Countdown to Christmas 2016, Venice Style - Day 9

Ciao, tutti! 

This just might be my favorite Advent calendar this year. I've been thinking about what I might put in each of those drawers. Don't laugh, but I'd put Hersey's kisses in them, the same number in each box as the number on it. So, 1 kiss for Dec 1, 2 for Dec 2 and so on. December 24 would be like a winning the lottery- especially since we cannot find Hersey's kisses over here. Having them would be such a treat! Any thoughts on what you'd load those drawers with? 

Today I'm taking you to one of my all time favorite shops in Venice, to meet a very special artisan. This is one of the very first places I visited on my first trip to Venice, I returned every year, and now I pop in several times a week. Ca Del Sole mask shop is just a few minutes from St. Mark's square, on Fondamenta Osmarin in the district of Castello. 

Meet the man behind the masks, Hamid Bandar.  Hamid opened his shop in 1986 and was one of the first artisans to create a revival of the traditional Venetian mask. I caught Hamid mid-lecture in his workshop the other day, doing something he loves - sharing the story of Venetian masks.

Inside his shop you'll find a wide assortment of masks, ranging from the Plague Doctor to fancy, elegant creations perfect for a Las Vegas showgirl. All individually made from paper mache and decorated with gorgeous accessories such as beads, gold leaf and feathers. 

A handmade Venetian mask is a work of art which takes days to construct from start to finish, beginning with strips of blue paper mache and glue in the plaster mold. Recreating the traditional masks worn in Venice is a labor of love for Hamid and his assistants. 

Ca del Sole not only sells Venetian masks, but also rents handmade costumes for Carnevale masquerade balls. 

Hope you will put Hamid's shop on your list of Must-finds next time you are visiting Venice. It's definitely one of Venice's gems. 

You can visit Ca del Sole at Castello, 4964, Fondamenta Osmarin

www. cadelsolemascherevenezia.com

Here's the link to the Countdown to Christmas 2014 post Just click here!

Today's Advent calendar thanks to imaginifnz.blogspot.co.nz

Costumes, Costumes, Costumes!

We are now in full Carnevale mode here, LOTS of tourists on the streets, LOTS of activities going on day and night.  The best time to catch some gorgeous costumes is in the mornings, between 8-10 am at St. Mark's square and the Doges Palace.  The level of detail on some of  these costumes is beyond belief!  I hope you feel like you are right there with me as I snapped these photos!

I had to start with this one - the Plague Doctor costume and mask (il Medico dell'Peste), one of the oldest masks used in Venice dating back to the plague of the 1500's.

Here's a perfect example of the level of detail to these costumes. Check the eyes on this model- they are wearing some interesting contact lenses. 

Another close up so you can appreciate the detail of these costumes. Look carefully at the peacock ring this model in the peacock outfit is wearing. 

Pierrot! It wouldn't be Carnevale without spotting Pierrot. 

Have you booked your tickets to Carnevale 2016 yet? 

Ciao tutti!