Hibernate & Create Hot Shops 2026: Groovy!
Celebrating all of the creativity in our lives!
Since our inaugural retreat at the Hot Shops Art Center in 2018, these creative gatherings have remained one of our favorite ways to collaborate. There’s a unique energy that arises when you bring people together to create, sparking smiles and happiness among participants, instructors, and hosts alike.
Our 2026 RETREAT will be groovy and bursting with creative energy! Our lineup of classes is truly exceptional, offering an enriching experience. Whether you join us for the entire weekend or just take a few classes, your creative spirit will be energized and inspired.
We like to think of this RETREAT as a “chose your own creative adventure” weekend with several options to fit your time and budget. Come for the creativity and savor the artistic encouragement and uplifting friendships that you will make throughout the weekend. It’s a weekend with dedicated time to work on your art and craft or to explore new ones with add-on classes.
Our classes are available individually, allowing you to pick and choose which ones to take. And be sure to invite your friends to join you.
Where: Hot Shops Art Center,
1301 Nicholas St, Omaha, Nebraska
Learn more about the venue
including info on nearby hotels
Creative options:
Option 1) Register for FULL RETREAT
Bring your own creative projects to work on for the weekend. The time and space is yours to sew, paint, draw, graphic design, make jewelry, stitching, scrapbooking, art journaling, gelli printing, and more!
This option includes dedicated creative space, 4 tasty meals, snacks & coffee bar, special attendee gifts and more! Keep on reading below for the full details!
Option 1 full-weekend registrations are limited to the first 24 registrations Registration does not include optional classes.
Classes
Classes, did you say classes? We’ve invited amazing instructors in a variety of mediums to offer classes throughout the weekend. All classes are offered “ala carte” so you can pick and choose the classes that are perfect for your creative interests and budget.
Classes are available to anyone! Sign up for a class or two (or many). There will be so many options to keep you busy with creative learning!
Bring a friend, family member, co-worker or meet a new friend!
RETREAT Registration Includes:
Dedicated creative space! Participants will have a shared 8′ x 30″ table.
Individual space is approximately 48″ wide by 30″ deep.
Limited electricity is available! “Sew yes” you can bring your sewing machine.
We’ll provide the iron & ironing board.
Two tasty lunches & two tasty dinners, beverage bar and snacks (lots of snacks) to energize you throughout the weekend! Amazing sweet treats are guaranteed!
Special gifts to welcome you and commemorate our time together!
We call this SWAG – Stuff We All Get!
The SWAG includes a T-shirt!
Free CREATE project on Friday Night – A Beaded Pen Bar!
We’ve invited To The Moon & Back Bead Bar & More to join us for RETREAT.
The first pen is included in your registration;
additional beaded pens and key chains are available for purchase.
Participate in the gift SWAP! (optional)
Attendees will bring one wrapped gift which they created, minimum value $10.
Gifts will be exchanged White Elephant Style following Saturday night dinner.
Make memories and meet new friends!
Registration does not include: Optional classes, overnight accommodations, travel to/from retreat or breakfast.
There are several hotels within walking distance of the Hot Shops Art Center and the Omaha airport is a short 10 minutes away. Visit the Venue page for more information.
Registration fees are non-refundable. (no exceptions)
Registration fees may only be transferred or sold to another participant on our waiting list via Hibernate & Create only. This is to help prevent scammers. Questions, email Kelli at hibernatecreate@gmail.com
All classes during the weekend are offered on an individual basis.
Register for one or register for many!
Just be mindful not to register for two classes during the same timeslot!
We are currently working with our fabulous instructors on the upcoming class list.
Updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page.
Day 1: Friday
11:00 am Welcome! and creative time begins
Optional afternoon classes
6:00 pm Dinner
Free creative project following dinner!
8:00 pm Retire for the evening
Day 2: Saturday
9:00 am Welcome! and creative time begins
Optional morning classes
12:00 pm Lunch
Optional afternoon classes
6:00 pm Dinner, Show & Tell, & SWAP!
8:00 pm Retire for the evening
Day 3: Sunday
9:00 am Welcome! and creative time begins
Optional morning classes
12:00 pm Lunch
Optional afternoon classes
5:00 pm Time to say goodbye with new friends and creative inspiration!
If you would like to be a Door Prize sponsor or provide small gifts or coupons for each participant, please contact Kelli at hibernatecreate@gmail.com
The fine print: In registering for the retreat or retreat classes, participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sweet Creative LLC DBA Degrees by Kelli or DBA as Hibernate and Create, the Hot Shop Art Center, Crystal Forge Studio and any event sponsors, instructors or volunteers from any and all causes and action which may arise from the Hibernate and Create Retreat. I grant permission for Hibernate and Create / Degrees by Kelli to use any photos, videotape, etc. taken of me, my products or classes in any and all publicity and advertising promoting the retreat. By signing the Registration Form or registering online, I Agree and acknowledge that the waiver has been read and understood and that I will abide by all Rules.