TEXTURES OF TUSCANY
An Extraordinary Jewelry and Metalsmithing Adventure
Est. 2007
May 28 - June 3, 2024 - Join the waitlist
June 25 - July 1, 2024 - Join the waitlist
Join Davide Bigazzi, a Florentine jeweler and chasing and repoussé expert, for an immersive 7-day workshop in the heart of Tuscany.
Experience the ancient artistry of jewelry making and chasing and repoussé within the intimate ambiance of Bigazzi's studio, nestled in the Chianti hills just south of Florence, in the charming village of Pian Di Sco.
Whether you're a novice venturing into jewelry and metalsmithing or a seasoned artisan honing your craft, our workshop warmly welcomes all skill levels. To ensure personalized instruction tailored to individual preferences and metalsmithing backgrounds, each workshop is limited to a maximum of six students. Most participants leave with unique creations like rings, cuff bracelets, and more, while some have even crafted decorative items such as silver plates and jewelry boxes.
Indulge in the charm of Tuscany at an authentic country villa with stunning views. Enjoy evening swims, countryside hikes, visits to local artisans, and exquisite on-site meals.
This is a truly unparalleled opportunity to learn from a genuine master of Italian craftsmanship while immersing yourself in the captivating beauty and culture of Italy.
In The Studio
In this immersive and intensive workshop, you'll nurture skills from fundamentals to advanced levels in chasing, repoussé, and traditional jewelry craftsmanship.
Delve into Italy's silversmithing heritage, fully immersed in culture, traditions, and rich history. Explore diverse time-honored techniques while crafting your own jewelry or hollowware masterpiece. Davide collaborates with you for project design, celebrating your unique expression.
The studio environment is welcoming, providing warm support, constructive guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere. Choose your pace, diving into work or savoring leisure. Anticipate continual inspiration, dedication to your craft, delectable meals, shared laughter, and bonds with fellow artisans.
Daily Itinerary
Each day is an adventure that begins with a delectable breakfast spread, setting the stage for your day ahead. Following this, you'll join Davide for an engaging morning of hands-on instruction.
Our midday intermission is a culinary delight, featuring a multi-course lunch that invites you to savor the flavors of Italy. It’s a moment to recharge before embarking on an afternoon session that promises three to four hours of immersive learning.
As the sun sets over the picturesque villa, you'll have the chance to relax and unwind in its tranquil surroundings, preparing for an evening that's all about savoring Tuscan cuisine.
Your days will be enriched with refreshing evening swims in the villa's pristine pool, invigorating hikes through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, and inspiring visits to local artisans.
Accommodation and Meals
Nestled in the captivating Chianti hills, just south of Florence, our workshop unfolds in a charming country villa. This villa is a picturesque retreat, surrounded by lush olive groves and flourishing vineyards, while its spacious garden and inviting pool provide an ideal setting to unwind and rejuvenate following a day filled with learning and creative endeavors.
Our dedicated chef, Stefania, meticulously crafts each meal using locally sourced, fresh ingredients to bring to life the authentic flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine. These meals are savored at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time for wine and engaging conversation to perfectly complement the culinary experience.
Excursions
The workshop includes two captivating excursions that promise to enrich your experience. The first excursion will take you on a fascinating journey to Arezzo, a town steeped in history and renowned for its heritage in jewelry making. Here, you will visit the Museo dell’Oro, where you can delve into the fascinating world of jewelry while gaining insights into the town's historical significance in this art form. Additionally, during one of your afternoons, we'll transport you to a charming Tuscan hill town, immersing you in the vibrant local culture and allowing you to savor the essence of this picturesque region. Private transportation and museum entrance fees are included.
Cost
The cost of the workshop is $4,250. This includes:
A minimum of 35 hours of individualized instruction
6 nights of accommodation in a single occupancy room with a private bathroom
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Transportation from Florence to the villa and return
Transportation to Arezzo to visit the Museo dell’Oro
Transportation to quaint Tuscan village.
Use of tools and studio space
The workshop does not include:
Airfare to Italy
Meals/snacks during day trips
Materials (sterling silver, gold, etc.)
Registration
Secure your spot in the workshop with a $900 deposit. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the workshop. To register, click Register Online below.
Terms & Conditions
Please read our terms and conditions before registering for this workshop. The terms and conditions cover our cancellation policy, refund policy, and liability limits. By registering, you agree to the terms and conditions.
