Clay, dogs, and art lessons in Florence. This 2-hour sculpting class at studio Hasta Perro is interesting because you work from a live pet model, not a print. Octavio Palomino and his team set you up in an art-studio rhythm that feels equal parts craft and gentle guidance.

I especially love the way Octavio Palomino teaches a specific technique used in Italian sculpture, with clear steps that still leave room for you to grow. I also like the generous, friendly vibe—his wife helps create a calm atmosphere, and even solo you’ll feel like you have support right away.

One thing to weigh: the class includes clay and tools, but terracotta and shipping cost extra, so you may want to plan for any follow-on finishing beyond the session.

Key things to know before you sculpt a pet

• Live pet modeling: you shape from what’s in front of you, so your sculpture captures real posture and quirks
• Italian sculpture technique: Octavio Palomino focuses on a particular method, taught in a way beginners can follow
• Private group time: it’s a private activity, so your group gets the attention
• Hands-on basics included: clay, tools, snacks, and bottled water are part of the session
• Output limits on day one: terracotta and shipping aren’t included, so your clay piece may not be the final, shipped version

Sculpting a Florentine Pet: What the 2-Hour Workshop Feels Like

This is not a museum talk. It’s a working studio session where you make something with your hands while a pet model sits (and moves) through poses. The setup matters because live posing forces you to observe real proportions—ears, paws, and weight distribution—rather than copying a static image.

The pace is also practical. In about 2 hours, you get enough time to block in the form, refine details, and take home the satisfaction of a finished clay sculpture moment. It’s short enough that it won’t hijack your Florence day, but long enough that you’ll feel real progress instead of just starting.

If you’ve never sculpted before, that’s fine. The structure is designed for novices, but it still holds interest for more experienced makers because the technique itself is detailed. One review highlighted that the method can be challenging in a good way, and you’ll likely leave with a sharper sense of process.

Meeting Octavio Palomino at the Hasta Perro Studio

Your start point is Via Coluccio Salutati, 3r, in Florence, and the activity ends back there. That makes logistics easier: you’re not hunting across town for a second address.

Once you arrive, the studio atmosphere is the kind you want for learning. Octavio Palomino, the sculptor leading the class, comes across as both professional and friendly, and that combination helps you relax into technique. His wife is involved too, and multiple people noted how comfortable that makes the experience—especially if you’re traveling alone.

Also, it’s an English-offered experience. That doesn’t just mean you’ll understand instructions; it helps you ask questions without guessing. In a hands-on class, being able to clarify small technique points is a big deal.

From Live Pet Pose to Clay Form: How the Workshop Works

The core experience is clay modeling with a live pet model. Here’s what that usually means in practice: you watch the pet’s posture, identify the main masses, and translate that into clay shapes. Then you refine—edges, curves, and the kind of small details that make an animal look alive rather than generic.

This is where Octavio Palomino’s teaching approach stands out. Reviews specifically pointed to a particular technique used in Italian sculpture, taught in a way that isn’t vague. You’re not left with a lump of clay and hope. You’re guided toward a method, and that method helps you understand what to do next when things get tricky.

What you can realistically expect to make

You’ll be working with included clay and tools during the session. Because terracotta isn’t included, you should think of the day as your clay making and practice run—your in-studio sculpture outcome rather than a shipped final terracotta product that’s ready to live on a shelf.

Still, clay is more than “practice material.” You’ll shape something tangible and rewarding, and you’ll come away with a clear sense of how the technique works. If you enjoy it, that’s a great springboard for doing more sculpting later.

Small but important detail: snacks and water

This kind of class is physical and detailed, so the included snacks and bottled water aren’t just a courtesy. They keep you from turning hungry halfway through a delicate sculpting moment. You can focus on proportion and finishing instead of thinking about when you can eat.

Price and Value: What $150.20 Includes (and What It Doesn’t)

At $150.20 per person, you’re paying for a hands-on studio session with a named sculptor (Octavio Palomino) and real instruction, plus the materials that let you work that day.

Here’s the value breakdown based on what’s included:

• Clay and tools (so you don’t need to buy art supplies before you arrive)
• Snacks and bottled water (so you can stay in the groove)
• English instruction
• A structured workshop with live pet posing

What’s not included is the part that can surprise people: terracotta and shipping cost extra. If your goal is a finished terracotta piece sent to you, you’ll want to ask at the studio what options exist and what the added cost looks like. If your goal is simply to learn the technique and make a clay sculpture you enjoy keeping, the included materials cover the main experience.

Also consider timing value. This runs on Saturdays from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM (during the listed operating dates). If your Florence schedule already includes weekend afternoons, the class fits nicely as an active plan that’s different from more standard sightseeing.

Timing, Location, and Getting There Without Stress

This activity is offered Saturday 2:30–4:30 PM, and it’s designed to wrap back at the meeting point. That’s helpful because Florence can be a maze of small streets, and you’ll want your energy for the sculpting part, not for transport headaches.

It’s near public transportation, which matters because you can plan to arrive without depending on taxis. And since it’s a private activity, you’re not competing for attention or waiting for other groups to finish if you’re arriving right on time.

One more practical point: it’s often booked about 42 days in advance on average. That tells me this isn’t a casual walk-in. If you want a specific date, plan ahead and secure your spot earlier rather than later.

Who This Class Is Best For (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This workshop works well for a wide skill range. One review specifically called out that it’s recommended for novice to experienced artists. That makes sense because you can be guided to the method while still leaving space for personal interpretation.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want a hands-on Florence activity that’s creative, not just observational
• You enjoy working from real forms, not photos
• You’d rather ask questions in person than learn from a video
• You want a studio experience that feels personal (private group time)

You might reconsider if your main goal is a shipped, finished terracotta collectible and you don’t want any extra costs or planning. Since terracotta and shipping aren’t included, the clay session may be only step one.

Booking Advice: Should You Book Sculpt to Florentine Pet?

I’d book this if you want a real craft experience with a named teacher and live animal posing. The strongest draw is the combination of Octavio Palomino’s specific Italian sculpting technique and the studio setup that makes you comfortable—especially if you’re traveling solo.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want to learn and make during the session, or do you need a fully finished terracotta piece with shipping handled for you? If it’s the first, the included materials and snacks/water make it good value. If it’s the second, factor in that terracotta and shipping cost extra and clarify options up front.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the Sculpt to Florentine Pet class start?

It starts at Via Coluccio Salutati, 3r, 50126 Firenze FI, Italy.

How long is the class?

The duration is approximately 2 hours.

Is the session offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What materials are included?

Clay and tools are included, along with snacks and bottled water.

Is terracotta included in the price?

No. Terracotta and shipping costs are not included.

Is it a private activity?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What time does it run on Saturdays?

The Saturday opening hours are 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes, the experience uses a mobile ticket.

Is it refundable if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded.

Is it accessible for most travelers?

The activity notes that most travelers can participate, it’s near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.