If you are considering a Rome shopping tour then make sure it includes the large showroom of Le Artigiane Arts & Crafts Store in via di Torre Argentina, a short walk from Largo Argentina towards the Pantheon.

The shop is home to contemporary arts and handicrafts made by local artisans, strictly Made in Italy.

Run by the founders of Le Artigiane.it, Livia and Bruna, their vision is to "provide an ideal space for people who go beyond fashion trends and against standardization".

You will find accessories, jewellery, clothes, paper crafts, pillows, lamps and much more.

What makes Le Artigiane different is that you can meet the craftswomen (and a few craftsmen) in the showroom and talk to them about the products, techniques and inspiration.

The showroom is also a permanent location for traditional exhibitions and hosts many additional events such as personal exhibitions and book presentations.

If you are seeking an unusual and stylish location for a small event, eg a press conference or team building laboratory, then do contact Bruna or Livia.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Regular classes and lessons take place throughout the year when the artisans demonstrate their skills close up.

Do bookmark the dedicated courses section in in Le Artigiane website to find out what is coming up.

Cup Cake Decoration is a workshop running course until 29/06/2013. The course includes: the secrets of cake design; varieties of fondant, a demonstration of coloring, art of draping etc. It lasts 5 hours and at the end you will receive a certificate of participation and a wonderful creation to take home. The cost is: €250.

EVENTS and Artisans exhibitions

20-26 May: gli artigiani del Sannio Artisans from Sannio, South Italy, will display their handcrafted products: cloth, straw and formal hats, clothes and more

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m you can enjoy an aperitif while wine tastings and beer tastings afternoons are also scheduled.

To keep up to date with the thematic events open to the public hosted at Le Artigiane check out the dedicate page at .