RAKU POTTERY, FROM CREATION TO FIRING

Andrea, ceramist

The workshop is divided in two stages. The first envisages the creation of two objects (a dish and a vase) by using manual techniques and various molds. This experience will take place in the atelier of Verona, located within the shop. (it will last about 4 hours). The second stage instead, will be at the atelier of the Raku's furnace. It is in an open space close to Verona. It envisages the coloring and the firing of the objects. (it will last about 4 hours). Total hours expected for the workshop are 8. For the biscuit to be available, you have to wait at least two days. That is why we'll agree upon a the date of the second stage of the experience.

VERONA, Vr

LEATHER CLASS

Giuseppe, leather craftsman

During this experience you'll be able to create 4 small leather or fabric goods, such as frames for your photos or a hard cover for your personal planner. You can choose the type and color of material to work with and, under our guidance, you will learn all the steps for the realization of the products that you will bring home as a memory of the experience. The workshop will end up with a dinner based on pizza, cooked in a wood oven at the craftsman's house.

GUBBIO, Pg

STUCCO WILL BRING YOU LUCK!

PATRIZIA, artisan of gypsum

Are you ready for a journey among beauty? I'm going to take you in the fascinating world of stucco, a history as ancient as man. Imprints in mud can be considered as primordial molds. It all begins from the gypsum's dust that capable hands transform into artworks. With this you will prepare the mixture to be poured into molds that are made in the atelier. All the creative-productive process, in fact, is the result of research, experience and know-how accumulated over many years. Now have fun: wear Renaissance fashion aprons, use brushes, colors, soils, glues, shine with brass, silver, and gold leaves, paint with ancient lacquers, rub the beeswax, sign your work to make it unique! Believe it or not, it's suggestive and fascinating to create an object that brings good luck and wellness within our homes. During this workshop I will initially present to you my activity. After an introduction to the ancient art of stucco, we will go through the preparation of the dough base. Once we have done this, we will proceed with the pouring in the horn of plenty and pomegranates' molds. We'll then get ready for the leaf gilding. At this point we'll move to the leaf lightening of the relieves, before passing to the pictorial decoration and to the brush writing. Once we are done with these stages, we'll be ready for the painting, the coating and the final lacquering. At the end of the workshop I'll provide you with the object that you created, the booklet, the Diploma of Participation and the “weirdo license” of Gubbio. This envisages a really particular procedure to be carried out, exactly in front of my atelier!

GUBBIO, Pg

YOUR BESPOKE JUTE HAT

Carlotta, milliner

To open the doors of a workshop means to unveil the most intimate secrets of a craftsman. A small world in which ideas are shaped by the most valuable tool that we have, our hands. And this will be our starting point. Through a tactile experience we will understand how to identify the key features of different fabrics. In particular we will analyze the potential of jute, a natural fiber, 100% biodegradable and recyclable, lightweight, durable and very malleable. Together we will explore this amazing malleability and we will discover how to create a unique and precious object with a material which is considered "poor". Every participant will challenge his creativity producing a bespoke hat. Starting with an off-cut of jute you can choose to work with a base-made pattern or to adopt a fully-manual technique like the Moulage. Both methods will be explained and shown during the workshop. The experience will last the whole day, from the morning until the afternoon. Timing are flexible, I will do what I can to meet your personal needs and requests. A buffet - lunch is scheduled on the fresh porch facing a wide garden.

VERBANIA, Vb

FULL COLOR GLASS MELTING

Chiara, glazier

Nearby the historic center of Brescia, in the area of Isolabella, is located my atelier of glass melting. It is closed to the historic “Borgo Trento”, that has always been characterized by the presence of artisan's ateliers. Here, immersed in colors and in a northern style environment, I create my projects. With this workshop I want to share my passion and knowledge for this amazing material. Everyone can get close to the world of artistic glass. In particular I'll make available some simple drawings and all the material that is needed to create an object through the plain glass melting technique. It will have dimensions of (25*25)cm, and it could be used as a tile or as an everyday object furniture. I'll take care of the shipping since the object needs a cooking and bending process of at least 36 hours. Otherwise it will be possible to collect it at the atelier by appointment during the next few days the cooking. Shipping costs are included in the price of the workshop.

BRESCIA, Bs

YOUR FIRST JAPANESE PRINT

Mara, engraver

Become a carver and printer for a day and create your first Japanese woodblock print. An afternoon to be introduced to the wonders of this ancient printing technique that does not require the use of solvents or acids. After a brief introduction where you will have the chance to admire some original vintage woodblocks and some original Ukiyo-e prints; I will explain you the steps to create your first print. At this point you can work at your own design, or you can let yourself inspire by the many books in the studio. Carve and print your first simple printing with two wooden matrices and then print more copies of them on Japanese paper.

AVIGLIANA, To

CREATE YOUR NUGGET

Enrica, goldsmith workshop

In this workshop I will help you transform some old silver pieces into little nuggets. These can be turned into pendants or rings that could be personalized with your initials. A nice memory to bring back home. To make your nugget even more personalized, you can take some small pieces of broken jewels of yours. These will be tested, and later we can melt them through a gas torch. Then, by using a hammer, a file and sand paper we will shape them. This is just a little taste of the jeweler's job...

SARZANA, Sp

IMPIRARESSA FOR ONE DAY

Marisa, glass bead

Do you like creating objects with beads? Are you interested in the various techniques for threading ordinary and Venetian glass beads how the "impiraresse", threaders of glass beads from once upon a time used to? Would you like to see how I use them now? This workshop then is perfect for you! We will learn about Venetian beads, how they traveled across the world and how they are used, we will decide how best to use them to create your own jewelry! I will share with you all I've learned during a life time with glass beads! Take the most of it as we "impiraresse" tend to be volatile and I may change my mind ;) The only thing I will not be teaching is working with corals, as it is a secret, but the rest of my knowledge is at your disposal in my small and colorful workshop in the center of Venice.

VENEZIA, Ve

POTTERY DECORATION

Agata, ceramist

The experience begins with a guided tour around our factory. There you will be introduced to all the phases that are necessary for the creation of our products. In addition we will give you a brochure. There you could find all the information that have been explained to you during the visit. Decoration. In this workshop you will decorate an object in terracotta. We will choose it together. The first step is to glaze it. The second step is to decorate it. We will decide which decorative technique to use among: free-hand drawing, pouncing or by stencil. You could decorate one or more pieces. To complete them, they will be cooked for 48 hours. We will ship them to you once they are ready. (Free shipping only within Italy).

CALTAGIRONE, Ct