What’s in the box we found in an antique shop in France?

Above: See this odd little box? We discovered it at an antique shop in France

on my previous retreat. Can you guess what’s inside? Read on!

Because as visual people, we love odd and delightful objects. Stuff we’re not accustomed to seeing. Different sensibilities. Lettering and design from a different era.

I find exploring a quirky vintage shop as exciting as going to a museum–sometimes even more so! Plus, in Europe, this American gal delights in all the old, old, old things. They tell stories. They reveal other times. And the typography! So gorgeous! That’s why we’ve included visiting some antique shops on my upcoming Lettering Retreat in Spain October 2025

On my previous retreat in France one of the gang discovered this intriguing black leather box. (I forget who it was. If you know, shoot me an email!)

That’s why I love European antique shops.

That’s why we’ve included a day trip to charming antique shops on the Lettering Retreat in Spain October 2025. We’ll wander the tiled and cobbled streets, stop for lunch, and poke around like the visual maniacs we are and love to be!

We’ll plow through old books, odd pharmaceutical bottles, maybe a tarot deck or two, lots of oddities and delights waiting to be discovered.

Oooh, I can’t wait to tell you about them—from vintage shops to an Andalusian botanical paradise to wandering the quaint streets of a Spanish seaside village. Read on.

BOOK YOUR TRIP HERE.

A highlight of our trip to Almería is the chance to explore its charming vintage shops, or “tiendas de segunda mano,” where who knows what treasures we’ll

find. We’ll also bop into a local art supply store and obsess over any art supplies we don’t already own. If time allows, we’ll immerse ourselves in the enriching Museo de Arte de Almería, where the historical Museo de Arte Doña Pakyta showcases 19th- and 20th-century art, and the modern Espacio 2 celebrates contemporary works. We’ll wrap up our outing with a delicious lunch at a traditional Almería restaurant.

We’ll begin our day as always with a delicious breakfast and coffee before setting off on our own comfy bus (I know; I said that already but I love that we get our own comfy bus and just to mention, on my last retreat, we all had a crush on our bus tour guide). Ok, so as I was saying, we’ll enjoy a peaceful journey to a hidden, quirky little Andalusian botanical paradise nestled in the rolling hills of Almería. About an hour’s drive away, this enchanting garden to an small, but eccentric, garden with 1,450 exotic and carnivorous plants. I didn’t make that up!

You can savor the beauty with your camera or simply with your actual eyes if you prefer, while we feel inspired by nature’s rather obsessive desire to wow us with originality.

Our guide will show us around and I know I’ll want to ask about the 1,450 EXOTIC AND CARNIVOROUS PLANTS!

After our morning art studio time, we’re off to San José, a charming bohemian village by the sea. Just a short 30-minute drive through the stunning Cabo de Gata Natural Park, this former fishing village is now a tranquil retreat known for its pristine beaches and authentic local cuisine. We’ll enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant before exploring at our own pace—stroll through the town, take in the views, or even dip your toes in the sea if the weather’s right.

As the sun sets over the azure waves, we’ll head back to the venue for a relaxed and delicious dinner, sharing stories, laughter, and perhaps a glass of wine with the group.

Read all about the day trips and all the goodness of this retreat here.

I can’t wait to spend a week with you—exploring, creating, and sharing our love of lettering in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Let’s sip coffee in the garden, wander through the estate, and make art that feeds the soul.

Book your place here.

xo

Instructor, Color Quest Art Retreat, Portugal, March 2025

Instructor, Lettering Art Retreat, Spain, October 2025

Instructor, CreativeBug

Columnist, Uppercase Magazine

Author, I Just Like to Make Things