Tustin: Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop

If you’re looking for a unique hands-on activity that blends artistry with cultural charm, the Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop in Tustin might just be your perfect pick. While I haven’t personally attended, reviews, descriptions, and experiences shared by past participants paint a compelling picture of an enjoyable, authentic, and surprisingly enriching experience.

What makes this workshop stand out? First, it promises a chance to learn traditional Turkish mosaic techniques that are over 500 years old. Second, it offers a fun and interactive environment where you get to craft your very own mosaic lamp. And third, it’s paired with Turkish tea and cookies, adding a cozy, cultural touch.

A possible consideration? The workshop lasts just 2.5 hours—so if you’re hoping for a comprehensive deep dive into mosaic art, you might find it a bit light. But for most, this compact experience offers a perfect blend of learning, creating, and tasting.

This experience is ideal for those curious about craftsmanship, cultural art forms, or simply looking for a creative activity during their trip to Orange County. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or in a small group, it’s a delightful way to make a memorable souvenir and gain new skills.

Key Points

• Authentic Turkish techniques: You’ll learn skills that have been passed down for centuries.
• Personalized craft: Create a unique mosaic lamp tailored to your style.
• All materials included: Colored glass, beads, and adhesives are provided.
• Cultural experience: Enjoy traditional Turkish tea and cookies during the workshop.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Small group setting: Guidance from friendly, English-speaking instructors ensures a supportive environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Workshop

An Introduction to Turkish Mosaic Art

The workshop begins with an overview of the 500-year-old craft, giving you a sense of its deep roots in Turkish culture. The instructor will guide you through the proper use of materials and tools—key to mastering the intricate techniques that make Turkish mosaics stand out. You’ll learn how to lay tiles with precision, create geometric patterns, and choose color schemes that evoke harmony and aesthetic appeal.

Hands-On Lamp Crafting

After a brief demonstration, you’ll dive into designing your own mosaic lamp. Participants can choose from a variety of lamp styles, allowing for some personal expression. According to reviews, you’re encouraged to look around at examples in the room for inspiration and don’t shy away from asking the teachers for help in replicating or improving your design. Past guests have noted that the instructors are “very nice,” which makes asking questions feel natural and supportive.

The Artistic Process

The process involves laying colored glasses and beads onto your lamp base, which might sound simple, but the precision and color harmony required can be quite addictive. The experience isn’t just about following steps—it’s about finding your aesthetic and seeing your creation develop before your eyes. As one reviewer, Amber, recommended, “Look at the examples around the room and don’t be shy to ask the teachers how to replicate or improve the design.”

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Cultural Touch and Refreshments

Throughout the workshop, you’ll indulge in Turkish tea and shortbread cookies. This feature adds an authentic cultural flavor and makes the workshop feel more like a mini culture rather than just a craft class. It’s a perfect way to relax, chat with other participants, and savor Turkish hospitality.

Your Completed Masterpiece

At the end of the 2.5 hours, you’ll leave with a beautiful, handcrafted mosaic lamp you designed yourself. This isn’t just a souvenir; it’s a tangible piece of art that reflects your creativity and effort. Several reviews specifically mention how proud and excited participants are to take home their personalized lamps.

The Value of the Experience

Price and What You Get

The workshop costs $89 per person, which covers all necessary materials, guidance, Turkish tea, and cookies. Compared to buying a similar handcrafted lamp in a market, this price offers a value-packed experience—not only do you create your own piece, but you also learn a traditional craft. The inclusion of refreshments makes the experience feel more indulgent and welcoming.

Duration and Flexibility

With a duration of 2.5 hours, it’s a manageable activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility, especially for travelers with unpredictable schedules. Full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind.

Group Size and Instruction

Participants are guided by friendly, English-speaking instructors who ensure everyone receives personalized attention. While the exact group size isn’t specified, reviews suggest a small, intimate setting, ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach and direct interaction.

Accessibility and Language

The workshop is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers. If you’re interested in cultural arts and crafts, or simply want to try something different, you’ll find this experience welcoming and easy to follow.

Why This Workshop Is Worth Considering

What we love about this experience is the combination of hands-on craftsmanship, cultural richness, and social interaction. It’s a chance to learn a skill that’s centuries old, create a personal piece of art, and enjoy Turkish hospitality—all in just a couple of hours.

The guided instruction, paired with ample time for creativity, makes it suitable for beginners, art lovers, or anyone looking for a memorable activity during their trip. Plus, the opportunity to customize your lamp means each piece will be unique, adding a personal touch to your home or as a thoughtful gift.

The workshop’s focus on authentic techniques ensures that what you learn is genuine, not a simplified version, making it especially valuable for those interested in traditional crafts. While it’s a relatively short experience, it feels fulfilling, thanks to the quality of instruction and culture.

Who Should Book This?

This activity is best suited for travelers who enjoy crafting and hands-on experiences. It appeals to those curious about Turkish art, or looking to add a personal, artistic touch to their trip. It’s also a great choice for small groups or couples seeking a fun, intimate activity. If you love souvenirs that have a story behind them, you’ll love the chance to create your own mosaic lamp.

However, if you’re after an intensive, in-depth crafting course, this workshop might feel a bit limited in scope. But for most, the 2.5-hour session hits just the right sweet spot—short enough to fit into a busy itinerary, yet full of engagement and creative satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to guide participants step-by-step, making it accessible even if you’ve never worked with mosaics before.

What materials are included?
All necessary materials for creating your mosaic lamp—colored glasses, beads, adhesive—are provided as part of the experience.

Can I choose the style of my lamp?
Yes, you can select from different style lamps and add your personal touch during the design process.

How long is the workshop?
The total duration is approximately 2.5 hours, allowing ample time to learn, create, and enjoy refreshments.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility to your booking.

Is the experience available in other languages?
Currently, the workshop is conducted in English.

Final Thoughts

The Tustin Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop offers a balanced mix of cultural insight, creative expression, and social fun. For anyone interested in Turkish craftsmanship or looking for a memorable hands-on activity, this is a worthy choice. You’ll leave with a beautiful, handcrafted lamp and a new appreciation for a 500-year-old art form.

While it may not be the most exhaustive art course, its value, authenticity, and intimate setting make it an experience worth considering. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this workshop provides a meaningful way to connect with Turkish culture through your own artistic efforts.

In summary, this experience is best suited for those seeking a fun, cultural craft activity that results in a tangible, personal souvenir. It’s perfect for curious travelers, craft enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a memorable, authentic hands-on experience in Orange County.

You can check availability for your dates here: