Back for year two, Brenda Vynalek, a weaver and artist, has designed this unique experience to help women reconnect with their creativity and find peace through nature and art. Rock wrapping is an art form with its roots in the Japanese tradition of wrapping rocks in natural cane, using Japanese basketry and knotting techniques. In Japan, these wrapped rocks, known as tome ishi, are often used to guide traffic within a tea garden. This art form encourages quiet contemplation, peace, and serenity.
Participants will gather on over 300 acres of private meadows and woodland in Lyme. We will peacefully walk down to a tranquil river, where you will carefully select a river rock from the riverbed for your project. The smooth stones from the riverbed provide calming and healing energy on deep physical and emotional levels.
For generations, Native Americans have held river rocks in high esteem because they contain the energy of both water and land, two elements working together to create something beautiful and auspicious. River rocks are believed to possess the healing qualities of both these elements. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the spirituality of the river and connect with its life force. Each river has its own spirit, meandering and flowing in a way that reflects its landscape and surroundings. Rivers can be a source of guidance and friendship if we are open to feeling and listening.
Brenda will provide instructions and guidance on creating a serenity stone using various wrapping techniques and natural materials. This experience is deeply grounding due to its sensory aspects—you feel the weight and texture of the stone in your hands, the softness of the fibers, and the calming effect of wrapping the rock in a pattern. The most delightful part of the day... sitting on the bank of a stunning river in the forest, dipping your feet into the water, as you engage in the art of river rock wrapping.
We will close our time together, expressing gratitude to the river for its gifts and asking the river's spirit to infuse our creations with healing energy. We will conclude in our sharing circle, sharing our creations and thoughts on the experience while enjoying herbal tea.
Details
The location details will be shared with you the week of the event. This unique gathering takes place on more than 300 acres of private property nestled between Hadlyme and East Haddam. Please note, there are no bathroom facilities available on site.
Please bring bug/tick spray and sunscreen.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and a wide-brim hat for sun protection.
Please bring water, etc.
If you would like to wade into the river, we recommend wearing water shoes equipped with grips for safety. The bottom of the river is very rocky and slippery.
Please feel free to bring any talismans, or items you hold special to include in your creation.
This offering is open to 10 women.
Investment: $40.00
