One technique, one plate, and a very personal result. This Venetian engraving class teaches you drypoint engraving step by step and leaves you with a finished print you can hang at home. I like that the instruction is hands-on and guided by your own idea, not a generic template.

You’ll create your own art print using Plexiglas or zinc (drypoint), with help from early drawing study through the final printing. That combination is the big win: learning a craft plus making a tangible souvenir. The workshop is set up for individual courses (one person or at most two), so you’re not stuck watching while others learn.

One consideration: you may get ink on your clothes, so don’t wear anything you’d hate to ruin. And if Venice has high water (or poor weather), the course can be moved or canceled.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• You make a real print (not just a demo) that you can take home.
• Your subject starts with you: you choose the topic and work it into the design.
• Drypoint on two possible surfaces: Plexiglas or zinc, depending on the course setup.
• Small group size: one or at most two people, for more personal coaching.
• Plan for mess: inks are part of the process, so dress for it.
• Venice weather matters: the class can shift due to high water.

Drypoint Engraving in Venice: What This Class Actually Gives You

If you’ve ever wanted to make something with your hands that looks like it belongs on a wall, this is a great direction. The heart of the experience is Venetian engraving technique—specifically drypoint—and the goal is simple: you create an original print based on your drawing or idea.

This isn’t a long lecture and it isn’t a quick craft stop. It’s a working session where you start with a concept, build the drawing, and then process the plate through to the final prints. That workflow matters because it turns engraving from a mysterious art into steps you can actually repeat later, even if your first attempt is a learning curve.

The setting is at Plum Plum Creations di Arianna Sautariello, right in Venice at Fondamenta dei Ormesini (you’ll meet and finish there). It’s also set up to be near public transportation, which is useful in Venice when your best route changes by the minute.

Your 3-Hour Timeline: From Idea to Take-Home Art

The class is about 3 hours, and the pace is built for progression. You’re not just sampling engraving—you’re going far enough that you’ll leave with finished prints.

Here’s how the experience is designed to unfold:

First you shape the subject. You can come with an original idea or a drawing, and the instructor helps you with preparation of the drawings. If you’re starting from scratch, this is where you’ll get the “how do I turn this into an engraving image” support. The point is to make your subject work for engraving lines and texture.

Next comes the engraving work. The session includes engraving with drypoint, and you’ll work with either drypoint on Plexiglas or drypoint on zinc. That choice can affect the look and feel of the process, and you get guidance on the right approach for your materials.

Finally, you move into the processing and printing stages. The course covers plate processing and the final prints, so you’re not left at the “I carved it, good luck” stage. You’ll walk away with prints you can take home and display.

The practical benefit of doing it in a single block of time is that your momentum stays with you. Engraving is the kind of skill where timing and sequence matter, and a dedicated 3-hour session keeps everything in the right order.

Plexiglas vs. Zinc Drypoint: Why the Surface Matters

This class gives you two drypoint paths: drypoint on Plexiglas or drypoint on zinc. Even if you don’t know the difference going in, you’ll benefit from having your instructor guide the process based on the material used.

Why it matters for you:

• Drypoint is line-focused. The way you scratch or draw into the plate becomes the image texture. The surface you use influences how lines behave.
• You’ll see results during the session. Because you move through plate processing to printing, you’ll get feedback fast instead of waiting days to learn what didn’t work.
• You get a real product. The point is to produce prints, not just “practice marks” that don’t become something you can keep.

If you’re picky about final appearance, ask about the material option when you book. The data here confirms both options are part of the course structure, so it’s fair to clarify what you’ll be using.

Choosing Your Venice Subject: Turn an Idea into an Engraving

One of the most useful parts of this experience is that the instructor follows you in the choice of subjects. That’s not a small detail. Engraving rewards strong composition: clear line logic, smart simplification, and subjects that translate to etched marks.

A helpful strategy is to come prepared with a plan. If you have a photo of Venice—or even a rough drawing—have it ready so you can translate it into an engraving-friendly image. The workshop setting is set up for exactly that kind of idea-to-image translation: you study, draw, prepare, and then cut lines into the plate.

This is also where the “take it home” promise becomes real. When your design comes from you, your finished print feels less like a souvenir and more like something you made—because you did.

