A Collage Community Gathering

An in-person weekend for members of
The Vintage & Collage Club

April 16-19, 2026
Hayes Mansion, San José, California

Three days of creating, exchanging, and connecting with people who love collage as much as you do.

For the first time, members of the Vintage & Collage Club are gathering in person to create together.

We’ll meet at the historic Hayes Mansion in San José — a restored 1905 estate surrounded by gardens, quiet work spaces, and room to spread out and make.

This weekend is about:

  • Creating side-by-side with people who enjoy the same kind of art you do

  • Meeting others who get just as excited about vintage paper

  • Exchanging handmade ATCs in-person

  • Going home with a small project that captures the experience we shared

    No pressure to be perfect. Just making together.

What’s included:

  • Welcome reception Thursday evening

  • Workspace for two days (and nights)

  • Materials to create a handmade journal, ATCs, and a correspondence art project

  • Access to an abundance of stamps and postal ephemera from the SJ Stamp Club

  • Access to the community paper exchange table

  • Light guidance and creative prompts to support the experience

  • A warm, encouraging space to create at your own pace

Participants are encouraged to bring:
A large manila envelope of vintage paper scraps to contribute to the exchange table
(your scraps may be just what someone else has been searching for)

What You’ll Leave With

  • A meaningful collection of shared art — a handmade journal filled with ATCs exchanged with fellow members. Every card represents someone you met, created beside, and connected with over the weekend

  • Two or three completed collage projects created during our work sessions, designed to help you explore new approaches and keep your creativity flowing long after you’re home

  • Curated materials and new paper treasures started from a set of new materials that you will transform into keepsakes

  • Creative friendships and a true sense of belonging among people who understand your love of vintage paper and collage

How the Weekend Will Flow

Thursday afternoon
Arrivals + Check-In
Evening Welcome Reception & Meet & Greet
(Dinner is provided)

Friday
Morning Opening + Project Overview
Full Day of Creating (workspace open through the day and evening)
Optional Games & Activities in the Evening
(Breakfast and lunch are provided)

Saturday
Continued Creating
Art Exchange Celebration in the Afternoon
(Breakfast and lunch are provided)

Sunday
Pack Up, Farewells, and Departures

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

Costs

Event Ticket: $900 per person
This covers the full three-day gathering, all project materials, workspace access, and several meals throughout the weekend.

Meals Included:

  • Thursday: Welcome reception with a full dinner

  • Friday: Breakfast and lunch

  • Saturday: Breakfast and lunch

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.

Travel and additional meals are not included, so you can plan according to your own preferences.

The value behind your retreat ticket

Your ticket supports a carefully planned weekend that feels smooth, uplifting, and genuinely worth the trip. It includes:

  • A welcoming environment built to help you feel comfortable, included, and creatively engaged

  • Materials and supplies chosen to spark your creative energy

  • A dedicated workspace with natural light where you can spread out, experiment, and share your process

  • Time with 30 like-minded members who bring encouragement, conversation, and inspiration

  • A clear, organized flow so the weekend runs comfortably for everyone

Q&A

Can I share a hotel room?

Yes, there are several double rooms (2 queen beds) that are available. This is perfect for two people who would like to share a single room and split the cost.

What supplies should I bring?

Margarete will supply the paper and products needed for the individual projects. You are encouraged to bring your own glue sticks and a pair of scissors (we will discuss travel rules for bringing scissors later) though she will have plenty to share if needed. If you have favorite rubber stamps + inks, feel free to bring them.

Can I bring my spouse or any other relative?

Yes, you can. A ticket allows participation for an individual person, however. If your relative would like to participate, they will need a ticket.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Tickets are non refundable but you may resell your ticket to anyone in the membership who is interested in purchasing it. Margarete will help you with sharing/posting and getting the word out.

Is there a shuttle from the airport to Hayes Mansion?

No, there is not. However, many people will be arriving at San José airport likely around the same time on Thursday. There will be opportunities to coordinate with others to rideshare together.

If you want to spend a few days making, sharing, and connecting,
come sit with us.

Get my ticket

What happens after you purchase your ticket?

Margarete will send you a confirmation email that includes the link to the shared space in the Club House where we will be in communication with others attending.

Hayes Mansion will provide a separate link for you to reserve your room within our block of rooms. Margarete will post the link in the shared space, along with the details from the hotel, when she gets access to it.