2024

Mosaic Jewelry: June 9-June 15

Shag Rug/Smalti: September 8-14

Santorini became a second home to me in 2014 when I arrived intending to stay for 4 days, and stayed 5 weeks. Since then, I have spent time annually on the island, sometimes going more than once! I am thrilled to finally be able to share my beloved Santorini with the mosaic community and offer two different destination workshops on this stunning, world renowned Greek Island.

White buildings clinging to cliffs, azure Aegean sea waters, glorious sunsets, black sand beaches—these are just a few of the things that make up the magic of Santorini. Come join me in this incredible destination for a week of mosaic making, complete with plenty of time to explore and relax.

The Program at a Glance:

Sunday: Evening welcome reception and island orientation

Mon-Wed: Mosaic Workshop 10am to 2pm

Thurs: Free day to explore the island

Fri: Workshop 10am to 2pm

Sat: Workshop 10am to 2pm. Evening celebration dinner

The Destination:

Santorini is a volcanic island, and owes many of its unique characteristics to the volcano. One of the earlier Minoan settlements was destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 1600 B.C.E, which tore apart the previously solid island into 5 separate islands and created the collapsed volcanic crater called a caldera, the most iconic feature of Santorini. The volcanic soil produces some of the most interesting wines in Greece. The beaches along the Southern and Eastern sides of the island are covered with black sand, also courtesy of the volcano.

Activities abound on Santorini. Those early settlements have yielded fascinating archaeological ruins. The cliffs and mountains are excellent for hiking. The wineries invite tasting, seaside tavernas beckon you to relax, and caldera side cafe bars lure you in for a cocktail at sunset. Delicious Mediterranean cuisine is around every bend, catamarans ply the caldera waters, and beach bars happily bring you a cold Mythos beer while you sunbathe.

The Experience:

Upon registration, you will receive information regarding packing, materials, travel/accommodation advice, and ideas for optional excursions to enhance your time on Santorini. At least one video call will also be arranged with participants so you can meet each other, have any questions answered, and even coordinate travel plans.

The Sunday evening following your arrival to Santorini, I will be hosting a welcome reception with snacks and local beverages on our rooftop studio in Perissa. I’ll give you an orientation to the island, detailing options for transport, potential excursions, restaurant suggestions, and provide you any information you require to make the most of your stay.

On Monday morning, the workshop will begin. Participants will work on their mosaics with my guidance and lots of individual attention. The workshop will run from 10am to 2pm. Afternoons and evenings are yours free to explore, soak up some sun, or while away some time with a sea view and a glass of local wine. I am happy to help make bookings for excursions, give suggestions for self-guided excursions, and do any coordinating you might need. I also intend to arrange several optional group dinners throughout the week.

Thursday is a free day: think beach time on a black beach, a tour of the archaeological ruins, a boat trip in the caldera, a Greek cooking class, or a relaxed wine tasting.

Friday and Saturday see us back finishing our mosaic work, and Saturday evening will culminate in a celebration dinner.

Sunday is our departure day after a week of art, sun, sea, and Greek hospitality. Or extend your stay to enjoy more time on Santorini!

June 9-June 15, 2024

Precision Mosaic Jewelry

$945USD ($30 discount for payment by bank transfer)

The spring Santorini workshop will focus on making mosaic jewelry. This will be an extended version of my Precision Mosaic Jewelry workshop. After working through a first piece as a group, students will be able to choose other pieces to work on from a selection of jewelry bases. We will be working in smalti, mosaic gold, semiprecious stones, filati, dichroic glass and more to create wearable works of art. Anything you create in the daytime will be wearable by evening!

Materials will be provided (solid sterling bases extra), and students will be required to bring their own tools. You are also welcome to bring any other small items you wish to incorporate into your jewelry.

September 8-14, 2024 $945USD

Smalti Workshop with Shag Rug Technique Focus

The late summer Santorini workshop will be focused on using smalti, both Italian and Mexican. Participants will work using wheeled nippers, which they are required to bring. While it is my intention to guide you through the creation of a mosaic using my textural shag rug technique, you are also welcome to bring your own idea for your project. All mosaic skill levels will be accommodated, though it is recommended you have at least a small amount of mosaic experience. Learn all about smalti, how to cut it, and various ways to use it while working on a small mosaic (20cm by 20cm or 8” by 8”).

Materials will be provided, and students will be required to bring their own tools. You are also welcome to bring any other materials you wish to incorporate into your mosaic.

The Workshop Location of Perissa:

Perissa is one of a few villages along the black beaches of Santorini, and has been my Santorini town of choice since the 1990’s thanks to its laid back vibe, walkability, and tourist amenities. It is located on the southeast corner of the island, away from the caldera and the extreme tourist hustle and bustle. I’ve chosen times of the year that in my opinion offer the best combination of weather, cheaper travel, and lower accommodation pricing, not to mention fewer tourists!

Perissa has accommodation to suit every taste and budget, from luxury, adults only resorts to simple guesthouses, allowing for maximum flexibility in catering to every participant’s hotel needs. I’ve chosen to not include accommodation in the workshop so that people can readily bring a spouse, family, or come on their own and have a room to themselves. I do, however, have recommendations at various price points, and can help you with booking if necessary. Prices vary greatly based on amenities and time of year, feel free to contact me for further details.

