Creative handicraft workshops

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© Primož Lukežič

There are still a few artisans in Ljubljana who are skilled in trades that most people believe have died out. Creative handicraft workshops provide an opportunity to see these trades up close, and to have a go at the art of crafting items by hand.

Mend your umbrella

What do you usually do when your umbrella is damaged? If you’d like to get it mended, do you know there’s a place where they do such repairs? Explore this interesting trade and let the experience change your attitude to umbrellas, which are treated as disposable in today’s society.

A word about the artisan:

Umbrella-maker Marija has worked with customers her whole life. She sees her trade as a service to customers, giving her full attention to each of them. She uses a personal approach in her work with guests, and likes to forge genuine relationships. She is a very open person, supportive of the participants in their experience as they work on umbrellas.

Mend your umbrella

Do you own a damaged umbrella that you love and would like to repair?

Book online

Print your own poster in an old print shop

Learn about the work in an old print shop, and try your hand at mixing printing inks. Feel the weight of lead letters, and print your own poster to create a lasting memento of your experience.

A word about the artisan:

Marko, the founder and manager of Studio tipoRenesansa, the only relief printmaking studio in Slovenia, has more than 20 years of experience in teaching calligraphy, letter carving in stone, and design & print workshops. He has developed teaching courses for various age groups, and gives lectures and runs workshops at several universities.

Print your own poster in an old print shop

Test your manual skills and print your own poster by using historical printing devices.

Book online

A printmaker for a day

How often do you get the chance to poke around the drawers of an old printshop? During this experience, you can mix your own printing inks and discover quirky old presses as you learn how to prepare wooden printing letters to create a poster or the front cover of a pocket book. The printmaker will teach you how to prepare printing ink and help you understand how a simple printing press works. For a few hours, you can become a paper-feeding assistant, printmaker or even a quality supervisor.

A word about the artisan:

A printmaker for a day

Are you interested in the work process of a print shop using 60-year-old printing presses?

Book online

Weaving from A to Z

Learn the rudiments of hand weaving, one of the oldest and most widespread crafts in Slovenia – in the 18th century and well into the mid-19th century, almost every household had its own loom. At the SEM weaving workshop, visitors can experience the art of hand weaving through a demonstration of techniques, by learning about natural materials and also by having a go at weaving themselves. As part of this experience, you will be able to craft your first woven product and take it home.

A word about the artisan:

You will be guided by the experienced weaver Mojca Tomšič. Mojca Tomšič and Barbara Lapuh, friends from secondary school and university, have been weaving threads into various fabrics at the SEM weaving studio for 18 years. They use these fabrics to make unique products – from tiny purses and money pouches, shawls, bags and handbags, tablecloths and wraps, to floor rugs and blankets.

Weaving from A to Z

Make your own woven purse with Slovenian wool.

Book online

A "Golden Fleece” experience

You now have the rare opportunity to learn about the intricate work of a master goldsmith and silversmith. First, you will discover the materials used in his studio, and observe as he demonstrates how silver is processed by melting and purifying the metal. You can also try your hand at making your own piece of silverwork.

A word about the artisan:

Christoph Steidl is the only goldsmith and silversmith in Slovenia who makes unique jewellery and designs dishware, chalices and sculptures. He works with platinum, gold, silver, copper and precious stones. He trained as a silversmith and goldsmith at the workshops of the Benedictine monastery in Würzburg. All his products are the fruits of his rich imagination, which is never at rest.

A "Golden Fleece” experience

Meet the craft of goldsmithery from up-close and try your hand at precious metalwork.

Book online

The power of a ring

The power of love has no limits, just like the circle formed by a ring. The experience of making a ring is therefore a great opportunity for couples to put their love into a tangible item, to be kept close to the heart forever.
The goldsmith will work closely with his visitors as they design the shape and finish of the rings. The couple will have plenty of guidance and help, and if the goldsmith finds they are struggling he’ll help finish the job. In any case, they are certain to enrich the rings with their own energy, love and wishes for a happy and shared journey through life.

A word about the artisan:

Christoph Steidl is the only goldsmith and silversmith in Slovenia who makes unique jewellery and designs dishware, chalices and sculptures. He works with platinum, gold, silver, copper and precious stones. He trained in as a silversmith and goldsmith at the workshops of the Benedictine monastery in Würzburg. All his products are the fruits of his rich imagination, which is never at rest.

Rings on a women's and man's hand, held by a goldsmith.

The power of a ring

Enjoy the memorable experience of creating your own unique rings as symbols of your love.

Book online

A game for two

A game for two is an experience designed for two people wishing to create an item together on a pottery wheel. A game for two is an experience for friends, couples or families. In this exciting challenge, two people face a mass of clay on a pottery wheel, and their goal is to join their efforts and create a proper clay cup.

A word about the artisan:

The pottery studio is run by the trained sculptor and ceramic designer Eva Peterson Lenassi. In her studio in the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, she has been teaching sculpting and pottery for all generations for several decades.

A game for two

Have a go at clay modelling as a couple or group of friends, and join your efforts to create a proper clay cup.

Book online

Open wheel

Have a date with clay and the pottery wheel at the pottery studio. A crash course for complete beginners will introduce you to the material and the process of kneading clay. You will shape balls of clay and use them to make pottery, while the instructor shows you the steps of making a bowl on a pottery wheel.

A word about the artisan:

Open wheel

Enter the world of clay, let your creativity flow and make your own cup.

Book online