Kirsten Stingle

India

February 5 - 19, 2025

Embodied Wanderlust:

Sculptural Assemblage Diary

Travelling is a mosaic of moments. Our lives are filled with these moments - slices of time when a story comes alive.

They can be captured effortlessly. All we need to do is take a moment to see what's in front of us, and let it touch us. That's how we move through the world creatively - that's how we transform our lives into works of art.

Friends, we invite you to join us in capturing the chaotic, cacophony that is Rajasthan. The beauty of India this February, on our 15 day exploration of Rajasthan. We will use Kirsten’s technique’s to hold, translate and document our experiences as we weave our way through Rajasthan and meet and work with local artisans.

India is a country of vivid colors, unforgettable faces; a place where the sacred and mayhem blend in an ever-changing story.

"Wild” and liberating book making techniques will be embedded into our Nomad Atelier as we take our moveable studio with us on our journey through Rajasthan as we explore and weave our way through temples and alleyways of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Puskar and Jodhpur with our Nomadic Travelling Atelier bags close at hand.

Unleash your inner artist + nomad and remember all the ways creativity brings you back to life through this nomadic art and travel journey.

Spend 15 days immersed in freedom -centered journal practices and invitations to be inspired, see with new eyes, and connect to what matters.

This inclusive immersive experience will rekindle your imagination and revitalize your creative soul.

Embrace your authentic self where there are no mistakes and inspiration leads the way.

Join Kirsten and myself and a group of like minded humans as we gather, wander, and create on this INSPIRING adventure.

the curator,

michelle xo

SOLD OUT

nomad atelier

nomad atelier

Kirsten Stingle

Embodied Wanderlust: Sculptural Assemblage Diary

Join our Nomadic Atelier in which Kirsten Stingle will teach assemblage book arts in order to creatively incorporate experiences and stories into a sculptural travel tome that inspires and reminds us of the soul expanding magic of travel.  Rather than spending four days in a studio, we will take our studio with us as we wanderlust, allowing the adventures of the day to take precedence and lead the creative process. Kirsten will teach book making techniques, the art of layering and collage, mark making with thread, photo transfer, stencil techniques and assemblage of found objects in 2-D and 3-D forms.  Her teaching structure is kept flexible to invite participants to individualize their journals with other medias that interest them such as paints, pastels or colored pencil.

Moreover, this unique trek is structured so that participants not only learn from Kirsten, but also directly from local artisans.  We will connect with the culture and traditional craft techniques through hands-on workshops in wood block printing, indigo dyeing, shibori and more.  Kirsten will then guide participants to incorporate these processes and experiences into their sculptural travel journal.

Kirsten Stingle is an internationally, award winning artist known for her narrative sculptures, combining ceramics, mixed media and assemblage.  But over the past ten years, Kirsten has been making personal assemblage journals and boxes to artistically document her travels.  In this workshop, she will be sharing her mixed media skills and techniques, guiding participants to engage in the wonders around them and creatively incorporate them in a sculptural book of memories and experiences.

KIRSTEN STINGLE

Bene Note: this is a working experiential travel journey and while all will be as written, due to the advance nature of the building out of the retreat, we leave space for possibilities + unexpected curations to be added to the itinerary based on what is happening in real time in India. A more detailed itinerary will be sent out to you once we are closer to our epic adventure.

nomad atelier

embodied wanderlust, wandering through rajasthan

arrival day

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2025

Arrive Delhi ex international flight

Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Rest of day at leisure

Welcome Dinner

delhi

DAY 2: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2025

After breakfast we will gather to work on our travel tome with Kirsten in the board room. Afternoon sightseeing of Old & New Delhi with English our speaking guide, a drive around Lutyen’s Delhi and India Gate, a trip around the narrow lanes and streets of Old Delhi, which are best explored by bicycle rickshaw, and a visit to the Delhi Craft Museum will be included in our day filled with sensory & inspirational wonders.

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delhi/agra

DAY 3: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2025

Collected from our hotel we will drive to Agra (Approx 3-4 hour drive),  on entering Agra we will visit  Itmad-ud-daulah, also known as the ‘Baby Taj” and the Agra Fort. Continue to the hotel. The rest of the day will be spent working on our travel tomes with Kirsten.

