Take a large and bright location, Avanzi‘s headquarters in Milan, with a bar serving unforgettable cakes and Swedish dishes attached (Upcycle).

Add a rich program of conferences and workshops: so many and interesting that you got inevitably to give up something, even if reluctantly. Spice this with the possibility to know really nice people who have been able to create, together, a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Having unclear ideas about my future Etsy shop, it was therapeutic to me to exchange information with the girls who are venturing for some time with this business. Because this is about doing business, although in small dimensions, although in spare time, and this is about doing network too, through the formidable organization of Etsy Italian Team.

For the first time I had the opportunity to ask for advise to someone who has experienced, who understands my doubts and, above all, really shares my passions.

That’s why I miss it.

Workshop #1 | Lumi with IreneAgh

A photographic technique of developing, conceived in the U.S. and produced thanks to a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, funded at the second attempt. Jessi Janet, creator of Lumi, teaches us that a good idea and perseverance can develop your own business.

In short: apply the product, overlay flat objects or a negative on acetate and expose to sunlight for a few minutes (even a few hours in cloudy days). Irene Renon is an excellent teacher, the workshop is fun, but in the end I am not sure that this method is suitable for me: a very limited choice of colours (blue, red, orange) and the high price of the product, although the good performance.

However, it is interesting that Irene is pioneering the technique, looking for alternative applications: there are some examples that I did not expect, such as bracelets made of wood and fabric lampshades on Lumi website too.

Workshop #2 | Stampomatica with Tecnificio e Lino’s Type

What if Gutenberg had owned a 3D printer? This is how this mysterious workshop introduced itself. Mysterious because we all come to the workshop not really knowing what would happen. To be honest, I have peeked the previous round, but before the Craft Camp I was able to find few information about stampomatica: just a video made at Maker Faire Rome, that made me fall in love in less than two minutes.

Well, my love has been confirmed by practice! And I must say that I had so many competitor… In short, we all liked the idea of Laura Veronesi (Lino’s Type), Patrizia Bolzan and Marcello Pirovano (Tecnificio)!

But what is it? It is simply an irresistible mini printing press. It is not yet for sale, but keep an eye on the website because I think it is a purchase that is worth considering.

Workshop #3 | Creative upcycling with Vendetta Uncinetta

I arrived with at least 4 pairs of socks in my bag, because I couldn’t choose. But actually in my heart I knew it.

These are the socks that warmed my feet during the winters in the woods (not as a lumberjack, but inside an office, in a house in the woods), giants, but comfortable. Their burial was this workshop. Gaia Segattini assures us immediately that before the end of the day we would talk to our puppet…

well I already talked to my socks… This has been the most challenging laboratory, because, although it is not technically difficult and Gaia is a really good teacher, the available time was just enough to do the whole work. And maybe I get lost in chatting with other people…

But the end result is surprising : It was me who did this?!