Tami Macala's Todos Santos Retreats
Workshop Invitation
If you've always wanted to work with authentic Mexican smalti, there is no better place to learn than Mexico.
During this five-day workshop, you'll learn the techniques I use in my own mosaic work while creating a beautiful piece of your own in the relaxed atmosphere of Todos Santos. Whether you're new to mosaics or have years of experience, this workshop is designed to meet you where you are.
My goal is to help you feel confident working with Mexican smalti while giving you plenty of individual guidance throughout the week. We'll focus on developing good habits, understanding the materials, and enjoying the creative process without feeling rushed.
Before the retreat, we'll discuss your design so you arrive prepared and ready to begin creating from the first day.
Student works from the Todos Santos Mosaic Art Retreat
What You'll Make & Learn
Each participant will create an original mosaic on either a 12" × 12" or 11" × 14" Wits End Mosaic EZ Frame substrate.
Throughout the week you'll learn:
How to work confidently with authentic Mexican smalti
How to cut and shape smalti using proper techniques
How to create beautiful movement and andamento
How to use black tinted mortar (thinset) as both an adhesive and design element
Alternative adhesive options for those who prefer a different working method
Tips for planning your composition before setting your first piece
Techniques for creating clean, professional results
Individual problem-solving and design guidance throughout the workshop
This workshop is intentionally kept small so everyone receives plenty of one-on-one instruction.
Workshop Structure
Instruction takes place over five days, typically from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Each morning begins with a demonstration, followed by plenty of hands-on instruction as you work on your own mosaic. I spend the week moving throughout the studio, offering individual guidance, answering questions, and helping you work through each stage of your project.
After our formal studio hours end, you're welcome to continue working in the studio if you'd like a little extra creative time.
Prior to the retreat, you'll choose your design. If you are new to my retreat, I ask that we discuss your design ahead of time to make sure it is achievable for our week together. Once your design is decided, you will shop for the appropriate Mexican smalti colors and have your design enlarged to the size of your substrate. On the first day of the workshop, we'll transfer your image and begin bringing it to life in Mexican smalti.
You'll Leave With
A solid understanding of working with Mexican smalti
Greater confidence using mosaic tools and adhesives
Professional techniques you can apply to future projects
Individual feedback and instruction tailored to your experience level
New friendships and wonderful memories from a week of creating in Todos Santos
Materials
Each participant is required to bring:
One 12" × 12" or 11" × 14" Wits End Mosaic EZ Frame substrate
A minimum of four pounds of Mexican smalti from Smalti.com
An enlarged image printed to the size of your substrate
Tools and Materials Provided:
Wheeled Nippers
Tweezers
Picks
Spatula
Diamond file sanding sponge
Pencils, rulers, Sharpies
Tracing paper
Adhesives
At the end of our retreat, you'll take your mosaic home with you, whether it's finished or still in progress. I never want anyone to rush just to say it's complete. This week is about learning, asking questions, trying new techniques, and enjoying the process. If your mosaic needs a little more time once you're home, that's perfectly okay.
No matter your experience level, you'll be welcomed into a supportive and encouraging environment. With more than twenty years of teaching mosaics, I'll help you build new skills, solve challenges along the way, and enjoy the process of creating with one of my favorite materials.
Retreat Experience & Setting
Todos Retreats offers more than time in the studio. It gives you the chance to slow down, settle into a different rhythm, and spend a week creating alongside people who share your love of art.
Our home for the week is Los Colibris Casitas, a peaceful boutique retreat overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Mornings begin in our open-air studio with the waves crashing just below you. Throughout the day you'll enjoy delicious meals prepared by our two personal chefs, quiet moments to recharge, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow artists.
When you're not creating, there's time to enjoy everything that makes Todos Santos so special. Wander through colorful streets lined with galleries and local shops, take a walk on the beach, relax by the pool, or simply sit with a cup of coffee and watch the birds and ocean from your casita. There is no pressure to fill every moment. You can be as active or as relaxed as you choose.
Located just an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos feels like a different world. This historic artist colony has long attracted painters, sculptors, writers, and makers who are drawn to its incredible light, natural beauty, and creative energy. It's a welcoming community that embraces visitors, making it easy to understand why so many artists return year after year.
By the end of the week, most guests leave with more than new artwork. They leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and already thinking about when they can come back.
Retreat Details
Retreat Price: $2,899 (double occupancy)
- $1,450 deposit to reserve your spot
- Balance due 90 days before retreat
Partner Plan: $1,599 (includes all activities except the workshop)
Single Room Supplement: $650 (limited availability)
Retreat Limited to: 12 students
What’s Included
- Airport transfers to/from San José del Cabo (SJD)
(Must arrive by 2pm on retreat arrival day and depart 2pm or later for flight on retreat departure day). If you cannot arange travel within that window of time, there are other transfer options available. - 6 nights lodging at Los Colibris Casitas
- Welcome dinner & reception with Chef Iker
- 6 full breakfasts & 5 lunches prepared by Chef Martin
- Refreshing agua fresca throughout the workday
- Evening transportation into town
- Final night cooking class & dinner with Chef Iker
Tentative Itinerary (Subject to change)
The tentative itinerary below offers a preview of the experiences planned for the Todos Santos Retreat. While subject to change, it reflects our commitment to creating an engaging, inspiring, and memorable creative retreat. Each activity has been thoughtfully chosen to enrich your time with us.
Day 1: Arrival; introductions and welcome dinner with Chef Iker
Day 2: Morning beach walk with Tami; workshop; dinner in town
Day 3: Workshop; gallery strolls; shopping in town; dinner in town
Day 4: Workshop; Poolside Grill night
Day 5: Workshop; optional shopping in town; dinner in town
Day 6: Workshop; group photo; cooking class & dinner with Chef Iker
Day 7: Departure (breakfast provided)
- Breakfast daily: 8:00–9:30 AM
- Workshop 9:30 - 1:30
- Lunch daily: 1:30 PM
- Optional studio time after lunch
Free Time & Optional Activities
There will be ample free time to explore Todos Santos and surrounding areas. Popular activities include beach walks, gallery visits, shopping, yoga, massage, and optional excursions through Todos Santos Eco Adventures. Room selection is based on the order of full payment received.
Learn more about the accomodations at Los Colibris Hotel and optional excursions at Todos Santos Eco Adventures and Todos Santos Eco Adventures Facebook.
Registration & Payment
To register or join the waitlist, contact Tami Macala at [email protected]
- Credit cards accepted (+4% processing fee) added to the full price of the retreat
Cancellation Policy
- 90+ days before retreat: Full refund minus $200 processing fee
- Less than 90 days: 50% refundable (deposit non-refundable)
- Less than 45 days: No refunds or credits unless retreat is canceled due to a government travel ban and the workshop is canceled.
All Cooped Up Productions, Inc. (SBSMA) have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. All Cooped Up Productions, Inc. (SBSMA) accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket or for canceled flights.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Please consider Travel Insurance and Travel Guard and Travel Off Path.
Participants should consider purchasing Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company.
Participants are responsible for all airline and travel arrangements.
About Tami the artist and instructor:
A professional mosaic artist and teacher, Tami has been creating art all her life and mosaic art for over 20 years. In 2009 she started the Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art based on her love for mosaic art and wanting to share her passion with other creative people. Tami and her husband Jerry also own Mosaic Arts Online and Create Arts Online. Both of these online schools are their full time job when they are not hosting retreats in Todos Santos or other parts of the world.
What to expect at the Todos Santos Mosaic Art Retreat
Please feel free to email or call Tami with any questions.
[email protected]