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agra/jaipur

DAY 4: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2025

Early morning visit to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Return to the hotel at sunrise prior to our departure to Jaipur, visiting a step well on route. (Approx. 6 hours) Check into the Haveli for the next 4 nights.

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jaipur

DAY 5: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2025

After breakfast we will work on out travel tomes with Kristen on the terrace as we continue to create and document our journey with our nomadic atelier. Afternoon sightseeing in Jaipur which will include the village of Sanganeer to see the paper making process.

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jaipur

DAY 6: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025

After breakfast we will begin our 2 day blockprinitng and natural dying workshop with the artisans in the block printing village of Bagru.

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jaipur

DAY 7: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025

After breakfast we will begin our 2nd day blockprinting and natural dying workshop with the artisans in the village of Bagru.

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jaipur/pushkar

DAY 8: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Our morning will be spent in Jaipur sightseeing. Afternoon will have us driving to the holy town of Pushkar. (Approx. 4 hours)

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pushkar

DAY 9: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

After breakfast we will continue our exploration with Kirsten in our travel tomes. Following we will spend time in the religiously significant town of Pushkar which has become a bustling centre of the handicraft trade of Rajasthan. This evening will offer a camel ride through the surrounding desert.

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pushkar/jodhpur

DAY 10: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025

This morning we will have some time to work on our books. Later in the morning we will make the drive to Jodhpur. (Approx. 4 hours) The rest of the day at leisure that can include a visit to the old bazaar and the recently renovated Stepwell Square all of which are in easy walking distance of the hotel.

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jodhpur

DAY 11: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025

After breakfast - 10am - 12pm we will work together on our books with Kirsten. The rest of the day for sightseeing in Jodhpur including a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort and Museum and Jaswant Thada.

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jodhpur

DAY 12: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025

Today we will visit a workshop on Bandhini (tie & dye). Bandhini is an ancient resist-dying technique, widely used in Rajasthan. The fabric is tied in intricate patterns with the help of nails, beads or grain. In Jodhpur Muslim castes are mainly involved in this process. We will also visit to see Durry rug making on the outskirts of Jodhpur.

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jodhpur

DAY 13: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025

After Breakfast we will have a 2 hour session with Kirsten and work together to get all our experiences contained in our travel tomes. Following lunch we will have free time to, relax, shop or continue to create.

Tonight we will have our Farewell Dinner in Jodhpur.

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jodhpur/delhi

DAY 14: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025

Today we will be collected from our hotel and transferred to the airport in Udaipur to fly together to Delhi, where we will be met on arrival and assisted to either our departure flights or hotel..

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delhi departure

DAY 15: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025

International flights are typically in the wee hours of the night/morning so this is why we leave space, free time and flexibility on our return to Delhi. You will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the airport and assisted with your departures as required.

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You’re Invited!

To join Kirsten Stingle and myself on this creatively made journey with like minded creatives, coming together for a time with a shared intention as we gather, wander and create in our nomad atelier - sculptural travel tomes + life long memories on this once in a lifetime journey through Rajasthan.

the art of travel

the art of travel

Join us!

We are looking forward to sharing with you the many wonders of magical places in India, the talented artisans, the foods and wildly inspiring culture.

Taking you on this magic carpet ride through Rajasthan is truly is my greatest honour & joy.

It lights my heart on fire to share this special place with you on this once in a lifetime adventure!

the curator,

michelle xo

details

    • Pick-up transfer at the airport in Delhi

    • 15 days, 14 nights of unforgettable images and discoveries in the region of Rajasthan

    • Twin share hotel accommodations

    • Most meals (beverages and alcohol are not) water, coffee/tea seved with meals

    • Cultural excursions to palaces and to visit local artisans, villages, marketplaces, and historical sites

    • Transportation, excellent drivers – knowledgeable english speaking guide

    • Nomadic Atelier workshop with Kirsten Stingle

    • Transfer and assistance to the International Airport on departure day

    • All Entrances Fees & Artisans Workshops

    • Economy flight between Jodhpur/Delhi

    • Camel ride

    • Cooking class

    • International Airfare

    • Medical Insurance

    • Trip cancellation Insurance

    • All beverage including alcohol during our journey. Water will be supplied at meals.

