RAKU BENEATH THE STARS

Giuliano e Claudio, ceramist

The experience is full day one, from 1 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.. At the beginning we'll spend about 4 hours at the “Laboratorio Artistico”, our atelier. There will be a brief introduction on Raku technique. Later each participant will glaze 2 or 3 pieces freely chosen among a wide range at the atelier (vases, dishes, sculptures). After the glazing we'll move in the hills, at about 20-minute drive from the atelier, where we'll fire the artworks. Raku technique in fact envisages a second firing, open-flames almost 1000°, at which will follow the extraction of the pieces, still incandescent. Moreover we'll do a number of operations, with water, air, smoke, that will confer to the pieces unique colors and shades. During the firing, that will last about 3 hours and that will happen during sunset/evening, we'll offer to the participants a happy hour/dinner. The end of the experience is expected to be at about 10.30 p.m.. You can then bring home with you your creations.

REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, Re

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

CREATE YOUR OWN STAMP

Anita, engraver

The creation of your own stamp begins with the definition of a logo. After that we'll etch on lino or wood the chosen drawing. In the first part of the workshop, in the morning, we'll define the drawing and we'll start the etching. In the afternoon we'll conclude the definition of the stamp. Later we'll do some printing trials on different types of papers, handmade papers, card-boards, fabrics and plastic materials. Each participant will bring home his own stamp to be used on his own letterhead, on letters and envelopes!

VENEZIA, Ve

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 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

DISCOVERING THE KNITWEAR

Fabiola & Flavia, knitters

If you want to discover what happens within an artisan knitwear atelier, this is the experience for you! We'll welcome you to our place, and we'll show you around the atelier where our custom-tailored clothing are created. You'll have the chance to see the entire production process, starting from a simple ball of yarn to the final product. If you want, you can also wear the samples available in our small atelier, and why not, we can even relax and have a little chat while drinking a good coffee. We are waiting for you!

TREVIGNANO, Tv

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

SCAGLIOLA, BETWEEN ILLUSION AND REALITY

Elisabetta & Alessandro, scagliola

We will tell you about the history and the state of art of this ancient, and somehow "lost" craft, showing you some secrets and some stylistic and technical aspects. Starting from a "simple mineral dust", with a practical exhibition we will took you back in time, when the ability and skills of the craftsman began with the preparation of the tools, the sketches and the color pigments. The realized artwork remains yours. Finally we will discuss together about the most important existing collection, with the practical support of some antique pieces, dating from the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, collected with great passion by our family.

PONTASSIEVE, Fi

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