The Wonderment Weekend
$ 795.00
Join us for a celebration of art and whimsy
Are you a curious creative? Do you dare to play? Would making more time just for you bring you more joy? Join us for a whimsical journey to open your heart and mind. Explore with abandon as we engage the artist within through discover, practice and creativity.
With each class you’ll play with new mediums, work through a variety of projects, and connect with others on their wonderment journey. Imagine awe-filled days in an enchanted bungalow with other creative souls. A leisurely pace of inspiring experiences, sharing, making and lots of play.
Creativity helps us break free from modern living and provides a fresh perspective for renewed vitality. This weekend is an opportunity to make time to love yourself, radical acceptance through embracing joy. We shall summon our secret strengths, our creative genius, and live boldy from the heart.
April 23 - 25, 2026
The Experiences
Ready. Set. Flow.
Finding Flow is an adventure from head to heart to hands. Through intention setting warmups we will dive into the Open Hand concept. To truly open our minds and hearts, we must release control and be receptive to our unlimited potential. Open Hands reminds us what is truly important, our relationship with ourselves and then ultimately others. We will use mono printing, collage, and mixed media to express our intention for the weekend. Sparks of joy shall fly…
Stars of Joy
Reach high, for stars that lie hidden in your soul. Day Two is all about finding and telling our story. What do we hold dear? Who are we at our core? What do we need to express? What would we like to share with the world? Exploring the limitless possibilities of ‘zines* we will create mini works of wonder. Through the beauty of your authentic self, and untethered joy, the whimsical you will emerge. Find the joie de vivre in flow state and immerse yourself in your truth. The world needs your voice, your heart, your magic.
*zines (zeen): a handmade booklet that is photocopied and distributed in small quantities for the purpose of sharing your ideas and perspectives. This DIY platform is perfect for art, niche interests and personal stories.
Your Guides
Tona Bell
Things that haven’t been done before, those are the things to try.
Specializing in the impossible, Tona believes we all need a little nonsense now and then. She is a teacher, aspiring author, and creative soul who encourages everyone to step away from the screens and keep in touch with themselves and others. She is the creative director and founder of The Paper Seahorse. Through online and in person workshops and retreats, the studio is a haven for community and resource for connections. Tona believes that we all need to put pen to paper and use our hands to express what is in our heads and hearts. She is surrounded by a team of dynamic cats and birds that help her connect to the magic of everyday.
Caroline Martinez
Creativity is such a deeply personal experience, let it be authentically yours.
Caroline is an expert-level eclectic. She believes following your artistic intuition is about mixing style, color and pattern, the bolder the better! She is an energetic, crafty lady—wife, mom, and lifelong artist-on-the-side—who approaches creativity with joyful freedom and a love for all things colorful. With a passion for documenting and drawn to vintage treasures and a maximalist design aesthetic, paper crafting and journaling have remained at the heart of her work. When she’s not creating, you can find her thrifting for inspiration, listening to rock music, watching scary movies, and enjoying life with the incredible people—and pets—who make her feel truly lucky.
Mini Retreat: April 23 - 25, 2026 (Thursday – Saturday)
Thursday April 23rd - Welcome Reception + Registration
Friday April 24th – Day 1 workshops and evening free play
Saturday April 25th - Day 2 workshops and evening free play
You’ll spend each day at The Paper Seahorse, with breaks for lunch and dinner.
This two-day retreat features three immersive workshops (all supplies included), swag bag, make-and-takes, catered lunches, snacks and light refreshments throughout the day, and extra time for free play! In addition to wonderful workshops, there will be plenty of time for meditating, knitting/crochet, sketching or to simply be.
Event is limited to 16 participants
Weekend Cost: $795 USD, a deposit of $300 is due at the time of registration. Remainder due by February 26, 2026 (after February 26, 2026, payment in full.) Includes all materials, supplies, two lunches, coffee and tea/refreshments daily. Welcome kit and all workshops.
Open the door to serendipity, find new inspiration and curiosity.
Discover places to stay and things to do while visiting The Paper Seahorse here.
The Fine Print
Cancellation + Refunds: After February 26, 2026 there are no refunds. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. There are no exceptions. All requests for refunds must be received in writing before February 26, 2026. There is the option to have someone else take your spot before March 26, 2026, however we must be notified in advance and in writing of all changes. In the case of; acts of God, war, disaster or unforeseen circumstances, The Paper Seahorse reserves the right to reschedule this workshop.
Release + Waiver: By registering for this event, you have read the above policy information and agree to assume all risk of personal harm or injury relating to or resulting from your presence on the premises of The Paper Seahorse, and/or your participation in any workshop or activity associated with The Wonderment Weekend. You release and hold harmless The Paper Seahorse, its staff, volunteers and instructors, as to liability for any such harm or injury. You agree that this is a contract and that it expresses your intent to release prospective negligence claims and all other claims for personal injuries.