2026 Dot Art Retreat

It’s been a couple of months since our 2026 Dot Art Retreat, and the glow of that weekend still hasn’t faded. I’ve been wanting to share a little recap — not just of what we made, but of the experience we shared. It truly was an amazing time filled with creativity, connection, laughter, and those small magical moments that stay with you long after the suitcases are unpacked.                

🌿 Fallbrook, California

Our first annual Dot Art Retreat was held in beautiful Fallbrook, California — a small city tucked among rolling hills and family farms in northern San Diego County. The area’s rich agricultural heritage includes honey, olives, lemons, strawberries, tomatoes, and of course, avocados. Fallbrook is known as the “Avocado Capital of the World,” and it sits conveniently about an hour north of San Diego and an hour south of Orange County.

🎉 Welcome!

This 4‑day/3‑night retreat was so much more than just a workshop. Because everything took place in a home, it became a space to meet, laugh, relax, and truly connect with other like‑minded, creative people. It’s amazing how fourteen women — most of whom had never met — could walk into a house as strangers and, within minutes, feel like they’d known each other for years.

🎁 Goodie Bags & Gifts

Everyone received two goodie bags plus a special hand‑painted pot with a plant inside. The bags were filled with thoughtful gifts, including some of my favorite things, and even a few handmade surprises created from the heart. And this was just the beginning!

 🎨 The Projects

We kicked things off with a warm‑up project: a sweet little suncatcher. Our main project was a 14” mandala, complete with handmade polymer beads created especially for the retreat. The projects were creative, colorful, and full of surprises — including one unexpected twist that kept everyone smiling.

 🧪 Mini Classes

Our mini‑classes gave everyone a chance to learn new techniques, and there was always something happening in the workroom. The classes included:

• UV resin

• AB resin

• Polymer clay

• Pebeo paints

If someone needed help, ten hands were suddenly there. The energy was supportive, collaborative, and full of joy.

🛋 The Workspace

The workspace was incredible. Everyone had their own 6’ table with lighting, extra electrical outlets, and an office chair. Whether you were an early bird or a night owl, the workspace never closed. If you wanted to take a nap, grab a snack, or simply hang out, there were plenty of cozy spots to do so.

🍽 The Food

And the food… oh my goodness. Dana and Sherry were an absolute dream team — delicious meals, endless snacks, and a playlist from Sherry that set the perfect tone for every moment. The kitchen setup was perfect for serving meals and keeping everyone happily fed throughout the retreat.

🎁 Raffles Galore

We also had an amazing raffle with so many wonderful items donated by generous friends and supporters. Everyone walked away with something fantastic, and the excitement around each drawing added so much fun to the weekend.

💛 The Magic of Community

But the real magic wasn’t in the projects or the food — it was in the people.

In the way everyone lifted each other up.

The connection.

The laughter.

The support.

The friendships that formed so naturally it felt like destiny.

We arrived as strangers.

We left as The OG Retreat Peeps — a little family born out of creativity, kindness, and shared joy.

A huge thank you to each person who attended for making this retreat everything I hoped it would be… and so much more.

📅 Looking Ahead to 2027

And yes — plans for the 2027 retreat are already underway! Everyone has next year’s retreat on their calendar, and we’ve even added another day.

Mark your calendars for April 21–25, 2027.   More information will be coming soon!