Motovun: 90-Minute Glass Flameworking Experience

Imagine spending a relaxing 90 minutes in the charming hilltop town of Motovun, crafting your own glass art under the guidance of seasoned artisans. This glass flameworking experience offers a rare chance for travelers to get their hands dirty (in a safe way) and leave with personalized souvenirs.

What we love about this workshop is its intimate size—groups are limited to four people—making it feel more like a private class than a crowded tour. The emphasis on safety and instruction ensures that even complete beginners can produce something they’ll be proud of. Plus, the opportunity to choose between different themes like ornaments, icicles, or beads adds a nice touch of variety.

One thing to keep in mind is that your finished pieces will need to be kiln-annealed overnight, meaning you’ll pick them up the next day or choose to have them shipped. If you’re after a quick souvenir, it’s worth planning accordingly. This tour suits creative types, curious travelers, or anyone looking to add a handcrafted memento from Croatia to their collection.

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Key Points

Hands-on activity: Craft your own glass pieces using a torch in a guided workshop.
Limited group size: Max of four participants, ensuring personalized attention.
Themed options: Choose from ornaments, icicles, or beads depending on the day.
All materials provided: No need to bring anything but closed-toe shoes.
Overnight kiln annealing: Your creations are cooled slowly for durability.
Shipping available: Option to have your work sent to you, but postage costs extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Glass Flameworking Workshop

This 90-minute session is hosted at Elemental Studios in the heart of Motovun, a town famous for its medieval charm and scenic vistas. The studios are conveniently located within Old Town—though you’ll need to park in public areas and walk a short distance. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by experienced instructors who walk you through the process in a friendly, approachable manner.

The workshop begins with a quick safety briefing and demonstration. No prior experience is needed, and the staff makes sure everyone feels comfortable handling the torch and glass. The core activity involves using an oxy-propane torch to shape and create your own glass pieces. The process is surprisingly manageable, even for first-timers, thanks to clear guidance and a relaxed atmosphere.

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Crafting Your Glass Pieces

Participants can expect to create 2-5 individual items during the session. Depending on the day, the themes vary: Thursdays focus on Blown Glass Ornaments, Fridays feature Twisted Icicles, and Saturdays are dedicated to Glass Beads. This variation keeps the experience fresh and allows you to select what most excites you.

Once you’ve chosen your design, the instructor demonstrates how to manipulate the glass with the torch, shaping it into whimsical ornaments, delicate beads, or shimmering icicles. The reviews highlight that the instructors, including someone named Maria, are patient and helpful, ensuring beginners don’t feel overwhelmed.

The Creative Process

During the workshop, we loved how hands-on and engaging it was. You get ample torch time to experiment and refine your designs, which results in a real sense of accomplishment. Plus, seeing your creations take shape from a blob of molten glass to a finished ornament is pretty satisfying.

A review mentioned, “The instructors are very attentive, and I appreciated how they let us make the decisions while guiding us safely.” The collaborative vibe turns the activity into a fun, social experience rather than a technical chore.

Post-Workshop and Shipping

Your finished pieces will go into a kiln to be annealed overnight, ensuring they cool properly and are less fragile. When you return the next day, you’ll be able to pick up your creations from 10 am to 6 pm, or you can opt to have them shipped (postage not included). This flexibility is handy if you’re short on time or want to avoid carrying fragile items during your travels.

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The Practical Details and Value

At $135 per person, this workshop offers good value, especially considering it includes all materials, tools, safety gear, and expert guidance. The price reflects the personalized instruction and the unique experience of creating your glass art. Compared to buying a souvenir in a shop, creating your own gives you a memorable story—and a tangible keepsake.

While the workshop is relatively short, the quality of instruction and the opportunity to craft multiple pieces make it worthwhile. Plus, the small group size enhances the experience, giving you plenty of one-on-one attention.

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Accessibility & Logistics

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and outfit themselves in natural fiber clothing—long pants are recommended to protect against heat and glass fragments. Long hair should be tied back, and synthetic or flammable fabrics are discouraged. Children under 12 are not suited for this activity, but ages 12+ can participate, with minors under 18 needing an adult present.

The maximum group size is four, which helps keep the session intimate and personalized. Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later—making it easy to fit into your travel plans.

Location and Parking

Located in Old Town Motovun, the studio is easy to find if you park in the designated public areas. The walk from parking is brief, and the stunning medieval scenery makes it a pleasant stroll.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This workshop is ideal for creative travelers, those interested in handmade crafts, or anyone wanting a unique souvenir from Croatia. It’s also perfect for couples or small groups looking for a memorable activity that combines learning with fun. If you’re curious about glass art but worried about the technical side, rest assured—beginners are fully welcomed and supported.

Keep in mind that this activity isn’t suitable for children under 12, and safety is a priority. Those with a keen interest in arts or crafts will particularly appreciate the opportunity to work with real glass artisans and create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Final Thoughts

The Motovun glass flameworking workshop offers more than just a souvenir—it delivers an authentic, hands-on experience that lets you tap into your creativity amidst Croatia’s stunning scenery. The personalized instruction, variety of themes, and the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind piece makes it a memorable addition to any trip.

While it’s a relatively brief session, the quality and intimacy of the experience make it well worth the price. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity, a unique gift, or a new skill, this workshop offers genuine value in a charming setting.

For those who love crafting, want a meaningful souvenir, or simply enjoy trying new things during their travels, this glass flameworking experience hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

Is prior experience needed?
No, this workshop is suitable for beginners. The instructors will guide you through each step, so you don’t need any previous skills.

What should I wear?
Wear closed-toe shoes and natural fiber clothing. Long pants are recommended for safety. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or synthetic fabrics.

Can I create multiple pieces?
Yes, you can craft between 2 and 5 items during the session, depending on the designs and complexity.

What themes are available?
Depending on the day, themes include blown glass ornaments (Thursdays), twisted icicles (Fridays), and glass beads (Saturdays).

When will I get my finished pieces?
They will be kiln-annealed overnight, and you can pick them up the next day between 10 am and 6 pm. Shipping is available at extra cost.

Is the group size small?
Yes, groups are limited to four participants, ensuring personalized guidance.

How much does it cost?
The workshop costs $135 per person, which includes all materials, tools, safety gear, and instruction.

Is the experience accessible for children?
Children under 12 are not allowed; ages 12 and above can participate with adult supervision.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

In summary, this Motovun glass flameworking workshop provides a delightful blend of creativity, learning, and local charm. It’s a fantastic way to create a memorable keepsake and get a taste of Croatian craftsmanship—all while enjoying the beauty of this historic hilltop town.