This summer, I learned something profound by putting myself out there and syncing up with the creativity of others. I stepped away from isolation and embraced co-creation, and it was a transformative experience. It reminded me of the power of play and how joy and creativity flourish when we approach things with a childlike wonder.
When I create independently, I often fall into patterns I know, ones I’ve synced up with over time. But when I collaborate and let someone else take the wheel, a whole new world of possibilities opens up. There’s something magical about letting a mind you don’t fully understand lead the way, especially when that mind belongs to a child. Their ideas are raw, unfiltered, and full of unexpected brilliance.
I enjoyed sharing the dash-dyeing process this summer with Cassie Ellis’s son, PJ. He’s part of our Joy in Motion community, bringing vibrant energy to our creative sessions. We set up under the tent, surrounded by my 150 color swatches, and I explained how dash dyeing works—the pigments, the blending, the flow. But then, I stepped back. PJ took control. He chose the colors, decided how they would move across the fabric, and guided the process.
It was incredible watching him. PJ gravitated toward bright blue, green, and red—colors that reflected his fiery, vibrant spirit. As he poured out pigment, I saw something emerge that I couldn’t have created alone. His creativity unfolded instantly, right before us, as dash dyeing allows you to immediately see the pattern reveal itself. Unlike other methods, like ice dyeing, where the final reveal is the big moment, dash dyeing offers an ongoing, interactive experience. You see your choices play out in real-time, and that’s where the magic happens.
What struck me most was how naturally PJ connected with the colors he loved. Children have this unique ability to express themselves purely through color without overthinking. There’s no hesitation, no worrying about how things will turn out. PJ’s confidence and curiosity filled the space with a contagious energy, reminding me that sometimes, the best way to create is to play.
That’s the essence of dash dyeing for me. It’s about freedom—freedom from rules, expectations, and rigid patterns. Whether you’re a child or an adult, it’s a chance to rediscover what makes you feel alive and what colors resonate with your true self. And the best part? You’re in charge. You pick the colors. You decide how they blend, how they flow, and how you want your piece to look.
So, as I reflect on this summer of co-creation, I invite you to embrace the same childlike wonder PJ brought to our dye sessions. Whether you’re participating in an intuitive dye session or exploring my color collections, let go of the need to know everything upfront. Let your heart guide you toward the shades that speak to you.
Dash dyeing isn’t just about creating a scarf, a wrap, or a shirt—it’s about discovering how you want to be seen and how you want to feel. And when you do, you might find that you’re not just creating something beautiful on the outside but mending and expressing parts of yourself you didn’t even know needed healing.
Let’s color your world to reflect your most authentic self. I support your vision, whether it’s bold blues, fiery reds, or soft pastels. Just like PJ, you have the power to create something extraordinary.
