The woman behind Kameni Otok and Journey Through Stone
Hi, I’m Željka Frančeski, a master stonemason, artisan and founder of Kameni Otok on the island of Brač. For more than 16 years, I have been transforming Brač limestone into jewellery, decorative objects and meaningful pieces that carry the identity of the island. My work combines traditional hand tools, contemporary design and a deep respect for the material that has shaped Brač for centuries.
A craft rooted in Brač
Brač stone is more than a raw material. It is one of Croatia’s most distinctive natural materials, known for its bright limestone and deep connection to Dalmatian heritage. For centuries, it has shaped the island’s architecture, homes and cultural identity.
Each piece has its own texture, colour and character, making every finished object unique. Working with stone requires patience, precision and respect. At Kameni Otok, I create handcrafted jewellery, stone souvenirs, decorative objects and meaningful keepsakes by combining traditional stone-carving techniques, contemporary design and the natural character of the stone.
From stone to story
At Kameni Otok, I create handcrafted jewellery, souvenirs and decorative objects inspired by Brač, the Adriatic and Dalmatian heritage. I also welcome visitors into the workshop, where they can learn about the craft and create their own stone piece under expert guidance.
The goal is not only to make an object, but to create a lasting connection with the island — something meaningful to take home.
Discover the craft
Explore the workshop, meet the maker and experience Brač stone through your own hands.
Book a stone-carving experience or discover the Kameni Otok collection.
Brač stone is one of Croatia’s most distinctive natural materials, known for its bright limestone and deep connection to Dalmatian heritage. For centuries, this stone has shaped the island’s architecture, homes and cultural identity.
At Kameni Otok, I work with Brač limestone to create handcrafted jewellery, stone souvenirs, decorative objects and meaningful keepsakes. Each piece combines traditional stone-carving techniques, contemporary design and the natural character of the stone.
My Journey with Stone
For centuries, Brač stone has shaped churches, palaces and monuments around the world. Known for its strength, beauty and timeless character, it is one of Croatia’s most treasured natural materials.
As a master stonemason, I work with the same limestone that has been used by generations of craftsmen before me. Every piece has its own texture, colour and character, making each creation truly unique.
Working with stone requires patience, precision and respect. It cannot be rushed—it reveals its beauty only to those willing to understand it.
This deep connection with the material is what inspired me to create Journey Through Stone: an experience where visitors don’t just learn about stone—they work with it using traditional tools and create something of their own.
There are places you visit…
and places you feel.
Kameni Otok is more than a workshop. It is a place where Brač stone is shaped by hand, every single day.
Behind it stands master stonemason Željka Frančeski, whose work connects tradition with the present through handcrafted objects and immersive experiences.
Here, every piece begins as a raw block of stone. Through skill, patience, and time, it becomes something meaningful.
This is not a place where you simply watch. It is a place where you touch, carve, create, and discover the story hidden within the stone.
Because stone remembers.
And once you touch it… so will you.
Every piece carries a story. Yours begins here.
Željka Frančeski
