March Polymer Clay Retreat in North Florida
Kira McCoy, Jan Montarsi, Christine Kaczmarek
2026 Dates: March 4-8
2026 Dates: March 4-8
🌲 Clay, Play, and Stay: An Art Retreat to Inspire and Recharge 🌲
Imagine yourself surrounded by the serene beauty of towering live oaks and tranquil lakes, stepping away from the everyday and into a world where creativity and relaxation intertwine. Join me, Kira McCoy of CreateAlong.com and PolymerClayTV, for an unforgettable retreat in charming Keystone Heights, Florida. This is a place where nature, art, and community come together in the most magical way.
What Awaits You: You’ll be staying in cozy rooms at a well-equipped retreat center, the perfect place to unwind after a day of creativity. Just a short walk from the main hall, your room becomes a peaceful retreat, allowing you to recharge and connect with the tranquil forest and lakeside views that surround you.
Our private rec hall, set up as a dedicated workspace, will be filled with creative energy. Here, you’ll dive into clay projects guided by three exceptionally talented teachers, each bringing their own style, skill, and passion to the table. From mastering new techniques to letting your imagination run wild, this is your space to explore, play, and create alongside a supportive community of like-minded artists.
Why You’ll Love It: This retreat isn’t just about clay; it’s about experiencing the joy of creative freedom in a relaxed, natural setting. Picture yourself working on your art surrounded by nature, sharing meals, laughs, and inspiration with fellow artists, all while gazing out at the lake and breathing in the fresh forest air. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, reconnected, and re-inspired, with newfound skills, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or new to clay, this retreat is designed for all levels—no pressure, just pure creative joy. So pack your bags, leave the stress behind, and let’s make art, memories, and maybe even a little magic together.
Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this special opportunity to relax, reconnect, and create in a beautiful lakeside retreat. Sign up today and come experience the peace, play, and artistry waiting for you in the forest! 🌊🍃
Clay. Play. Stay. Let’s make this a retreat to remember.
This year we will focus on color, pattern, and form! Jan is teaching extruded beads and necklace construction. Christine is teaching her patterned trinket bowl. Kira is teaching a lovely mosaic- photo coming soon.
Your stay, food, necessary supplies and classes are all included. BEGINNER FRIENDLY! Don't let lack of experience hold you back, we will make sure you have a great time and learn a lot!
Techniques we will cover:
Prefer not to stay on-site? Daytrip! Our region of Florida has quite a few Airbnb's as well as a few small hotels within a 20 minute drive.
DayTrippers have 9-6 access and lunch included.
Need a ride? When you make your payment, you will have access to our private community where we will set up rideshares from the airport, and you'll find friends to bunk with. We will do our best to put you together if you ask :)
Airports: JAX is 1 hour 20 minutes, GNV is 30 minutes away. If you plan to Uber we suggest you check out pricing so you are not caught off guard.
Wednesday Arrive 4pm or later, set up and check in. Light dinner available.
Thursday Breakfast 8 am, Daytrip set up, Class begins at 9. Break for lunch, Class day ends at 5. Dinner Served at 6.
Friday: Breakfast 8 am, Class begins at 9. Break for lunch, class day ends at 5. Dinner served at 6.
Saturday: Breakfast at 8. Class at 9. Break for lunch, today's class day intention: end earlier to allow time for catchup, demos, and enjoying the park. Dinner served at 6.
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Sunday: Breakfast at 9, breakdown and cleanup, checkout by 11.
LOCATION: Lake Swan, Melrose. This is about 13 miles (20 minute drive) from Gold's Head Branch park, where there are cabins and RV/tent camping spots available as well.
The weather in March should be pleasant, not too hot. Pack layers- sometimes at this time of year we experience 2 seasons in one day, with nights in the 50s and days in the 80s.
We will have a big bead swap- once we are firm on the number of attendees you'll find out how many to bring.
Destash, trade and sell table: you are encouraged to bring any items you'd like to share with everyone for money or barter.
A selection of CreateAlong.com items will be available for sale.
Arrival is Wednesday any time after 4 pm EST, set up your room and workstation, have a light supper, mingle and find a spot to watch the sun set over the lake.
DayTrippers can come later on Wednesday, or Thursday morning at 8 to set up their space, and are welcome on-site until sunset Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
DayPass visitors can attend the class they choose, arrive at 8 am to set up, have lunch with us, and leave before dinner.
Dismissal is Sunday after breakfast, check out by 11.
For people attending overnight, there’s also nighttime star gazing by the lake, and relaxation- clay as long as you like, the clay room is open 24/7.
BALANCE is DUE by Feb 1.
Refund policy: Balance Refundable until Jan 1, 2026. You may transfer your stay to someone else if necessary, by that time we will have paid all of our fees and booked cabins and many of the extras, paid for supplies etc so your stay becomes non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended when you pay your balance, just in case.
All prices are all inclusive. Supplies necessary to complete your projects, drinks, snacks and food, your stay. You can even come with a small RV for the Family rate.
PAY IN FULL or Choose a 3 month payment plan. PAYMENT PLANS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER NOV 20TH.
Join us as a DayTripper, lunch is included. Arrive Weds evening or Thursday early to set up your workspace. Find lodging nearby at one of the many Airbnb's, hotel in Starke, FL, Golds Head Branch park has cabins, or just drive in for the day!
One queen and several "bunk" beds in the room.
Rooms will have 3 people, has 2 private showers and bathroom.
Price is per person.
This center has RV hookups and tent spots- so bring your rig and pay for the CAMP room- we'll cover your spot and meals.
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