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Get ready to leave for an authentic journey into the Italian crafts.

CRAFT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Book your hands-on workshop and learn the secrets of the italian artisans

CRAFT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Book your hands-on workshop and learn the secrets of the italian artisans

CRAFT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Book your hands-on workshop and learn the secrets of the italian artisans

CRAFT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Book your hands-on workshop and learn the secrets of the italian artisans

CRAFT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Book your hands-on workshop and learn the secrets of the italian artisans

CRAFT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Book your hands-on workshop and learn the secrets of the italian artisans

CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE

WORKSHOP

YOUR WOODEN INLAYED FLOWER

Renato, inlayer

66

During this 4-hour workshop I will show you the various wooden inlay techniques: fretwork, "buio", "toppo", the perspective inlay and the boulle technique. In particular, the fretwork technique will be studied in depth with demonstrations of the various processing phases, up to the final polishing. Afterwards, we'll try an easy workshop, where you'll learn the use of the fretworked arch, and I'll show you how to create three small inlays with floral motifs which will also be sandblasted. Three wooden flowers made by your hands, that you'll bring home as a perfect souvenir of this experience and that can be used as a bookmark.

FIRENZE, Fi

SPECIAL

MAKE YOUR PAIR OF SHOES

Olivia, shoe maker and designer

894

The beauty of a bespoke pair of shoes lies in its construction. This course offers an alchemic journey from the raw material to the finished shoe, a journey through which you will appreciate and understand the hidden beauty of creation. Thanks to slow and repetitive motions, just like a mantra, you will forget about hectic life and delve into a very special mood. The model of shoes for this hands-on workshop is a traditional unlined lace-up with Norwegian structure, but different kind of personalization are more than welcome. The process will be split in two parts: a stage will be totally directed by me and the other one will be carried out in collaboration with other professionals. This second stage consists in a 25 hours program that can be organized upon your schedule. During the module that we will have together, we will also prepare the necessary tools to work, such as leather covers for the fingers and twine for the handmade binding. I suggest you this experience if you want to dedicate some days to creativity and manual work, and it will also be a perfect occasion to enjoy the beautiful Pesaro and Urbino. I’m more than available for any kind of tips for your accommodation and I’ll be glad to suggest you the most peculiar places around the city. Since we will share the whole week together, everyday I will offer you a very special break with the best tastes that Marche has to offer!

PESARO, Pu

VISIT

SCAGLIOLA, BETWEEN ILLUSION AND REALITY

Elisabetta & Alessandro, scagliola

60

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

WORKSHOP

GILDING ON WOOD

Stefania & Carlo, restorers

69

We will work together for about one hour, depending on the number of participants. We will begin with a brief introduction to the art of gilding, in which we will introduce you to the materials and decorative techniques by which you can understand the historical placements of the object. We will explain how gouache and mission gilding works and give some hints about the techniques of restoration of gilded and lacquered wooden works. For the practical part, you will get to try mission gilding of a small wooden object of Florentine manufacture and its subsequent aging. The wooden object provided by the school for rehearsal will be given to you free of charge as a memento of your visit.

FIRENZE, Fi

WORKSHOP

THE SECRET COLORS OF LANDS

Elisabetta, sculptress

48

With this experience I'm offering an evocative journey through the ages. I'll show you the manufacturing of soils and of their colors. I'll tell you and I'll let you try, manually, the fascinating working technique used by the potters of the Roman times. They were considered as great artists, so much that their artworks were valued as gold! I'll guide you through the handmade creation of small jewels and other objects of your choice. You can bring them with you, or better, I'll send them to you once they are fired. Through this workshop you'll find out the connections of our territory with the ancient past. This is in fact characterized by the population of “Stabiae” (the current Castellammare di Stabia), which was the favorite “holiday destination” of patricians. If weather permits, we'll work open air with a panoramic view on the Naples Gulf, with the majestic Vesuvio in front of us.

CASTELLAMMARE DI STABIA, Na

WORKSHOP

PRINTING AND ENGRAVING

Agnes, ceramist

150

I also love engravings along with printing techniques on nylon slabs, in my workshop I have a press roller that will allow us to print manually. All you have to bring with you - apart from comfortable clothes and a apron - is a nice photo or a drawing (if you do not have one we will provide one for you). In the first part of this workshop you will engrave what you wish on the nylon sheet with a cold engraving needle. Then we will have a brief rest in the atelier, have a chat and a small vegetarian lunch (glass of wine included). We will then start again and prepare the stencil to be printed: colored or not they will be put to soak. When the paper and your stencils are ready we will print a first copy to check the quality of the engravings: if you are not satisfied with some of the details you will have the opportunity to correct them. After that we will do the final print! You will be able to take home the various copies in a folder along with your stencil. If the copies are still too wet to bring home I will send them to you during the next few days (the sending price to Italy is included in the price of the workshop).