Non-Participants
Non-participating travel companions are welcome to join us for the amazing food and lodging. However, a rental car is required. Our location is perfect for exploring the surrounding landscape and towns. Please contact us for our non-participant fee.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@davidebigazzistudio.com or telephone 650.323.1923.
Read about our Textures of Tuscany workshop in Silicon Valley Magazine. < Link here
TESTIMONIALS
Davide's patience and generosity are limitless and I left with skills and confidence to now work on my own projects. Christina's cooking made it a true Tuscan gastronomic journey too. It's worth every penny for a unique opportunity to learn from a master, to develop lifelong memories, and the opportunity to make new friends.
S.P. - Ireland
Just finished the chasing and repoussé workshop in Tuscany, and loved it! It was a fantastic experience. Davide is a true master, I learned so much and had a lot of fun. Combined with a weekend in Florence, it was the perfect adventure.
-Hege N.- Tx. U.S.A.
It was a privilege and a pleasure to spend a week doing what I love under the instruction of Davide Bigazzi. My experience in Italy is one that I will never forget! Working on my art project in Davide's studio in Tuscany was truly a dream come true. Delicious home-cooked meals were made for us, and friendships were made.
-Jamie S. - Ca. U.S.A.
This workshop is fantastic. I have taken classes and a workshop with Davide, and as usual, it was beyond my expectations. The food was beyond fabulous and the friends I met will last a lifetime. We all shared a wonderful experience. One I will treasure always.
-Colleen O. - Ca. U.S.A.
Wow! What a fantastic week! The workshop was great! Learned more than I thought I could. The end result was the piece I dreamed of. The food was outstanding. There wasn't a moment that could be changed!
-Leani - Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, delicious food, & fantastic tutoring. The week spent with you & my new friends in Tuscany was a highlight of my four-month trip to Europe.
-Anna D. - Melbourne, Australia
"Davide is not only a master artisan, he is a superb teacher! Under his patient and compassionate supervision, I, a person with no previous experience in metalwork, was able to master a number of skills and produce a piece of work that gave me pride and satisfaction. My experience in the Tuscany workshop has opened a whole new world of future possibilities for artistic expression."
-Norma C. - California, U.S.A.
It really was a dream come true for me to be working with silver under the guidance of a master smith and to see and feel the metal bend, grow, and take shape in response to my efforts. The atmosphere you provided combined challenge and comfort, humor and hard work. Your kindness, warmth, and generosity are some of the intangibles that made this learning experience so positive for all of us, and I thank you for all you have done to introduce me to the silversmith's craft and to the traditions of Tuscany.
-William K. AKA "Guillermo No Formaggio"
It was a magical experience. Not only to study with such a creative, caring, and patient master, but also to stroll the lanes of Tuscany and partake in some of the most delicious food with such lovely and charming people. I can’t thank you enough!
- Robin Welles – Palo Alto, California
We had so much fun!(and learned a lot too!) This was, without doubt, the best workshop I have taken. Davide is clearly a master of the metal and technique and was generous in sharing his skills with us. For me, taking a workshop away from home was perfect. I didn't have to pack up my tools from my studio to take somewhere else, which forced me to work at Davide's studio, and therefore, he was able to watch my technique and correct me on the spot. The days went by so fast! And, of course, I can't say enough about how appreciative I was of Stefania's cooking and preparing special treats for me with all my dietary restrictions. I certainly couldn't have enjoyed the local cuisine without her! The meals were all delicious and the company was great. I don't remember ever laughing so much! What a great experience!
-Lori - Baltimore, MD
The workshop was absolutely a wonderful experience: -Davide is an excellent teacher, very patient, and caring, has great attention to detail, a good sense of humor… -Elisa is always on top of things always... very good at getting all the organization done and taking care of things in general. -The farmhouse is relaxing and is in a wonderful setting. -Renato, Franco, Stephania..what a sincere and charming group of people. Stefania made each meal a feast… something to look forward to in great excitement…
-Alev - Foster City, CA
This was my third workshop with Davide and my second trip to Italy for the week-long Tuscany workshop. The small class size and the support and expertise from Davide are excellent. He encourages me to stretch my developing skills at just the right level while helping me succeed so I leave with successfully completed pieces I can be proud of. The workshop in Tuscany is a special experience with total immersion in the art.
-Dianne - Warrenville, IL