Bookmaking and marbleized paper studio in Florence.

Printmaking in Venice

On our last night in Venice, while many of my tour mates opted to go on the romantic gondola ride or a classical concert, I went to an artist’s studio for a private demonstration of her etching process. I learned about Arianna Sautariello and Plum Plum Creations from the Rick Steves Italy forum board. I enjoy letterpress printing, and wanted to visit a printing studio while in Italy. I reached out to Arianna via email, and she was so kind, she offered to open her studio in the Cannaregio district to give me a printmaking demonstration. I loved her work, and bought several linocut pieces. (According to her website, she now offers courses - looks like I’ll have to book another trip!)

Plum Plum Creations printmaking studio in Venice.

Cooking in Florence

On Day 7 of my trip, after a morning spent exploring the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, we arrived hungry for our cooking class at In Tavola. We were promptly divided into groups to make our four course lunch: tomato bruschette, fresh egg pasta in mushroom sauce, farmer’s chicken, and tiramisu. Who has two thumbs and can barely boil water? This gal! Typically I hate cooking, but our instructor, Niccolo, was so energetic, his love of cooking was infectious. I volunteered for pasta duty. He did seem a little concerned that I wasn’t showing enough love to the pasta, but it tasted delicious, and I have the recipe and photographic evidence to prove it.

Bookmaking Private Lesson in Florence

After lunch, we were free to explore Florence. I’d registered for a bookmaking class, and set out to find the studio. After some wrong turns and a small snafu regarding the lesson time/date, I met my instructor and had a private lesson to make my own journal. Susanna was so patient and a wonderful teacher. Even though neither of us could speak the other’s language, we communicated well and her love for her craft showed. We marbleized paper, then crafted the cover of my journal. I learned that she makes several hundred of these journals every day. At the end of the lesson, she gave me a certificate and offered me a job, and I hope she’s not kidding - I would definitely take her up on that.