COMO, Co

VISIT

SCULPTURE AND THE WHITE LECCE CHALKY STONE

Stefano, sculptor

30

I propose you a 3 hours long meeting consisting in a lab visit, a display of my creations, an introductory lesson to comprehend the typical Baroque from Lecce and to get familiar with the material (Lecce chalky stone), and a demonstration of baroque sculpture. You will then have a breakfast in my garden, so that you can taste the authentic Pasticciotti from Galatina, an amazing and unique pastry!

SOGLIANO CAVOUR, Le

WORKSHOP

MARBLE AND STONE TAKE SHAPE

Luca, sculptor

108

This experience in my workshop will last a few hours, during which I will support you in the creation of an artifact carved in stone, with hammer and chisel in your hand and you will experience the thrill of giving birth to a piece of work just with your creativity and your manual skills. At the end of the workshop you will bring home your own creation.

GUBBIO, Pg

WORKSHOP

YOUR FIRST JAPANESE PRINT

Mara, engraver

84

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

MARIA

Elisabetta is very professional, detail-oriented. Her explanations are clear and thorough. She is very patient, encouraging and sensitive to the needs of her students. I was thrilled with my workshop. It exceeded my expectations.

FROM PRIMITIVE TO ROMAN POTTERY

GIULIA

PROFESSIONAL! It was a great experience! I found Eva very professional and at the same time able to convey passion for her craft. I learned so many little tricks that will be helpful for my new hobby and I bound a beautiful diary!

YOUR VERY PERSONAL DIARY

EXPLORE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE DESTINATIONS

GARDA LAKE UMBRIA MILAN

HIGHLIGHTS

LEONARDO
mosaic maker
AGNES
ceramist
ALESSANDRA E ANDREA
chalcography

SELECT YOUR FAVOURITE MATERIAL

COLOR GOLD CERAMIC

DEDICATED TO CHILDREN

VISIT

AMONG GYPSUM AND STUCCO

PATRIZIA, artisan of gypsum

20

This experience is for all those who want to discover the fascinating world of stucco. It is ancient art that consists in the transformation of the gypsum's dust into artworks. After a brief introduction to my activity, I'll introduce you to this craft, and I'll tell you of how is born my passion culminated with the opening of the artisan atelier. We'll then analyze the preparation of the various models, the creation of the ancient and modern molds, before doing the dough base. Once you learnt this, we'll run through the different production techniques, such as the pouring in the molds, the press and the etching. We'll thus go through the foundation of this wonderful art! We'll then together try to apply the notions you learnt previously, by creating a frame with metal mold. Later it will be completed with leaf gilding, coating and pictorial decoration. An educational experience for everyone who wants to learn something about this world, within an atelier where everyday “you get your hands dirty”!

GUBBIO, Pg

WORKSHOP

THE MANY SCENTS OF MAGICAL HERBS

ANTONELLA, farm

54

The workshop experience entails a visit to the company’s farm and various agricultural venues, followed by Antonella’s expert guidance. After a short walk among the century-old chestnut trees, immersed in the scents coming from the herb garden, you may choose to participate in the “Erbe Magiche” workshop. From collecting the herbs to packaging them, you will discover all their medicinal qualities or, alternatively, follow cooking classes that present exclusive recipes for sweet and savory cookies and biscuits. To top the day off, lunch and dinner will present products from the company and nearby territory.

CAPRAROLA, Vt

WORKSHOP

THE THOUSAND COLOURS OF MARBLE

Miranda, mosaic maker

48

The experience consists of a full immersion in the life of the company. After the first introduction, Miranda will tell you about all the phases needed in the preparation and processing of colored marble and the enamels used to compose the mosaics. At this point you will be ready to make your own 20x20 cm mosaic tablet, of which you can choose the design and colors among the materials available. There is a short break and snack with local products. At the end of the experience you will be able to take the realized tablet home with you! Miranda's laboratory is just a few minutes away from the charming "ghost" village of Celleno, which is itself worth a visit. Miranda welcomes guests by opening them the doors to an ancient and ever-present profession, in a continuous innovation, day after day.

CELLENO, Vt

CRAFTS SCHOOLS AND MUSEUMS

MUSEUM OF THE ART OF HAT-MAKING

GHIFFA, Vb

MUSEO DELLA CARTA DI MELE

MELE, Ge

MUSEUM OF CERAMICS IN FAENZA

FAENZA, Ra

ODR

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