Glamp Inn Paint Retreat : Creativity, Connection & Chairs That Tell a Story
- Tracey Bellion
- 12 hours ago
- 6 min read
I just wrapped up what I believe was my eighth furniture painting retreat.... and somehow, these weekends keep getting better and better. Every single time I think, "It can't possibly top the last one," and then....BOOM....the women prove me wrong all over again!
This was our very first time retreating at The Glamp Inn in Round Top, Texas, and let me tell you..... it will not be our last! With indoor trailers, glamping tents, and cozy indoor campers, it was the perfect setup for a weekend of painting, gathering, and bonding. We've already locked in the next two retreats because it simply felt like home.
The owners....Kaci and Sterling.....were born to create and manage a venue such as this. You can't NOT love them!
This was one of the biggest groups of brand new faces I've ever welcomed into my Tracey's Fancy community. Women from all over showed up with open hearts...ready to create something meaningful on their blank chairs!
We had:
Renowned artists
Furniture painters and rehabbers
Women who've taught paint lessons for years
And TOTAL BEGINNERS who had never painted a thing in their life!
Within hours, that beautiful mix of experience and inexperience turned into the most natural, heartfelt mentorship I've ever witnessed. Women cheering for women. Advice passed around like candy. Tears, laughter, breakthroughs, and breakthroughs on chairs. It renewed my faith in humanity all over again. There really are so many good people in this world and its the greatest honor to bring them together, one retreat at a time.
The Prep: Everything It Takes To Get Ready
Before the retreat happens, there's the behind the scene chaos: the packing, the loading, the supplies, the checklists and the last minute runs to the store. In all honesty it takes a good 6 months to plan for these events. But this video gives you a peek into what it looks like in the days JUST BEFORE the event.
I am incredibly blessed to have the best team ever! I could never pull these events off by myself!
From the moment we open registration, set up by my lovely assistant Laura who handles all of my website set up so I can even sell the event, to hands on help at home by my husband Matt who is there to lift me when I am just too tired to keep moving, my two sons Blake and Brody who haul and lift, my sister Lori who helped on so many levels with printing cups, stuffing swag bags, encouraging community in my online group and then even catering at the venue, my daughter Hailey who was in charge of all videography and photos which is vital to capture the energy of the event.....not to mention the sunshine that she brings just by being present, my son-in-law Trevor who brought the gift of his music to play and sing at our party, my long time friend Rowena who took on the thankless job of feeding us all by shopping and cooking for days ahead.... and she killed it.... and then my retreat assist Miss Daina....who's attended every retreat to date and has been brought on as an official assist to help me in teaching every single attendee there!
There are so many others that are always willing to help.....you know who you are.....and your help NEVER goes unnoticed!
Paint Retreat Day One: Arrival + First Day of Painting
The moment we arrived at The Glamp Inn, we were greeted by marquee signs on the road! What a nice touch by Kaci and Sterling! We unloaded what felt like 1000 boxes of paint and food (so much food).....40+ chairs.....set up the longest row of tables ever.....and got everything ready to receive the women with open arms!
Over the course of the first day, women began to arrive, in single, in pairs and even by car load, having traveled from both the east and west coast by plane, car, and Uber drivers!
As the artist and teacher, I have had the opportunity to bond with these people for years in the online space. But very few of them have I ever met in person! I cannot put into words how excited and anxious I feel as they trickle in one by one until I hug their neck!!!
That moment that I get to hear their voice as they say their name, then hug their neck and then look them in the eye and say "I am SO happy to finally meet you" all anxiousness leaves me and a warmth takes its place! It's instant and comfortable and the bond is real!
The first evening of painting is where the creative wheels start turning even though it's only prep and prime day! Brushes come out, conversations start, friendships begin as they paint side by side, and the first signs of transformation begin. Some women came in confident, some not so much....it is here that they ended the night just learning to trust the process.
The night ends with all chairs primed and the playing fields leveled. Tomorrow is a new day and will bring new things!
Paint Retreat Day Two: Designs come to Life!!
Day two is when the chairs get their color. You can literally feel (and hear) the buzz and excitement in the building! Ideas are discussed, color palettes are chosen, music is playing and everyone locks in with the utmost focus! I LOVE this day!!!!
Paint Retreat Day Three: Detail Day + Fun Mini Projects
This is detail day......and the day that tends to bring the most stress for many! They feel the ticking of the clock and the pressure of time limits. This is also the day that the sisterhood kicks into high gear. I watch as those that have finished lend helping hands to those that have not! They gather around those that need it....with encouragement and cheer to help them cross that finish line. It's a beautiful sight to see.....and one I always look forward to.
This is also the day that we take a break from our large project to add some more fun and whimsy to our creative space with a mini project!
The End-of-Retreat Dance Party with LIVE Music by Trevor Underwood
We wrapped up the weekend with a dace party that none of us will forget, thanks to my precious son-in-law Trevor Underwood. He so lovingly volunteered his time from his very busy schedule to offer us not only entertainment....but the perfect way to close a retreat filled with creativity, kindness and connection.
The ladies loved him.....and he even told my daughter...."these ladies are our people"!!! You can learn more about Trevors music journey and quick rise to notoriety in the country music world by visiting his website https://www.trevorunderwood.com/ as well as all social media platforms.....and stream his music from all streaming services! I'm a VERY proud bonus mom of his and quite possibly his biggest fan
The Big Reveal ---- Every Woman and Every Chair
Each woman stood proudly with her finished chair, and I captured a short clip of every single one! These reveal moments are my favorite part.....the joy, the confidence, the "I can't believe I did this" glow!
This video is so much more than painted chairs. It's a spotlight on women who chose to step into their creativity....and out of their comfort zones. Women who packed their bags, traveled from near and far, and invested in themselves....their nes, their growth and their gifts. Each clip is a story! A story of connection, of new friendships, of late night problem solving and cheering each other one.
Join Me for the Next Retreat!
If you've been curious about attending one of these retreats.....I have good news!
We just announced the Fall 2026 retreat.... and it's open for registration!
If you are reading this and find the event to already have filled....PLEASE don't be discouraged! Add your name to my event waitlist and I will notify you if we have an opening!
I would love to paint and celebrate with you one day soon!
Paint Retreat Fall 2025: Final Thoughts...
As I drove away from The Glamp Inn, my heart was overflowing and I felt so incredibly thankful!
Thankful for every woman who trusted me enough to join. Thankful for the mentors who naturally emerged and lifted up the beginners. Thankful for this community that continues to grow in the most beautiful ways.
JOIN ME FOR MORE...with Curiously Creative
If you enjoyed this but aren't quite ready for a full retreat, I would love it if you joined my exclusive online creative group, Curiously Creative. I show up LIVE to guide you through every step of updating, upcycling, crafting, and creating on-trend home decor and gift-giving ideas!
Want more fancy furniture & design?
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