Armine and Stella

Artisan Organization: Armine and Stella

Country: Armenia

"I am Stella, born in the village of Aygestan, in the Hadrut region of Nagorno-Karabakh. From a young age, I was surrounded by the beauty and culture of my homeland, which has deeply influenced my love for needlework and the traditions I hold dear. I attended the middle school in my village, where I first began to explore creative crafts. It was during this time that I learned how to make traditional socks from my grandmother, who passed down her skills to me, just as her mother did before her.

"I took the next step in my education by enrolling in Shushi State Humanitarian College. This education helped shape my perspective and enhanced my abilities in the arts and crafts I was passionate about. From 2008 until the dissolution of Artsakh in 2023, I worked at the MPS center in Hadrut, a period of my life that brought me immense joy and fulfillment. Teaching, creating, and sharing the cultural heritage of my people has always been my greatest joy.

"Unfortunately, the war in 2020 forced my family and me to emigrate from our home, and we have since been living in Armenia. Despite the hardships and displacement, my passion for needlework remains. It is not only a craft but also a way to preserve the traditions of Nagorno-Karabakh, which are so important to me.

"I am Armine, born in the village of Mets Tagher in the Hadrut region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Like Stella, I learned needlework from my grandmother. As a child, I would sit by the stove, watching her skillfully and swiftly work with her dry hands. Her concentration and speed fascinated me—she seemed to look around and yet never make a mistake. I was only six years old, but I would try to copy her.

"It was from these humble beginnings that my love for needlework grew. I called my grandmother 'babula,' and I remember clearly saying, 'babula, it’s not working' when my tiny hands struggled to match her skill. But I was determined, and with her patience and guidance, I slowly learned the intricate art of sock-making.

"After the 44-day war in 2020, I crossed paths with the Hadrut Children's and Youth Creativity Center. This meeting was transformative for me, as I began working at the center as a national sock leader. It was a way for me to pass on what my grandmother had taught me and to ensure that these traditional skills were not lost. Over the past four years, I have crafted more than 500 socks, each pair a symbol of our cultural heritage, creativity, and resilience.

"Despite the challenges and displacement we’ve faced, both Stella and I are committed to continuing our work, preserving our traditions, and sharing our love for needlework with the world. Every piece we create is imbued with the spirit of our ancestors, our homeland, and our enduring love for our craft. Through our work, we hope to keep our culture alive for future generations, and to remind the world of the beauty and strength that come from our heritage.""