    • Spa Treatments

    • Optional Pre or Post excursions

    • Tips for our driver & guide


your investment!

This is a 15 day all inclusive Art of Travel Experience, including our nomadic atelier with Kirsten Stingle & Michelle Fletcher in Rajasthan

Pricing is based on twin share occupancy. (Single room supplement available additional $2400 usd, (Limited Supply)

TO REGISTER and reserve your spot click the button below

PRICE : $7900 USD

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE AUGUST 1, 2024

$2000 USD NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS DUE UPON ENROLMENT

(max 12 participants)

Balance Payment due:  NOVEMBER 1, 2024

 PLEASE NOTE: 

There will be no refunds for this trip due to the planning and logistics involved. When you register be sure to know all you can about travelling to India. If the trip is cancelled due to low enrolment your deposit will be refunded minus a small transfer fee.

** Airport pick-up is only for indicated dates.  Should you plan to arrive earlier to stay on in India you will be responsible for your own transfers.  We can help you arrange your transfer and extra nights or add on adventures if required.

***Please do not book flights until we send you an email confirming that you can go ahead. If we do not meet the required numbers your deposit minus a small transfer fee will be refunded to you.

OUR ENROLLMENT DEADLINE WILL BE SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 TO DECIDE IF THE TRIP HAS MET THE MINIMUM ENROLLMENT.

Balance is due:  NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Valid PASSPORTS & VISA’S are your responsibility (MORE DETAILS WILL BE SENT OUT TO YOU VIA EMAIL)

"We would like to "hit the ground running" as soon as we arrive in India. Therefore, our nomad atelier will include two zoom artist dates to begin the assemblage of our travel tomes together with Kirsten Stingle & myself. These will be recorded in case of any scheduling conflicts and Kirsten will be available for any follow-up questions. "

Zoom Dates: TBD

  • • Self leveling gel 8oz

    • Small fabric scissors*

    • Small paper scissors*

    • Ruler*

    • Small (12 x 12 approximately) Healing board

    • Awl *

    • Bone folder*

    • Embroidery thread*

    • Apron

    • White kitchen towel or rag*

    • Plastic Tupperware cup to hold water

    *These items may be shared between participants if they so choose

    Optional

    • Additional paper ephemera

    • Portable printer and film

    • Paints, Drawing pens, pencils and brushes of choice

    *asteriks on items that can be shared

  • These items will be sent to you in your nomad bag by Kirsten as well as electronic files with links.

    • (7” x 11”) mat boards and 10 x (5” x 7”) mat boards with holes and eyelets

    • 2 x book board 7 ¾ x 11 3/8

    • Victorian album cards

    • Window Board

    • 2 x glue sticks

    • Acid free double-sided tape

    • Ofla knife

    • 2 x chip brush

    • Watercolor paper for mini books

    • Ephemera: sari scraps; sari trim; postcards; vintage and antique Sanskrit writings; wood block fabric; decorative papers; resin paper; vellum paper and more. I will also provide electronic downloads.

    • Parchment paper roll

    • sandpaper

    • light waxed thread

    • Embroidery needles

    • Vinyl mat for table protection

Techniques to be covered. . . .

  • Different book binding techniques with waxed linen thread.

  • Books without binding (orbital and concertina)

  • Personalized book covers with 3-D components.

  • Travel tome construction.

  • Collage techniques with paper, fabric, and found objects.

  • Simple stitches as connections.

  • Decorative stitches.

  • Stitch book to hold needles and pins.

  • Abstract and decorative expression through layered mark making with stitch and ink.

  • Photo transfer techniques.

  • Incorporation of found objects based on narrative and design intentions.

  • Mica windows.

  • Eyelet application.

  • Eco printing on paper and fabric.

Nomad Atelier

Nomad Atelier

Our Nomad Atelier bag is a custom bag that will hold our supply kit. It will be sent out to those joining us on this epic adventure. A portable studio to have with us to create our travel tome together with Kirsten along the way!

“There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your head and heart and won’t let go— For me India is that place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, the beauty and exotic culture, by it’s ability to overload every sense with the pure intensity of the colours, smells, taste and noise. India is a world unto itself.”

michelle xo

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT US. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!