| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

What would your 6-year-old self say if they found out you were coming with me to Ireland this fall?

I asked my inner child this very question this week, and I'd love to hear how yours would respond.

My inner child reacted with immediate excitement: pure joy at the adventure of travel, delighting in the beauty we'll encounter in the lush coastal landscapes of Cork, the friends we'll meet, the friendships we'll deepen, the artistic breakthroughs from stepping out of our routine, and the historic moment of the first art gathering centered around the art of wax seals (and so much more).

To help convey the mood of the event, I've shared excerpts from my vision board below.

I'm hosting this retreat with my friend, fellow artist, and writer, Martha Clarke. Together, we will lead workshops on art and writing, but it's so much more than that: it's a gift of rest, relaxation, and restoration for your creative self.

If you are free from September 22-28, 2024, I would love for you to join us. You can learn more and sign up here. It's just four months away!​

First, there will be plenty of time for rest and relaxation. We'll be staying at Inchydoney Beach Lodge & Spa, a charming and secluded resort in West Cork. Each room features its own balcony, allowing you to stay connected with the beautiful world outside, even from the comfort of your room.

The full-service spa offers a serene space for further relaxation, and there are three delightful restaurants on the property. I can already envision long beach strolls and refreshing dips in the sparkling blue water.

The retreat also provides ample space to connect with your creativity. Martha will lead the writing and astrology workshops, while I'll guide the seal workshops. The astrology aspect of the retreat will help you discover the unique insights this specific area of Ireland can unlock for you. Combined with antique wax seals and new artistic techniques, you'll have the opportunity to engage with the timeless art of wax seals and further develop your own unique style.

Much of a retreat's magic lies in the delicate balance of activity and leisure. You will have plenty of time and flexibility to pursue activities that interest you, both within and outside of the workshops. We also intend to create space for your unique creative pursuits, whether it be writing, watercolor painting, or seal making.

What makes a retreat truly meaningful and memorable are the people. We've designed this retreat to have an intimate feel, allowing ample time and space to connect with the other participants. While you'll have the flexibility to choose most of your meal times and locations, we've planned two group dinners: one on the welcoming day of the retreat and another on the final day. The food will be delicious, adding to the overall experience.

Another important aspect of a retreat is the time before and after it. The anticipation and journey to the retreat add to the adventure.

Venturing to West Cork gives you the opportunity to explore additional interests before or after the retreat. My plan is to fly in and out of Dublin so I can explore the city's renowned art collections. Does Ireland call to you too?

Sagesse En Tout

A while back, I did a podcast episode with Matt Landsiedel about letters to our inner child. In reflecting on this conversation, I'm still struck but just how much wisdom we can gain from connecting to our inner child. Simply asking our younger selves yes/no questions can teach us a lot!

Inner children seems to find wisdom and everything, which reminded me of the idea behind this seal...

The owl, a timeless symbol of wisdom, intuition, and knowledge, represents a deep understanding and the ability to see beyond appearances. Owls are often associated with the pursuit of truth and the uncovering of hidden knowledge, embodying a sense of mystery and insight.

The shell, on the other hand, symbolizes protection, shelter, and the journey of life. Shells are often seen as vessels of growth and transformation, reflecting the protective layers we build around ourselves as we navigate through life's experiences. The combination of the owl and the shell suggests a harmonious balance between inner wisdom and the external journey, emphasizing the importance of introspection and learning from life's challenges.

The inscription "Sagesse En Tout" (wisdom in everything) further reinforces this theme, serving as a reminder to seek wisdom in all aspects of life. It encourages a mindset of continuous learning and reflection, urging one to find meaning and understanding in every situation.

Featured Wax Color: Coral Sunset

This sealing wax was inspired by my favorite beach club, The Coral Casino in Montecito, California. My uncle's family has been members since its founding in 1937, and some of my fondest childhood memories were made there. With its copper hipped roof and lighthouse tower designed by notable architect Gardner A. Dailey, the Coral Casino sits on a scenic vista overlooking Channel Drive and Butterfly Beach.

One of its standout features is the massive swimming pool, measuring 50 meters plus 1 foot—an amusing decision made during a gentleman's poker game to ensure it would never be used for Olympic events. As a kid, I spent entire days moving between the pool, the hot tub, and the Pacific Ocean. When it was time to leave, I would duck underwater and only surface briefly for air to prolong my time there. If I can't hear it's time to go, I'll never have to leave...

The wax color matches the light cast on the tower just before the sun completely sets, evoking warmth, joy, leisure, and health.

The Art of Wax Seals

The most important course I've created is now available for pre-order.

This course is your gateway to mastering the intricate art of wax seals, whether you are a seasoned creator or a novice eager to explore this unique craft.

What You'll Learn:

• Wax Marbling: Dive into the art of color blending to forge stunning, unique marbled patterns. Kathryn’s expert tips will help you craft vibrant and intricate designs that elevate the charm of any wax seal.
• Wax Weaving: Gain proficiency in weaving wax strips, adding depth and a textured elegance to your creations. Learn to make sophisticated patterns that infuse character into your wax seals.
• UV Paints: Bring an extraordinary dimension to your designs with UV-reactive paints. Create fascinating patterns and shapes that glow under UV light, making your wax seals come alive in the dark.
• Pigments: Explore the use of sun-activated and bold pigments. This module will teach you how to skillfully blend these pigments with wax to achieve striking effects.
• Figures, Pearls & Stones: Learn to embed figures, pearls, and stones into your wax seals, adding layers and depth. Kathryn’s techniques will guide you on how to seamlessly integrate these elements into your designs.

Key Features of the Course:

• Self-Paced Learning: Enjoy the flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule, ideal for anyone looking to balance learning with personal and professional commitments.
• Comprehensive Modules: Each part of the course is packed with detailed instructions and step-by-step guides, ensuring you grasp every technique thoroughly.
• Exclusive Access: Get a rare peek into the personal techniques and artistic innovations that have positioned Kathryn Hastings as a leading figure in wax seal artistry.

This is more than just a course—it's an invitation to be part of a vibrant community of creators who share a passion for the beauty and tradition of wax seals.

PS: The full retreat vision board if you'd like to see it...

Wishing you a week of imagination, slowness and serendipitous blessings,

Kay