cyanotype on Fabric (Guest Instructor)
• Bowls Gone Wild: Sculptural Fiber Fun (Kevin Deaton)
Every artist works differently, which is why all breakout sessions are optional. Join the session that interests you, or continue working on your own project with individualized coaching from Deb. It's your retreat—make it your own.
Experiment Without Buying Everything
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One of the joys of this retreat is exploring new materials.
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Many mixed-media supplies are provided, including paints, specialty fibers, texture materials, embellishments, and more.
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Experiment, play, and discover new techniques without feeling like you need to purchase every supply before you arrive.
Why This Retreat is Different!
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"Loved everything about the retreat! I learned so much and cannot wait to get home and create new works of art."
— June B.
💜 This isn't about finishing a project.
💜 It isn't about keeping up with everyone else.
💜 It isn't about perfection.
💜It's about giving yourself five uninterrupted days to create, to experiment, to ask questions, to laugh, to connect with fellow artists, and to leave feeling inspired.
During your week together, you'll enjoy:
✔ Five full days of creative immersion
✔Personalized mentoring and one-on-one guidance with Deb
✔ Optional specialty breakout sessions
✔ Guest artist demonstrations and techniques
✔ A supportive and inspiring creative community
✔ Dedicated time to focus, explore, and move your work forward
A thoughtfully planned retreat with the flexibility to make it your own. Create at your own pace, explore new techniques, and enjoy personalized guidance whenever you need it.
Whether you arrive with a finished plan or just a spark of an idea... There will be a place for you at my table.
I can't wait to create with you.
Give yourself five unforgettable days to create, learn, laugh, and reconnect with your creativity.
Location
In partnership with Cathey’s Down the Block
Cathey’s Down the Block
5851 E Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Enjoy five days of creative immersion in a dedicated studio space, complete with continental breakfast, catered lunches, and all equipment provided.
Cancellation Policy (Summary)
Due to the limited nature of this retreat:
• Full refund (less $300 fee) if canceled 6+ months prior
• 50% refund if canceled 3–6 months prior
• No refunds within 3 months of the event
Full policy details will be provided at registration.