Restaurants, bars, bakeries, and mini markets abound in Perissa, all in easy, flat walking distance. Many of them are along the “beach road” and also offer sun beds and umbrellas for comfortable beach going. The village is well connected to the rest of the island via a frequent and comfortable bus service, or I can help arrange transfers or car rental should you desire.

I know Perissa inside and out, and can’t wait to show you my cute little beachside town.

The Workshop Space:

The workshops are held on the rooftop of Sirocco Restaurant in Perissa, quite literally the terrace of my apartment. I’ve chosen this location for its wonderful light, cooling sea breezes, and easy access to everything we need. In order to give you ample time to enjoy the island as well as create, the workshop will be held daily from 10am to 2pm (Thursday excepted), so afternoons are yours to explore Santorini. Snacks and beverages will be provided during workshop times.

Testimonials:

“It was such a wonderful experience ! Learned so much, met great people and enjoyed the unique beauty of Santorini ! What could be better? Margo gave us all personal attention and included many extras in this workshop. So glad I came!” - Jan Bastien

“For me, the trip was magical for several reasons. First of all, attending the workshop was a dream come true. I've been following your work for a long time and I love it! On the other hand, Santorini and its people are beautiful! I felt like I could spend a long stay there. Regarding the workshop, I wanted to tell you that it met my expectations and more, I learned, enjoyed, shared with wonderful people from other countries and also the gastronomic aspect was wonderful! You are a great teacher, great hostess and great tourist guide! I came back wanting to continue creating and I would definitely go back to another workshop of yours.Thank you for this mosaic experience, for your kindness and generosity and for showing us the island like no one else!” - Virginia Tabarez

Price:

$945USD for 2024 workshops ($30 discount if paying by bank transfer)

Non-workshop participant attending workshop social events (welcome reception and island orientation, celebration dinner): $150USD

Included:

• Pre trip assistance, recommendations, and other tips

• Project planning guidance via email if desired

• Sunday evening welcome reception and island orientation,

• 5 day mosaic workshop (Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat)

• Workshop materials

• Refreshments during workshop (on workshop days)

• Saturday evening celebration dinner

• Insider information and help with booking activities, restaurant guidance/reservations, and more from a semi resident (me!)

Not Included:

• Airfare and other transportation to Santorini

• Accommodation (I have recommendations in Perissa at a few price points, but you are welcome to stay in another town if that suits your preferences)

• Transfer from airport/port to accommodation (your hotel can arrange this)

• Meals unless specified

• Personal items such as snacks, alcohol, and other items unless mentioned

• Optional activities or excursions

• Optional transportation for activities or visits to other towns

• Travel insurance

Important to Know:

• Perissa is flat but be aware that other areas of Santorini are hilly. Most hotels are on multiple levels without elevators. The workshop is on a second story terrace with a flight of stairs.

• The minimum number of participants for the workshop to run is 4. I do not recommend you proceed with booking any flights, accommodation or other travel plans until I have let you know the workshop is confirmed.

• Travel Insurance is HIGHLY recommended. I strongly suggest that all participants purchase Trip Cancellation, Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident, and Emergency Medical Insurance from a reputable insurance company. Margo Anton is not liable for cancellation of trip other than if she cancels the the workshop (see cancellation policy for further details). If the workshop is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, the full price of the workshop will be refunded. In that event, Margo Anton has no obligation with respect to any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel arrangements. As well, Margo Anton accepts no liability for an airline penalty incurred by the purchase of non refundable tickets or cancelled flights. Please purchase travel insurance to have these covered.

Payment:

Payment is Paypal or by bank transfer for a $35 discount. If you pay by direct bank transfer, all fees must be paid on your end. I have a multiple currency account, and can accept the fee in a number of currencies (at the prime rate of exchange as opposed to the bank’s conversion, thus saving you the currency conversion if you do not use USD as your regular currency).

A deposit of $475USD (half) is required to hold your spot.

Payment in full must be completed 60 days prior to the workshop

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations subject to a 20% handling fee of the entire workshop price.

Fewer than 90 days before the workshop: 50%of entire workshop price refundable.

Fewer than 60 days before the workshop: 25% is refundable of entire workshop price.

Fewer than 45 days before the workshop, the fee is non-refundable.

Fewer than 45 days out, all fees paid are non-refundable UNLESS there is a government travel ban and the workshop does not run.

It is extremely unlikely I will cancel the workshop for any reason once the minimum number of participants is reached. However, if I need to cancel the workshop for any unforeseen reason, or if global circumstances force a cancellation, your fee is refundable. I accept no liability for any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel arrangements. As well, I accept no liability for an airline penalty incurred by the purchase of non refundable tickets or cancelled flights. Please purchase travel insurance.

After Registration:

You will receive:

• Material, tool list & instructions on packing

• Suggestions on booking flights and other transportation

• Accommodation suggestions

• Individual help with workshop project planning

• Individual help with any travel question or questions about Santorini

• Suggestions for activities and excursions on Santorini

To Register:

Please email me at margoanton@yahoo.ca with your name and contact information to register.