Our Clients’ Journey With Creative Italy

What makes someone embark on a Creative Italy experience? Who books a workshop in Italy to learn ancient artisan handicrafts? We thought it was time we introduced you to some of our past and present clients. Hear about our creative explorers who help to keep these artisan crafts alive.

First of all, a little about us…

Creative Italy provides experiences and professional workshops for those who would like to discover the essence of Italian craft history. We share the techniques and creativity handed down over centuries, so that these artisan crafts can continue to thrive.

Our courses and experiences range from two to five days and give participants hands-on experience. Students have the opportunity to learn at the side of our handpicked artisans. We also offer professional in-depth courses as part of our Creative Italy Schools programme.

We are passionate about artisans, local communities and the territory in which our workshops take place. We are respectful of the history and heritage of the land. We want to share our vision of a sustainable future where we preserve this incredible artistry.

We provide experiences for adults and children alike which can be tailored to your needs. We aim to be the bridge between Italy’s top artisans and those who wish to learn.

Our Clients & Why They Choose Creative Italy

There can be many reasons why someone may choose one of our courses or experiences. It might be a lifelong passion for ceramics. It could be someone who has always dreamed of painting but never taken that leap into signing up to an art course. You may want to provide your child with an unforgettable experience in which they learn about the world around them, and experience other cultures.

Some might already have some prior skills in a particular field and would like learn traditional Italian artisan techniques to enhance their repertoire. Creative Italy was recently contacted by someone who is a member of a spinning group who explained they are ‘thirsty for craft knowledge and skills that have been handed down through the generations but risk being lost.’

In the past we have been contacted by an accessories designer who wanted to learn Italian leatherwork techniques. Others are about to embark on a career change and decide to book one of our professional courses before beginning a new creative business venture.

Hear From Our Clients…

Our diverse group of clients have a wide variety of courses to choose from. Hear from Sabrina who booked our Gemmology course in Sicily which takes place in a historic 19th-century property.

Participants on the course have the opportunity to visit a laboratory, where they can admire the craftsmanship that goes into making jewellery. Participants create their own pieces of art with the support of expert craftsmen…

The Gemology experience was incredible – we absolutely adored it and had the best time learning!

Rita who participated in our Ceramics Retreat and said..

I wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful time in Santo Stefano.
Sebastiano and Anamaria took really great care of me and were incredibly kind and generous.

The program was a wonderful learning experience which has truly motivated me to continue my endeavours in ceramics.

I definitely recommend it and hope to return.”

Rosalia who booked our Leather Working Course in Tuscany was keen to discover professional artisan techniques before embarking on a new business venture…

I had always liked working with my hands; the concentration needed to use them properly, creatively; the result you get after long hours of hands-on manual work; it makes you smile and feel proud of what you do and what you can achieve.
It was a unique experience… I took full advantage, learning a great deal of new knowledge – lessons and tricks that I brought back home with me, and, of course, in an idyllic and magical place like the city of Florence.

As soon as I landed in Spain, I made a list of things to do to be able to open my shop…. I design and create my pieces, which very soon, will be on sale on my website.
For me, this change of course was not just a new opportunity to re-introduce me to the world of work, but it also inspired me and gave me a new lease of life; an activity where I can apply my creativity as I want, with the great satisfaction of creating something with my own hands. Ciao Florence!! I’ll be back!!”

Sabrina tells us about her Bobbin Lace experience in Sicily…

We adored the bobbin lace lessons! It was so special to learn this beautiful craftsmanship and we feel we were able to grasp it relatively quickly. Everyone was so lovely and it was such a beautiful place to work.”

Our experiences can be enjoyed by a range of age groups, hear from Thom who booked our Cooking Experience in Sicily…

We had a wonderful cooking experience together with our three children. The place was amazing and the warmth and hospitality of the people is heart-warming. We cooked traditional Sicilian food with products from the farm and the kids could help in everything. This resulted in a very nice meal in splendid company. One of the highlights of our stay in Sicily.”

Doriana who participated in our Ceramics Course writes…

I chose to do a ceramics course in S. S. di Camastra and I found the accommodation in the B&B excellent…the ceramics course was exceptional, thanks to the teacher Sebastiano with his creativity and to Annamaria, his collaborator, both masters in transmitting knowledge, instilling confidence and guiding on a path even for those who, like me, are beginners.”

What is so unique about Creative Italy’s workshops?

We want our clients to have an authentic experience with handpicked artisans who are passionate and knowledgeable about their trade. The courses are hands-on, in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. The workshops are in authentic workspaces used by artisans, or handpicked locations in which the setting compliments the course. For example, our painting en plein air experience takes place in a historic palazzo surrounded by nature, away from the well-trodden tourist trail.

We are mindful of the impact of large crowds and big groups during the high season, and so take into consideration the territory, location, and environment when scheduling our courses and experiences. Sustainability is also at the heart of everything we do. Our artisans often use recycled or reused materials and create their pieces by hand, rather than using intensive industrial processes.

You will have read from our testimonials that our artisans are truly masters of their craft, with many years of experience and expertise. We ensure participants benefit from learning at the side of professionals who are able to impart their knowledge and passion for their chosen craft.

Charlotte booked our Shoemaking Course in Florence said..

It was such a blessing to learn this beautiful art form through a teacher who is passionate and well skilled in it. It made me understand the importance of personalized and specialized products and the process of keeping these traditions alive….It is an experience that has changed my life and that I will hold dear to me always.

I have been blessed to have a master craftsman sharing their knowledge with me….

I am very grateful that he was open to sharing this knowledge and skill, and preserving this beautiful art form.

We want to thank our clients, who alongside our expert artisans help to ensure that knowledge of our Italian craft heritage continues to be shared. They share our belief that these skills and techniques should be passed onto future generations.

Creative Italy are passionate about creating communities across the world where we impart learning, experiences and a respect for the environment around us.

We are proud to share our diverse range of courses, experiences and retreats. If our clients’ words have left you tempted to give it a try, contact Creative Italy today!