Mask making Venice: workshop in Burano Island
An artisan enterprise located in the picturesque island of Burano, where some of the most ancient Venetian traditions are still kept alive.
A mask making workshop in Venice that is true to the famous Commedia dell’Arte!
WHY DID WE LIKE THIS EXPERIENCE SO MUCH?
- A creative and unique experience immersed in the atmosphere of Burano Island
- Learning the mask making traditional tecnique, you will make a beautiful souvenir to take home
- A one to one experience with local artisans which will give you an authentic feeeling of Venice
Price
Mask making and decoration using watercolours, gold leaf and/or brocade: 95 EUR/person (minimum 2 persons)
Availability
Every day in the morning, upon request
Duration
Approx. 1h30
Features
A mask making class in Venice, entirely dedicated to typical Venetian carnival masks.
You will be guided by a true expert mask maker along a creative journey leading to the discovery of traditional masks creation from the Commedia dell’Arte: from the handmade creation in papier-mâché to the final decoration with watercolours, gold leaves and fabrics.
You may choose your favourite mask among the ones at your disposal, and unleash your creativity! Learn about the history of venetian masks with Marco, our master artisan.
Two kinds of workshops are proposed:
- mask painting workshop
- mask making and mask making workshop
You can choose one or combine both of them.
He will pamper you, offering bussolai (typical Burano cookies) in order to enhance your creative abilities. At the end of the class, you will not just bring back your splendid and authentic handmade Venetian mask, but the age-old techniques and secrets of a true tradition.
Why to choose this workshop in Burano Island?
Far away from Piazza San Marco and Venice crowd, Burano island will enchant you.
How to make venice carnival masks
The mold of the Carnival mask
The masks are made entirely by hand from a clay mould where the model of the mask is in relief (positive). Then, this mould is placed in a wooden box where plaster is poured to obtain a hollow plaster mould in which small pieces of papier-mâché are placed, starting at the edges. It is a very meticulous job that requires patience and method, because all these pieces of wet paper must hold together and have a uniform surface: that of the mask itself when it is detached from the plaster. Each of these white masks then receives the colour and decorations that animate it and make it unique, like a face. Papier mâché is a guarantee traditional and local production. Creation of the mold will last one hour. In order the mold get dried, 4 days are necessary. You will be provided a new mask in order to proceed with the painting.
Painted carnival mask
Once the “white” mask is made, the painter’s talents are then brought into play. Some masks reproduce famous paintings or drawings. From then on, everything is a matter of taste and depending on the patterns and colours you will be attracted to use. E
Mask of the Venice Carnival
It is good to know that there are “wearable” masks and “decorative” masks. The firsts to wear for Carnival events and the seconds to hang in your living room to remind you for a long time of your time in Venice Italy. You can of course buy a mask to wear that is also decorative, but you will see that they are normally quite different.
Venice masks have been at the centre of the attention in “Eyes wide shut” movie with Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.
If you prefer a mask shop in Venice centre, consult our offer Venice mask painting .
For more information, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to help! This activity is suitable both for children and adults.
Courses & Handicrafts