Sintra: Hispanic Moorish Tile Workshop

Sintra’s Hispanic Moorish Tile Workshop offers a unique hands-on experience that immerses participants in the captivating world of traditional tile art. Blending Islamic design influences, this 2-hour session allows attendees to craft their own raised-edge tiles using vibrant colored glazes. With a variety of intricate motifs to choose from, the workshop promises a memorable artistic endeavor. But what else can this experience offer beyond the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind tile?

Key Points

• The Hispanic Moorish Tile Workshop is a 2-hour experience that teaches participants the traditional Aresta tile decoration technique influenced by Islamic art.
• Participants will craft a tile with clay and mold, paint another tile using colored glazes, and choose from a variety of motifs for customization.
• The tile decoration technique involves impressing clay into a mold to create raised-edge tiles, carving intricate patterns using delicate tools, and applying colored glazes to enhance designs.
• Participants can select from a wide range of motifs, including intricate geometric designs and floral motifs, reflecting the symmetry of Islamic patterns or organic nature-based designs.
• Finished tiles can be picked up at the end of the workshop or shipped to the participant’s home address, with the workshop fee including the convenient shipping service.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Workshop Overview

The workshop, titled "Sintra: Hispanic Moorish Tile Workshop," is a 2-hour experience (3 PM – 5 PM) that costs $54.61 per person.

It’s limited to small groups of 8 participants and conducted in English. The studio is wheelchair accessible, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Attendees will learn the traditional Aresta tile decoration technique, craft a tile with clay and mold, and paint another tile with colored glazes.

They can choose from various motifs and pick up or have the finished tile shipped to their home.

Activities and Learning Objectives

During the workshop, you will learn the traditional Aresta tile decoration technique, which is heavily influenced by Islamic art. They’ll experience the process of crafting a tile with clay and mold, as well as painting another tile with colored glazes.

| Activity | Description |

| — | — |

| Tile Decoration | Learn the Aresta technique to create intricate geometric patterns |

| Tile Crafting | Use clay and molds to design and shape a personalized tile |

| Tile Painting | Decorate a pre-made tile using a variety of colored glazes |

Participants can choose from a wide selection of motifs, and have the option to pick up their finished tile or have it shipped to their home address.

Tile Decoration Technique

Participants enjoy the rich heritage of Moorish tile art, learning the traditional Aresta technique.

This intricate method involves:

1. Impressing clay into a mold to create a tile with raised edges.

2. Carving patterns using delicate tools to reveal the clay beneath the glaze.

3. Applying colored glazes to the carved tiles, allowing the designs to stand out.

4. Firing the tiles in a kiln to fuse the glaze and produce a durable, vibrant surface.

Through this hands-on experience, participants gain an appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of Hispanic Moorish tile design.

Motif Selection

As participants enter the studio, they’re presented with a wide selection of motifs on molds and tiles to choose from.

Traditional Moorish patterns, such as intricate geometric designs and floral motifs, adorn the available options. Participants can select the motif that speaks to their personal style and artistic vision.

Whether drawn to the symmetry of Islamic-inspired patterns or the organic beauty of nature-based designs, the choice allows for a customized and meaningful tile-making experience.

This creative freedom enables participants to imbue their work with individual flair and cultural influences.

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Finished Tile Options

Two options are available for participants to take home their finished tiles.

Firstly, participants can pick up their painted tile at the end of the workshop.

Alternatively, they’ve the option to have their tile shipped to their home address. This convenient shipping service is included in the workshop fee.

The workshop provides:

1. Pick up finished tile onsite

2. Ship finished tile to home

3. All materials and equipment provided

4. Firing service for painted tiles included

Participants are advised to wear clothes that can get dirty during the hands-on tile crafting experience.

Location and Transportation

The studio is located in Sintra, a short walk from the train station to and from Lisboa.

Transportation to and from the studio isn’t included in the workshop price. Participants will need to arrange their own travel to and from the studio.

The studio’s accessible location makes it easy to reach, whether you’re coming from Lisboa or elsewhere in the Sintra region.

Just be sure to plan your transportation ahead of time so you can arrive at the studio ready to learn about the Moorish tile-making experience.

Materials and Services

All materials and equipment needed for the workshop are provided. Participants have access to:

1. Clay and molds for creating a customized tile.

2. Colored glazes for painting another tile.

3. Firing service to permanently set the painted tile.

4. Protective clothing recommendations to keep clothes clean during the hands-on activities.

The studio ensures all necessary supplies are available so participants can fully enjoy the Moorish tile-making experience.

The studio ensures all necessary supplies are available so participants can fully enjoy the Moorish tile-making experience.

With the materials and services provided, guests can focus on learning the traditional techniques and designing their unique ceramic pieces.

Customer Feedback

According to the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, the Sintra: Hispanic Moorish Tile Workshop has consistently delivered an exceptional experience for participants.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 12 reviews, customers have highlighted the welcoming atmosphere, quality instruction, and enjoyable nature of the workshop. The experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in Moorish tile art and intricate geometric patterns.

Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable instructors who guide them through the process of crafting their own tiles using traditional techniques and materials.

The workshop is considered a must-do activity for visitors to the Sintra region.

The Sum Up

The Sintra: Hispanic Moorish Tile Workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of traditional Aresta tile decoration. Participants craft their own raised-edge tiles, choosing from intricate motifs and vibrant glazes. With a hands-on approach and expert guidance, this intimate workshop allows attendees to appreciate the skilled craftsmanship while expressing their creativity. Finished tiles can be conveniently picked up or shipped, making this a memorable artistic endeavor.

You can check availability for your dates here: