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Maral Artisan Workshop
I am excited to continue this journey, to keep experimenting with new designs, and to share the beauty of Armenian felt work with the world.
"My name is Maral, and my love for crafting began in my childhood. Growing up in a traditional Armenian family, I was... surrounded by artisans, especially my grandmothers, who instilled in me a deep appreciation for handmade goods and the beauty of cultural heritage. Over the years, I’ve explored many forms of craft, but I have found my true passion in the art of felting, particularly in creating delicate, intricate felted flowers that reflect the natural beauty of my surroundings.
"Felting is an ancient technique that involves transforming raw wool into fabric through a process of wetting, agitating, and matting the fibers. This method has been passed down through generations of Armenian artisans, and I feel a profound connection to this tradition. My journey into felting began when I sought to combine this time-honored craft with my love for nature. I was inspired to create felted flowers, using vibrant colors and soft textures to craft pieces that evoke the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
"In our workshop, felting is a collaborative effort. I work closely with a group of artisans, each of whom brings their own creativity and expertise to our designs. Together, we create a range of felted products, but the flowers hold a special place in our work. Each felted flower is handmade from start to finish, beginning with carefully sourced natural wool, which is processed, shaped, and dyed by hand. We pay close attention to every detail, from the fine petals to the vibrant leaves, ensuring that each flower is a unique work of art.
"Our felted flowers are more than just decorative items—they are symbols of Armenian culture, nature, and resilience. The soft, organic texture of the wool reflects the natural beauty of the Armenian landscape, while the techniques we use are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. The felted flowers can be used as accessories, home décor items, or even wearable art, and they are designed to bring a touch of nature and artistry into everyday life.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the opportunity to collaborate with other artisans. In our workshop, creativity is a shared experience. We constantly exchange ideas, experiment with new techniques, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with felt. This collaborative spirit allows us to create innovative designs while staying true to the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
"I am also proud to partner with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF), which has been instrumental in helping us grow our business and reach new markets. Through HDIF, I’ve had the chance to train and mentor other women, teaching them the art of felting and helping them develop new skills. This collaboration has also allowed me to explore sustainable production methods, as we source our wool from local suppliers and use eco-friendly processes. HDIF’s support has been invaluable in helping us expand our reach, both within Armenia and internationally, allowing us to share our felted creations with a global audience.
"Our felted flowers have garnered attention for their beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. They represent not only the skill of the artisan but also the rich heritage of Armenian craft. By preserving traditional felting techniques and incorporating innovative designs, we aim to keep this ancient craft alive while introducing it to a modern audience.
"For me, felting is more than just a craft — it’s a way to express my connection to nature, my culture, and the people around me. Each piece we create in our workshop carries with it the stories of our ancestors and the creativity of the present. I am excited to continue this journey, to keep experimenting with new designs, and to share the beauty of Armenian felt work with the world.
"Thank you for supporting our work and for helping us preserve this beautiful craft for future generations."
"Felting is an ancient technique that involves transforming raw wool into fabric through a process of wetting, agitating, and matting the fibers. This method has been passed down through generations of Armenian artisans, and I feel a profound connection to this tradition. My journey into felting began when I sought to combine this time-honored craft with my love for nature. I was inspired to create felted flowers, using vibrant colors and soft textures to craft pieces that evoke the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
"In our workshop, felting is a collaborative effort. I work closely with a group of artisans, each of whom brings their own creativity and expertise to our designs. Together, we create a range of felted products, but the flowers hold a special place in our work. Each felted flower is handmade from start to finish, beginning with carefully sourced natural wool, which is processed, shaped, and dyed by hand. We pay close attention to every detail, from the fine petals to the vibrant leaves, ensuring that each flower is a unique work of art.
"Our felted flowers are more than just decorative items—they are symbols of Armenian culture, nature, and resilience. The soft, organic texture of the wool reflects the natural beauty of the Armenian landscape, while the techniques we use are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. The felted flowers can be used as accessories, home décor items, or even wearable art, and they are designed to bring a touch of nature and artistry into everyday life.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the opportunity to collaborate with other artisans. In our workshop, creativity is a shared experience. We constantly exchange ideas, experiment with new techniques, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with felt. This collaborative spirit allows us to create innovative designs while staying true to the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
"I am also proud to partner with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF), which has been instrumental in helping us grow our business and reach new markets. Through HDIF, I’ve had the chance to train and mentor other women, teaching them the art of felting and helping them develop new skills. This collaboration has also allowed me to explore sustainable production methods, as we source our wool from local suppliers and use eco-friendly processes. HDIF’s support has been invaluable in helping us expand our reach, both within Armenia and internationally, allowing us to share our felted creations with a global audience.
"Our felted flowers have garnered attention for their beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. They represent not only the skill of the artisan but also the rich heritage of Armenian craft. By preserving traditional felting techniques and incorporating innovative designs, we aim to keep this ancient craft alive while introducing it to a modern audience.
"For me, felting is more than just a craft — it’s a way to express my connection to nature, my culture, and the people around me. Each piece we create in our workshop carries with it the stories of our ancestors and the creativity of the present. I am excited to continue this journey, to keep experimenting with new designs, and to share the beauty of Armenian felt work with the world.
"Thank you for supporting our work and for helping us preserve this beautiful craft for future generations."
