Micro-Mosaic Roman Holiday
Naples (Optional Trip Extension): September 22-26, 2009

This trip is open for registration.

The art of mosaics dates back to ancient cultures, but the art of micro-mosaics is only 200 years old and began in the mosaic studios of the Vatican. In the 16th century, mosaicists were brought from the studios of Venice to decorate St. Peter’s Basilica. Prior to the end of the 18th century, mosaics were made using “tesserae” (small squares) made of stone and glass. Tesserae were hand-cut cubes set in a base to create a picture of pattern for the decoration of buildings. At the end of the 18th century, artisans developed the “micro-mosaic” using small “threads” of glass (smalti filati) to create miniature pictures and scenes from archeological areas found throughout Italy. It was a way for a tourist to bring home a memento from the Grand Tour. They were made into jewelry and other decorative pieces such as snuff boxes, pictures, and tables. Many were so intricate they appeared to be paintings – it is almost impossible to see the glass threads. Some made use of “millefiore” cane and many were set in carved bezels of semi-precious stones. This Beadventure takes our travelers to the place where micro-mosaics began for a 20-hour private workshop to learn this beautiful form of art.

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NYC with Sherry Serafini

How is this for spending six days in New York City: hang out with Sherry Serafini, top name in bead embroidery; visit museums to get inspiration for a project; go to New York’s Jewelry District for project supplies; and work with Sherry on how to translate your inspiration into designing your project?

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