I don’t even know where to begin—my heart remains overflowing with joy and gratitude from all the incredible experiences we shared together from May 13–15 at Camp Geneva, in Holland, MI.
From the moment the first members arrived, there was something in the air… a mix of joy, anticipation, and the quiet knowing that something truly special was about to happen. And it did.
Over the course of three incredible days, 40 Cartonnage Club members gathered from across the country to do what we love most: create, connect, and make something meaningful with our hands. This wasn’t just about boxes (though we made 40 beautiful ones!). It was about friendship, stories, laughter, learning, and that deep feeling of belonging that only happens when you're surrounded by people who share your passion.
Once the room was set and ready to begin, the first thing that impressed us all was the number of cartonnage boxes each member brought to organize their tools. We had MANY toolboxes, double toolboxes, organizers, etc! Cartonnage was everywhere, on the snack table, in the crafting space, on every member’s table. It was amazing to see how each person brought their love for cartonnage into every detail.
One of the most emotional moments for me was revealing this year’s exclusive retreat project: The Hidden Treasures Fabric Box. I had poured so much heart into this design, wanting it to feel surprising, inspiring, and symbolic. And as I shared during the retreat, this project came to me with such ease. It was different.
I’ve also put together a special video to share a glimpse of what made this retreat so unforgettable. You’ll see the heart of it all, the exact moment when I finally revealed the Hidden Treasures Fabric Box. Up until that point, no one knew what the project would be. They had only seen the outside of a closed box, and yet, they trusted the process completely. Hearing all the “wow”s around the room, watching eyes light up, and seeing those first fabric choices being made—it was incredible.
And the setting couldn’t have been better. The weather was beautiful (just look at that amazing sunset on the first day!), the lake views were calming, and the retreat room was buzzing with creativity. Everyone was kind, generous, and ready to help one another. THANK YOU FOR THAT MY FRIENDS! It felt like being wrapped in a big hug.
On the second day, things really started to take shape. As everyone worked on their box lids, we could see the creativity of our members, amazing fabric combinations, personal touches, and even a mix of techniques like quilting, embroidery, etc. We had lots of florals, a few surprise themes, boxes with a piece of meaningful fabric, and so much more. Here are some images of this beautiful work:
There were so many moments that truly touched me, like all of our informal conversations at the lunch or dinner table, our time together in a special meeting where I shared a lot of personal challenges I have been facing and how I am feeling so guided on my way to living following my true-self and my calling. Also, receiving all the incredible gifts some of the members that I call friends, made specially for me. In every one of them I feel the JOY and the love, so thank you SO much, appreciate and feel our connection!
The gifts also show the creativity in our group, and how different passions can be combined to add to the fun. From quilting arts representing the emotion behind our community - "Happy Gluing" to a scrapbook photo album, printed during the retreat, filled with beautiful memories from our time together where each member had added a small piece of fabric to represent themselves - and that for sure I will be looking at frequently to remind myself that we are together and that we can make the difference in the world - one box at a time!
On the last day, we saw every box come to life. What a moment! So much creativity and care in each one. I’ve added many photos to the Members Gallery inside the Cartonnage Club—click here to see. If you are wondering, the masking tapes you see in the pictures are part of the making process, and they are removed in the following day when we always have a wonderful time revealing the beautiful box we made!
As I look back through the photos and videos, what I see is so much more than just handmade projects. I see courage, joy, connection, and creativity. This retreat reminded me exactly why I love what I do and how deeply grateful I am for this amazing community we’ve built together.
I know many of us are going through different personal challenges, and having this time to create, connect, and breathe—it meant so much to me. I hope it meant something special to you too.
To everyone who joined us: thank you for making it so unforgettable.
And if you couldn’t be there this time—don’t worry. We’ll be sharing more soon… and there’s always a next time to look forward to (we will try to make this an annual event!)
And in case you are curious to learn about our Cartonnage Club and maybe be part of this incredible group - check it out here.
With love,
Claudia
