Whispers of Istanbul – Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshops
Dates : Saturday, 11th April 2026 and Saturday, 2nd May, 2026
Timings of workshops: 11 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Venue : The Upstairs Meeting Room (Montglen Room)
At Whispers of Istanbul, our journey began with a passion for sharing the timeless beauty of authentic Turkish mosaic lamps. Located in the heart of downtown Whitby, our boutique has become a cherished destination for those who appreciate handcrafted artistry, vibrant colors, and the rich heritage of Turkish design.
Workshop Details
At Whispers of Istanbul, we bring the art of authentic Turkish mosaic lamps to Whitby.
You asked, “How are these made?”
Now you can create one yourself.
Join our DIY Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop — a hands-on experience where you design, craft and take home your own glowing masterpiece.
Perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, date nights, or private group events.
This isn’t just a class.
It’s light, colour, creativity — and a memory you’ll keep.
1. Choose Your Workshop Date
The Whispers of Istanbul Difference: A Sanctuary of Inspiration
We aren’t just a traveling workshop or a temporary pop-up. We are proud to call Downtown Whitby our permanent home, and that makes all the difference for your creative journey.
Visit Our Boutique, Find Your Muse
While other workshops might leave you guessing, we invite you to step into our physical boutique before you ever pick up a glass tile. Our studio is a curated gallery of light, filled with authentic Turkish lamps in every shape, color, and pattern imaginable.
- Get Inspired: Stop by during boutique hours to see the glow in person.
- Snap a Photo: See a design you love? Take a picture of your favorite piece in our shop!
- Recreate the Magic: Bring that photo to your workshop session, and our instructors will help you recreate that exact masterpiece—or put your own unique twist on it.
No one else offers this level of immersion. At Whispers of Istanbul, your inspiration starts the moment you walk through our doors, and your creativity is guided by the very art that surrounds you.
Your workshop fee covers everything you need to create your masterpiece: all authentic Turkish materials, use of our professional tools, and expert guided instruction. Our project options begin at $75. For a detailed breakdown of specific lamp styles and pricing, please browse our gallery above or select a date on our booking calendar to see the full menu of projects available for that session.
Our Projects, Kits & clarifications
Every lamp project at Whispers of Istanbul comes fully equipped for immediate use. Your kit includes a high-quality metal frame, a North American-standard plug, and a complimentary energy-efficient LED bulb. We ensure your masterpiece is ready to light up your home the moment you leave our workshop.
The “Globe Only” Selection Designed for our returning artisans who already have a base at home, the Glass Globe Only option allows you to focus purely on the mosaic artistry. These are our standard 13cm (5.2″) globes, crafted to fit seamlessly onto any of our lamp frames. It’s the perfect way to refresh your home decor with a new seasonal design. We also offer you the option to upgrade to the larger 17cm ( 6.6”) globe for a better experience at a minimal extra cost.
Workshop Policies
Bringing a Guest (Accompany Person) We love sharing the creative spirit! If you’d like to work on a single project together with a friend or family member, we offer an Accompany Guest pass for a small additional fee.
Because seating in our Whitby studio is limited, this fee ensures your guest can enjoy our signature atmosphere, refreshments, and dedicated workspace alongside you.
Bringing Younger Guests: While we welcome creators of all ages to Whispers of Istanbul, we find that our workshop experience is best suited for guests 8 to 10 years and older.
Because our craft involves working with authentic, hand-cut glass and delicate beads, it is important that all participants are responsible and mature enough to handle these materials safely. This ensures a meaningful, engaging experience for your party and maintains the serene, creative atmosphere of our Whitby studio for all our guests.
Reserve Your Seat in the Glow To ensure every guest receives our full attention and a dedicated workspace, all sessions at Whispers of Istanbul require pre-registration through our website. We are unable to accommodate walk-ins at this time, so we invite you to browse our Workshop Calendar to secure your spot for our Spring 2026 launch and beyond!
Every artist works at their own pace. Depending on the complexity of your chosen design, you can expect your mosaic journey to last between 1.5 and 2.5 hours of immersive crafting.
Just Bring Your Curiosity. Whether you’re naturally crafty or haven’t picked up a glue bottle in years, our Istanbul-inspired workshops are stress-free and easy to follow. We make the complex art of Turkish mosaic accessible to everyone.
Perfect for Every Occasion Whether you’re seeking a solo creative escape, a unique date night for two, or a vibrant space for your next team-building retreat, Whispers of Istanbul is your destination. From intimate gatherings to lively private parties, our studio is designed to bring people together through the glow of mosaic art.
Art Workshop Cancellation & Booking Policy
Whispers of Istanbul
Thank you for registering for our art workshop. As seating is limited and materials are prepared in advance, the following terms apply:
Cancellations
Full Refund: Cancellations made at least 5 days (120 hours) prior to the workshop start time are eligible for a full refund.
50% Refund: Cancellations made between 3 to 5 days (72–120 hours) before the workshop will receive a 50% refund. The remaining 50% will be retained to cover material and preparation costs.
Non-Refundable: Cancellations made less than 72 hours (3 days) before the workshop are non-refundable.
Transfer of Booking
If you are unable to attend, your booking may be transferred to another guest at no additional charge.
Please notify us in advance with the replacement guest’s name and contact information.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you for a creative and enjoyable experience at Whispers of Istanbul.
Your Creative Escape: What to Expect
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a gallery of glowing Turkish lamps to spark your imagination. You’ll choose your project—from classic table lamps to elegant swan necks—and grab a seat at our dedicated mosaic stations.
No art degree? No problem! We provide traditional templates and geometric guides to help you plan your design. You’ll select from a vibrant palette of hand-cut glass tiles and colorful beads to bring your vision to life.
This is the "zen" part. Following our guided instructions, you’ll apply your glass pieces to your globe. It’s a rhythmic, meditative process that lets the rest of the world melt away.
Once your mosaic globe is complete, it needs about 24 hours to set securely. You’ll take your handcrafted globe home at the end of the session, along with a custom DIY Grouting Kit. We’ll provide you with simple, step-by-step instructions so you can apply the finishing touches in your own space. Once the grout is dry, your lamp is ready to plug in and cast its first beautiful Istanbul-inspired glow!
How to Attend Workshops?
Ready to create?
Browse our upcoming dates to select a time that works best for your group. Our intimate Whitby studio fills up quickly, so we recommend booking in advance to ensure you and your loved ones can craft together!
Getting Settled in the Studio
We like to start our sessions right on time to ensure you have every moment you need to create. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to settle into our boutique atmosphere. Use this time to explore our gallery of glowing lamps for inspiration, snap some photos with your group, and get ready for the creative journey ahead!
Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
You are never alone in your creative process. Our skilled instructors are with you from start to finish, offering personalized tips and traditional techniques to help you bring your vision to life. Most artisans find that 2 to 3 hours is the perfect amount of time to relax, create, and master the art of the mosaic.
Take the Magic Home
There is no need to wait weeks to enjoy your creation! At the end of your session, you will leave our studio with your completed masterpiece in hand. Because the adhesive requires a full 24 hours to set securely, we provide you with a professional take-home finishing kit. You’ll be able to grout your lamp at your own pace in the comfort of your home, allowing you to witness the final transformation and admire its beauty the very next day.
