Venice and masks are inseparable. It’s impossible to visit Venice and not see shops filled with fanciful, fantastic designs. From the authentic, handmade papier-mâché versions to the cheap imports, they are delightful and fanciful.

Historically, for centuries, they were not only used in carnevale but in everyday life for more than six (6) months in the year.

When my friend and fellow blogger first suggested that we make masks when we were in Venice, I hesitated and, in retrospect, I can’t imagine why? We would be making our masks at one of the oldest mask workshops in Venice and after one hour would have our very own Venetian mask to bring home? OK, sign me up!

We set out on a very wet day but nothing would dampen our spirits. As it turned out, there were four of us – all meeting for the first time in Venice! We had all become virtual friends and not only are we all fellow bloggers and writers but we are all nutty Italophiles!

Sharing umbrellas and excited chatter we found our way to Ca’Macana, located in the Dorsodouro sestiere, a charming neighborhood not far from the Accademia.

From the moment we set foot inside, it was a photography free-for-all! iPhones and cameras clicking away at the utterly splendid array of masks – and no two are alike! Who can resist the temptation to try a few on?

Ca’Macana still employs the same techniques that have been used for over 800 years. And now it will be our turn! Momentarily we are led to the workshop where our creative juices would be set free. We met our instructor, Fiorella, who turned out to be a delightful and patient teacher.

We started by donning aprons and our first task is to pick out the papier-mâché mask we wanted to decorate.

Oh dear, decisions, decisions! Was I feeling mysterious? Seductive? Elegant? Coquettish? Cunning? Colorful? Would you believe “catty”?

After choosing our mask, we have to decide on the colors we want to use. Fiorella demonstrates the basic application techniques. and squeezes our paints onto our “palette”. Choosing from a container filled with brushes of every size and thickness, we go to work (or I should say “play”!). Creative concentration is heavy in the air!

After applying the base colors, a hair dryer is used to dry the paint. Next? Apply the details which will add character and personality to our masks.

Embellishing by dabbing colors or metallic silver or gold into swirls, curlicues, and broad swashes into decorative designs—silver lips, golden eyelids, and even silver whiskers—result in individual, fanciful creations.

Then back to the hair dryer, a coating of shellac, a little more hair dryer action and …ecco!!

For a little bling, we can add feathers and rhinestones and, of course, the ribbons to tie the mask on. A group photo, of course, before wrapping our works of art for travel. And all of this artistic effort has definitely whetted our appetites. With our treasures tucked into our bags, off we go to enjoy a delicious lunch after a delightful morning! Ah, la dolce vita indeed and all the sweeter when shared with friends.Visit: Ca’Macana