The Workshop
IN THIS JEWELRY MAKING WORKSHOP, YOU’LL SPEND A WEEK LEARNING ALL ABOUT WORKING WITH GOLD FROM A FLORENTINE GOLDSMITH, PRIVATELY TOUR ONE OF FLORENCES FAMOUS MUSEUMS, TASTE WORLD RENOWNED WINES IN CHIANTI, AND EAT SPECTACULAR FOOD..
SINCE 2016, THE METALSMITHS IN FLORENCE WORKSHOP HAS WELCOMED JEWELRY MAKERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO JOIN US FOR THIS SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE.
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Florence, Italy. The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Immerse yourself in the rich artistic Florentine culture, savor fresh cuisine, taste Tuscan wine. Explore the wonders of Florence with its ancient architecture, world-famous art, and stunning scenery. Breathe in the fragrant air as you live-like-a-local in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Florence.
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Introduction to Wax Carving and Sand Casting.
You’ll learn all about different waxes and their different purposes, cutting/filing/ scupting the wax, finishing for casting purposes, and a ton more. We will learn about sand casting as well which is more accessible from your home studio. Like always, we’ll be learning how to alloy 18k gold, prepare the crucible, melt the alloy into molten gold and pour into mold created from your wax.
No gold experience necessary, that’s why we are here!
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Margherita - Florentine to the core, she is the studio owner, accomplished goldsmith, instructor, and designated translator of any Italian words that we don’t know ;)
Monica - Metalsmith, host, and organizer of this workshop and the person that makes sure your time in Florence is amazing, fun, memorable, and hopefully life-changing!
“I learned more in three days than a whole year of workshops…” -Dawn Sherrill
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SPRING 2024
Intro to Wax Carving with Sand Casting
May 19-26 (sold out)
May 26-June 2 (sold out)
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FALL 2024
Intro to Wax Carving with Sand Casting
October 13-20 (sold out)
October 20-27 (sold out)
Learn from a Florentine goldsmith and acquire the skills to confidently use gold in your jewelry designs. We work in a fully equipped jewelry studio full of light and space. Located in the heart of the artisan district of Florence, just steps from Piazza Santo Spirito.
Accommodations
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Location
Located in one of the most local neighborhoods in Florence, the Oltrarno, this boutique hotel is only steps away from Piazza Santo Spirito and our metalsmithing studio. At the same time, it’s a quick 10 minute walk to Florence’s central jewel of the famous Duomo in the center of town.
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History
Built in the 1500’s and at one time inhabited by a prince, this boutique hotel is thoughtfully restored in a classic and modern vibe. Each room is different but all boast a minibar/fridge, tea kettle, free wifi, breakfast area among other things. Yes, there is an elevator…fun, right?
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Accommodations
These boutique hotel accommodations boast a lovely 24h reception, daily cleaning, and other fun amenities!
All photos shown are for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a contractual element.
Adventures
Private Wine Tour & Tasting
This day we adventure into the region of Chianti, otherwise known as the Tuscan wine country. We learn about wine production and how to taste wine at both of the wineries we visit, finishing up with a delicious Tuscan dinner.
Private Museum Tour
This is not your usual tour. We have an expert private guide to take us through one of the breathtaking museums of Florence. Standing in front of famous works of art that you have only seen in books is a priceless experience.
FAQs
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$4695 Single Occupancy (own room and bathroom)
$2495 Non-Metalsmith Partner (traveling partner that enjoys everything included except workshop and lunches)
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7 nights accommodation
5 days of workshop instruction with a Florentine goldsmith
5 lunches
3 dinners
2 aperitivo’s
Materials Kit (all metals needed for project). Options at additional cost.
Privately guided museum tour
Privately guided wine tasting tour
Tourist taxes
...and a couple of other fun surprises
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Airfare, travel insurance, breakfasts, 4 dinners, anything else not stated as included.
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Yes! If you’d like to bring a non-metalsmith partner along on this adventure, we happily accommodate that, but there is limited availability. Contact Monica Cardone for information. See “What’s the cost” above for details.
Testimonials
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3 time participant
“The Metalsmiths in Florence workshop is truly a life-altering experience! It all begins (and ends) with Monica. She is the consummate event planner/organizer. She is warm, funny, knowledgeable and organized. She arranges the lodging in a 14th century frescoed palazzo, wine tastings, museum visits with private guides, gourmet meals just to name a few things beyond the workshop. And the workshop is the main event. The studio owner Marghe co-teaches with master goldsmith Giovanni and they are delightful and fun to work with. If you, like I was, intimidated about working with gold, this workshop will eliminate all your fears. The only thing to dislike about the experience is that it goes by all too quickly!”
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“If you are a metalsmith seeking the ultimate European experience, look no further than Metalsmiths in Florence. If history, romance, art, great food and the company of fellow artists appeals to you, Metalsmiths in Florence is for you.
First, you’ll be living in a renovated 14th century palazzo in the center of a historic local Florentine neighborhood. Of course, being surrounded and just steps away from every major renaissance museum stature, church, palace, and historic location imaginable can be a bit breathtaking…but relax, you will quickly discover the exceptionally friendly and welcoming Florentine people.
As a metalsmith, you’ll find that Florence is a city of artists and craftspeople. Creative people just like you, interested in ideas, and sharing techniques. Maybe this is the reason that artists feel so at home here. Your Metalsmiths in Florence experience includes the extraordinary opportunity to study with a Florentine master goldsmith, your own jewelry bench from which to work in a fully equipped studio surrounded by an international cadre of jewelry artists. The is one of the most electrifyingly creative environments you will ever be in-and it is your home for a week!
Not to be overlooked is the magic ingredient that holds Metalsmiths in Florence together, and supercharges it with warmth, fun, and charm - Monica Cardone. You have never met a host and organizer like Monica. An accomplished metalsmith in her own right, Monica understands the interests and rhythms of her creative guests and is passionate about creating a great experience for them. She is also intimately familiar with Florence and a wealth of knowledge on culture, dining, shopping, and just about anything you’d like to see or do.
I can easily say that Metalsmiths in Florence was the best learning/travel experience we have ever done. But, fair warning! You will fall in love with Florence. Everyone does.”
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3 time participant
“The Metalsmiths in Florence experience was THE catalyst that gave me the confidence to work in the medium of gold. It was easier than I thought. The whole week is a fantastic metalsmithing intensive workshop in gold plus museum tours, wine tasting tours, and more!! I am counting the days until I can get back to Florence, the fabulous studio, and goldsmiths!”
