In March 2026, a group of adult learners from MTÜ Craft Depo in Narva travelled to Italy e to explore the art of mosaic making in a city where its traditions go back thousands of years. The participants were Craft Depo learners who already practise mosaic making and wanted to develop their skills further.

The Erasmus+ group learning mobility was hosted by Associazione culturale Studio Cassio Arte del Mosaico. The programme combined hands-on training, Italian cultural heritage, sustainable creative practices and modern approaches to adult learning.

Participants worked with natural stone and traditional Italian mosaic glass, known as smalti. They developed their own designs and created artworks using Roman stone mosaic techniques.

One particularly interesting aspect was comparing how mosaic materials are produced today with the methods used by craftspeople in ancient times. Exploring modern production techniques alongside historical methods gave participants a deeper appreciation of the precision, patience and craftsmanship involved in mosaic making.

Rome itself became an open-air classroom. At the National Roman Museum, participants studied ancient mosaics and frescoes, observing artistic techniques and fine details. Exploring the city also showed how art, architecture and craft traditions remain part of everyday life.

Sustainability was another important theme. Participants discussed how leftover natural stone and construction tiles could be reused to create new mosaics - an approach particularly relevant to Craft Depo's creative activities.

What Did We Bring Home from Italy Besides Mosaics?

Above all, new knowledge, fresh ideas and greater confidence.

Each participant experienced the full creative process, from developing a design to completing their own mosaic. They learned new stone-working techniques and gained a deeper understanding of mosaic materials and methods.

Just as valuable was everything they learned outside the studio. Participants planned routes independently, searched for information and used mobile applications and translation tools. For some, this was their first experience of managing such tasks in another country.

One of the most important discoveries was that fluent foreign-language skills are not essential for international learning. Digital tools, mutual support and a willingness to communicate can help overcome language barriers.

Learning as a group also encouraged participants to share creative experiences, learn from one another, make decisions together and feel more confident in unfamiliar surroundings.

The mobility brought tangible results. Participants completed their own mosaic artworks, developed practical skills and gained a clearer understanding of the differences between historical and modern techniques. They discovered sustainable ways of using materials that can be introduced into Craft Depo's activities. At the same time, they became more confident using digital tools and translation apps, gained international communication experience and learned to manage everyday situations more independently. These achievements strengthened their motivation to continue learning and take part in future educational projects.

The knowledge gained will not remain just a personal experience. New techniques, ideas and sustainable practices will be shared with other adult learners and incorporated into future Craft Depo activities.

Perhaps the most valuable outcome was the realisation that learning new skills, discovering other countries and taking on new challenges is possible at any age.

Erasmus+ project: 2025-1-EE01-KA121-ADU-000328467

The project is supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.

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