You’ll spend a relaxed afternoon in Brisbane learning to craft your own Turkish mosaic lamp from scratch, guided by friendly local instructors who really know their stuff. Sip sweet apple tea, snack on homemade Turkish shortbread cookies, and leave with your own glowing masterpiece — plus maybe a few new friends or at least some good laughs along the way.
I didn’t think I’d ever make a lamp that actually works, let alone one that looks like something from a bazaar in Istanbul. But there we were, tucked into this cozy studio in Fortitude Valley — the kind of place that smells faintly of glue and sugar at the same time. Our instructor, Zeynep, welcomed us with a grin and a tray of apple tea that tasted just sweet enough. She asked if anyone had tried mosaic art before; I shook my head (maybe too eagerly). The table was already scattered with tiny glass tiles in every color you could imagine — some so bright they almost hurt to look at first thing on a Saturday morning.
We started by picking out our patterns, which sounds simple but honestly took me ages. Zeynep showed us how to lay the tiles for the classic star design — she made it look easy, but my first attempt looked more like a lopsided snowflake. She didn’t mind though; she just laughed and told me “imperfection is part of the charm.” At some point, someone knocked over their cup of tea and everyone burst out laughing — even the quiet guy at the end who hadn’t said much until then. There was this soft hum of conversation mixed with the clink of glass on wood, and I remember thinking how rare it is to just sit and make something with your hands for a couple hours.
Halfway through, they brought out these homemade Turkish shortbread cookies — crumbly, buttery things dusted with sugar. I probably ate more than my share (no regrets). My fingers got sticky from both grout and pastry crumbs. By the end of the workshop, my lamp wasn’t perfect but when they switched it on for me — honestly? It glowed way prettier than I expected. Everyone took turns admiring each other’s work; even Zeynep seemed genuinely proud. Walking out into the Brisbane afternoon holding my own mosaic lamp felt oddly satisfying. I still think about that warm light sometimes when things get hectic.
The workshop lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Yes, it’s suitable for all skill levels including complete beginners.
The class takes place at Art Masterclass in Fortitude Valley.
Yes, all materials needed are included in the workshop price.
You’ll be served apple tea and homemade Turkish shortbread cookies during your session.
Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.
Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby.
Yes, you’ll take home your own handmade mosaic lamp after class.
Your experience includes all materials needed to create your own Turkish mosaic lamp during this hands-on workshop in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. You’ll enjoy complimentary apple tea and homemade Turkish shortbread cookies while you work, plus full wheelchair accessibility throughout the studio space.
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