A few days ago, I was fortunate to witness an interesting exchange between a pair of work colleagues. One of them spotted a funny-looking figurine on the desk and was curious to know where it came from. Upon hearing the figure was sporting a Polynesian mask, she remarked that she normally associated similar art styles with unrelated parts of the world. This simple question led to daydreaming about holidays and adventures to come, raising the Monday mood of the place.

It occurred to me that I had just seen a kind of social game with many scattered cousins. The hunter carefully sets the ‘trap’ – the item must not be featured too prominently to maintain a casual appearance, and has to be alluring enough to be worthy of conversation. The prey then feigns ignorance, sometimes even innocence as the prized item grabs their attention. Of course, a friendly chat would likely have happened regardless, but there is nothing like a fabulous conversation piece to ease into it and give both people a chance to drop their guard.

Photo: Jurica Galoić/PIXSELL

For visitors to Zagreb, the Tomica Marica and Srčeko workshops are a great source of fun items to adorn your living spaces with or offer as stylish gifts, allowing you and your friends to place your own devilish ‘snares’ around the home or workplace.

Photo: Jurica Galoić/PIXSELL

To spark a conversation about your latest trip to Zagreb, clear a little spot on your coffee table for the enticing Licitar Hearts created at the well-known Tomica Marica shop, run by Ljiljana Milla. Aside from the artfully produced heart-shaped mementos, their highly decorative souvenirs come in a number of sweet traditional shapes like ponies or dolls. If you stop by the Oporovečki Vinogradi 4 shop in the fast-approaching winter season, you can also snap up some holiday-themed goodies like tiny bells, angels, horseshoes, booties, or mushrooms which make for a jolly batch of ornaments for your Christmas tree – all made using traditional techniques of glazing and charmingly decorated. The little darlings can even be inscribed with a thoughtful dedication. Just remember to treat yourself to some gingerbread cookies while you’re there, safe in the knowledge that everyone will be gushing over your spiffy new ornaments.

Photo: Jurica Galoić/PIXSELL

Those visiting the nearby town of Samobor can find another font of conversation at the Srčeko craft workshop, at the Ulica Sv. Ane 1/B address. While the intricately painted glassware and ceramics, featuring the Licitar Heart, kraluš, lajbek and other folk motifs, are unquestionably what first draws your attention, it’s the artisanal philosophy behind them which makes these souvenirs the talk of the town. As the owner Silva Krajačić explains:

Photo: Slavko Midžor/PIXSELL

“With each personalised item created to match an important occasion, capturing the essence of the moment presents a new challenge, as one idea gives birth to another. I place great emphasis on the experience of making a purchase and people have recognized that as something quite valuable. The aim is to deliver a complete service in cooperation with our clients.”

Photo: Slavko Midžor/PIXSELL

With the holidays just around the corner, Srčeko is also an outstanding place for Christmas ornaments rendered in blown glass, with religious motifs, as well as those of Samobor and Zagreb. The workshop will be travelling to Zagreb for the duration of the Advent fair, providing another convenient chance to personalise or add a dedication to any of the souvenirs.

The souvenirs Tomica Marica and Srčeko crafts create share all the essential qualities of great conversation pieces – they are rooted in tradition, showing they have a history and a story to tell; they are adjusted to your personal preference and varied, also making them collectible; finally, they have oodles of charm and likeability that draw people in. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to talk, honour them with your visit.