Tama Workshop
The wishsmith workshop
The custom of the tama (plural: tamata) – a small, hand-embossed metal plaque traditionally offered as a token of faith or gratitude to a sacred figure – is an enchanting tradition carrying thousands of years of Greek history, culture and devotion.
Far more than mere metal objects, tamata serve as a universal language of human desire, love and hope. They act as a physical mirror for our deepest wishes, translating dreams or quiet aspirations into tangible symbols celebrated for their charming simplicity.
Renowned worldwide, Tinos’s majestic Church of the Virgin Mary houses the world’s largest and most spectacular collection of gold and silver tamata, standing as a timeless monument to centuries of human emotion. This overwhelming canvas of human hope provides the direct inspiration for the unique keepsake you are about to create.
Overview
Unveil this unique Greek craft tradition by shaping your own hopes and dreams into a physical token of expression.
This immersive 3-hour creative journey begins with an inspiring hosted visit to the iconic Church of the Virgin Mary to admire the primitive elegance of this metalwork, before heading over to the historic Zarifios Weaving School, where local heritage and modern creativity meet.
Under the expert guidance of our instructor, you will not only emboss your own personalized metal tama, but you will also elevate it into a striking, multi-dimensional work of art. Working with a curated selection of premium textiles, rich threads, lustrous beads and trimmings, you will layer, stitch, and embellish these fabrics to frame your handcrafted metal token, turning your deeper wishes into a vibrant, tactile folk masterpiece to proudly take home with you.
Meet your workshop instructor
The crafting session is led by Theodor Anastasato, a designer and textile artist who trained in London and worked for international fashion houses in the UK, Japan, and Spain.
After returning to Greece, he founded his own fashion label and expanded into contemporary textile art.
Today, his pieces centered around tamata stand out as one of the most distinctive and original aspects of his diverse work.
Based on Tinos for half the year, where he runs the ZOSMA gallery-boutique, Theodor masterfully blends fabrics, antique trims, and beads into quilted masterpieces—a unique, soulful practice he is now excited to share with you.
What is included
- Fully private 3-hour experience exclusive to your group
- Private guidance and mentorship by textile artist Theodor Anastasato
- English-speaking host for seamless coordination and personalized storytelling
- All premium crafting supplies, textiles, metal sheets, and embellishments
- Your own framed, multi-dimensional tama masterpiece to take home
What is not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (unless custom-arranged)
- Personal expenses and gallery shopping
- Gratuities for your local host and artisan (optional, at your discretion)
Pricing
- 1 guest: €370
- 2 guests: €240/person
- 3 guests: €200/person
- 4 guests: €175/person
- 5+ guests:€160/person
- Contact us for larger groups.
Rates reflect our signature experiences. Should you desire a bespoke experience designed exclusively for you, it would be our pleasure to curate it together.
For larger groups, please contact us for special rates.
All rates are fully inclusive of local taxes and service fees.
Booking and cancellation terms
- A deposit of 20% is required to book your desired experience. The balance of the payment can be paid on the day of the experience upon arrival.
- A refund will be available for cancellations made at least 7 days prior to the selected experience.
- If the experience is cancelled due to bad weather conditions, the full amount will be refunded unless you wish to reschedule.
