EXPLORE - CREATE - RELAX
Let us welcome you as our guests and show you the hidden gems of Bulgaria while enjoying the art of slow travel.
You'll have the chance to learn the basics in ceramic bead making & tile painting by the ceramic artsits at Golem Studio, take leisurely day trips to local sights, galleries and wineries and even have a jewelry design workshop with an American designer!
Why Golem Retreats?
For over two decades, Vladislav Ivanov and Kremena Ivanova (the founders of Golem Design Studio), and later their daughter, Damyana Dimitrova, have been deeply engaged in the ceramic industry, crafting beads, creating designs, enhancing quality, and most significantly, fostering relationships with people worldwide. Now, we feel it's the ideal moment to extend an invitation to all our clients and supporters to visit us at our home. We are more eager than ever to engage with you and provide an intimate view of our work, our community and our country. Sharing our passion for our craft and our locale is paramount to us. We believe the most authentic approach is to welcome you as our esteemed guests, allowing you to experience our lifestyle and our preferred method of exploration – the slow pace.
Picture yourself starting your day in a charmingly renovated century-old house, enjoying coffee in the sunny garden next to the pool, as a private chef whips up a breakfast using fresh produce from nearby markets. Afterwards, a morning workshop where you can unleash your creativity through ceramics but also learn some new skills too. Or take a leisurely stroll in the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria, for a relaxed sightseeing experience. On another day we can take a day-trip to a close by town or visit one of our famous local wineries, finishing the day with a fine dinner under the stars maybe even with some live concert, just for you.
All this and more are part of the Golem Art & Leisure Retreat package.
Why Bulgaria?
Southern Europe has always been synonymous with sunny weather and the perfect balance of culture, delicious food and beautiful scenery. For many of us, this part of the old continent is a well-known go-to holiday destination. Somewhere we know we’ll be able to find rich history and unique stories that make this part of the world so magical.
We all know that Italy, Spain and Greece are famous for all of the above but Bulgaria is what most people are missing when it comes to travel ideas. Right at the center of all roads between Central Europe and Asia, close to the Mediterranean, Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in Europe. Did you know that Bulgaria is the homeland of yogurt? Did you know that Bulgaria is also the worlds largest producer of high-quality lavender and rose oil. There’s a lot more about our homeland we want to share with you.
Are you ready to explore it further?
Workshop Program
*All materials, supplies and tools will be provided. Each student will receive a complimentary set of tools. Care has been taken to ensure all the supplies, used in the workshops (or direct analogues) are readily available in the US ceramic supply shops, so the students will be able to continue their projects with easy after their return back home.
Workshop Part 1: Lecture & Discussion
History and basic theory of ceramic art and beads including the importance of beads as an art form and cultural phenomenon from the Stone Age to present day.
Lecturer: Vlad Ivanov, Owner and Designer, Golem Design Studio
Description: A brief overview of the history of ceramic art and techniques, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. Showcasing samples and images of beads and various personal adornments from different historical periods. Discussions and Q&A about the significance of modern-day use of beads as art forms and beads in general.
Workshop Part 2: Practical Hands-On
Ceramic Beads Shaping & Decoration Techniques
Lecturer: Vlad Ivanov, Owner and Designer, Golem Design Studio
The focus of this first class will be bead shaping basics. A "Show and Tell" demonstration will showcase the process of creating round beads, tube beads, and lentil-shaped beads from scratch. After all the students have crafted their beads, the next stage involves demonstrating and practicing various bead decorating techniques like carving and stamping using a range of tools.
Workshop Part 3: Practical course
Deifferent Bead Glazing and Painting Techniques
Lecturer: Vlad Ivanov and Damyana Dimitrova
Detailed introduction of the Majolica Technique and instruction how to paint ceramic pendants with it. Later a detailed instruction of glazing the beads made previously. Each student will glaze their beads they made in Part 1. The glazed beads will be fired in the kiln the same day.
Workshop Part 5 : Jewelry Design Workshop
Accomodation & Food
House in Veliko Tarnovo for 7 nights
A beautifully renovated, century-old villa located in the heart of old town Veliko Tarnovo. The house features 4 bedrooms: 2 ensuites with 2 double beds each, and 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds each, sharing a bathroom. Bedrooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the house includes a spacious, open kitchen, dining room, living room, a charming garden with a pool, and a sauna and a jacuzzi. Workshops will also take place in this house.
Hotel in Sofia
Of course we can't miss seeing our capital, Sofia so the last night of the retreat will be spend there so we can spend the afternoon before your departure day there. The rooms in the hotel are all double and with private bathrooms, breakfast will also be served at the hotel before we leave for the airport on the last day.
Food
All meals are included.
The food will mostly be a mixturer of Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine, encompassing Greek and Italian flavors. Upon confirmation of your booking, you will be provided with a questionnaire to note your food preferences, allergies, special dietary needs, and beverage choices including soft drinks, coffee, tea, wine, liquor, and mixers. All dishes will be freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, with traditional meal options available. Additionally, an open bar will be accessible at the house, offering a selection of wine, liquor, mixers, cocktails and beer.
Meals during day trips away from the Veliko Tarnovo residence will be provided by local restaurants offering a full menu.
