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Collage on a Canvas
Workshop
An afternoon workshop where you'll turn your own photos, letters, and paper treasures into a collage you can actually hang on your wall.
July 11, 2026
Hayes Mansion, San José, California
2:00pm - 5:00pm
What we're making
You know that box of old photos you never know what to do with? Or the stack of letters from your grandmother? The postcards from trips you've taken?
This afternoon, we're going to do something with them.
Together, we'll collage those paper pieces onto a canvas — layering, arranging, and building something that tells a story. Something you'll actually want to put on your wall when you get home.
No art experience needed. I'll guide you through the whole thing.
What’s included:
One canvas (or two smaller ones — your choice)
Glue and all the adhesives you'll need
Vintage book pages and background papers to fill things out
Vintage postage stamps to add to your collage
My guidance the whole time — we'll work through placement, focal points, and composition together
All you need to bring is your own paper treasures — and a willingness to play.
What to bring:
Great choices
Old family photos (copies are fine)
Letters, envelopes, handwritten notes
Vintage postcards or greeting cards
Old maps, newspaper clippings, book pages
Papers that connect to a theme you love — travel, a specific decade, a place
Anything printed on paper that feels meaningful
Things to think about
Bring more than you think you'll need — it's much better to have options
Use photocopies of anything irreplaceable
You don't need a theme, but having one makes it easier to get started
Scissors are helpful but not required — tearing paper is a perfectly good technique
How to prepare
Pick a direction. It doesn't have to be complicated. Family history, a favorite era, a place you love, a color palette — anything gives you a starting point.
Gather papers loosely. Don't edit too hard. Bring things you're drawn to and we'll figure out together what works.
Make photocopies. If you're bringing anything precious, make copies at your local print shop. You'll be gluing things down, and that's that.
Come curious and open. The afternoon is for making, experimenting, and enjoying the process. The goal is to make something, learn something, and enjoy the afternoon.
Stay for dinner
Hayes Mansion has a wonderful restaurant on site, and I'll be staying for dinner after the workshop. I'd love for you to join me.
Dinner is separate from the workshop and not included in the price — but the restaurant is genuinely lovely, the setting is beautiful, and it's a nice way to end an afternoon of creating. Think of it as the optional part that makes the whole day feel like a real treat.
Location
Hayes Mansion
San José, California
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The mansion grounds offer room to walk, sit outside at the patio, or simply take breaks to relax and recharge
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is 20-25 minutes away
The San José Diridon Train Station is also 20 minutes away
Hotel Stay:
Rooms at Hayes Mansion are $189 + tax per night with our group rate.
Hotel reservations are separate from your event ticket, and booking details will be provided after registration.
Collage is a skill, not a talent. The more you do it, the better you get.
This afternoon is a great place to start — or to keep going.