What You’ll Learn: Drypoint as a Repeatable Skill

This course is built around “basic techniques” of engraving. That phrasing matters. You’re not expected to arrive as an artist, but you also won’t be treated like a child painting a picture. You’ll learn technique, step-by-step, and you’ll see how each stage feeds the next.

Here’s what you can expect to leave with:

• A working understanding of how drypoint engraving translates drawing into line work.
• Practical guidance through the process stages, from drawing prep to plate processing.
• A finished result you can hold, take home, and show.

The biggest value is that the skill is concrete. After this, you’ll know what you were doing and why. That turns the experience into something you can build on later.

Wear This, Bring That: Practical Tips for a Messy Craft

Venice is pretty, but printmaking can be messy. The course includes inks, and there’s a clear warning: you might get dirty using inks. So keep it simple—wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind staining.

A couple more practical ideas:

• Bring something you can move in. The physical fitness requirement is listed as moderate, so you should feel comfortable standing and working for part of the session.
• If you’re thinking of bringing your “Venice idea,” bring it as something you can reference while sketching and choosing details.

And yes, you’ll be in Venice. If you’re wearing your best outfit, printmaking isn’t the day to do that.

Location Snapshot: Plum Plum Creations by the Water

The meeting point is Plum Plum Creations di Arianna Sautariello, Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2681, 30121 Venice. Your tour ends back at the same place.

That matters more than it sounds. Venice walking routes are not always predictable, and having an end-at-meeting-point setup saves you time and stress. Since the location is noted as near public transportation, it’s easier to plan your day around your other stops.

Also, the experience uses a mobile ticket, which is handy in Venice when you don’t want to juggle paper in the middle of walkways and bridges.

Price and Value: What $168.22 Gets You in Real Terms

At $168.22 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t a cheap souvenir activity—and it shouldn’t be. You’re paying for a guided, hands-on craft session that ends with a real art print made from your design.

Here’s how I’d judge value:

• You’re not just watching. The class structure includes engraving and final printing, so the outcome is the point.
• The group size is designed for one or at most two people, which usually means more direct attention than a larger workshop.
• You’re learning technique, not just doing a one-time activity. Even if your first print isn’t gallery-perfect, you’ll understand the steps.

So for me, the price makes sense if you want a meaningful art object and a skill-based experience. If you’re only looking for a quick photo moment, there are likely lower-cost ways to do that. But if you want to make something you’ll hang on your wall, the cost aligns with the work and the result.

When Venice Has Other Plans: High Water and Weather

Venice can change your schedule fast. The course may be canceled or moved in case of high water. It’s also described as requiring good weather, with a backup plan of offering a different date or a full refund if conditions cancel it due to poor weather.

This is the part you should mentally plan for when you book. Don’t treat it like a guaranteed “every day at 10:00” activity. Instead, treat it like a great plan that Venice might slightly adjust.

Small-Group Reality: Who Can Book

This is listed as a private tour/activity, and the reservation policy is specific: reservations are accepted from people belonging to the same family or relatives. So this is best suited if you’re booking as a family group, or with relatives.

Because the course is designed for one or at most two people, you’ll likely get more individualized coaching than in a larger class. That’s part of the reason you’ll feel supported when translating your idea into an engraving.

Should You Book It? My Decision Guide

Book this if you want:

• A hands-on art skill experience, not a demo
• To create and take home a real drypoint print
• More personal instruction in a small, private-style format
• A structured path from drawing to plate to printing

Skip it if:

• You can’t handle a bit of mess from inks
• You’re only interested in casual sightseeing souvenirs
• You need something that can’t be affected by high water or weather shifts

If you’re the type who likes crafts, textures, and line work—or you just want a Venice memory with more meaning than a postcard—this class is a smart bet.

FAQ

How long is the engraving course?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Is it private or shared?

It’s a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.

What will I create during the class?

You’ll create a real art print made by you, based on your original idea or drawing, and you can take it home.

What engraving technique does the course include?

The course includes engraving with the drypoint technique using either Plexiglas or zinc.

Where do I meet, and where does it end?

You meet at Plum Plum Creations di Arianna Sautariello, Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2681, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, since there may be ink involved.

What happens if there’s high water or bad weather?

The course may be canceled or moved in case of high water. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a cancellation window?

Yes. Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.