Snowman-Themed Handcrafted 3-Piece Wool Felt Ornament Set - Snowman Colors

Artisan Organization: Gyumri Wool Creations

Country: Armenia

"My name is Gohar, and along with my close friend and fellow artisan, Anahit, we founded our small workshop in the heart of Gyumri, the cultural capital of the Shirak region. Together, we form a close-knit team of two women who share a deep passion for creating beautiful handmade felt ornaments. Our journey into this craft began out of love for traditional Armenian art and a desire to express ourselves through the timeless medium of felt.

"Our group was officially formed in 2023, but the skills and techniques we use have been passed down through generations. In our town, Gyumri, crafts like felting hold significant cultural importance, as many families have used these techniques to create essential items for their homes. Though felting is not as widespread as it once was, we are determined to keep this craft alive, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs to make products that speak to the modern world.

"Our ornaments are entirely handmade using natural materials, mainly wool, which we source locally. Each piece we create is carefully crafted with precision and care, reflecting the natural beauty and cultural richness of our homeland. We also strive to use eco-friendly practices in our production, ensuring that our work respects both tradition and the environment. Working with felt is a deeply rewarding process for us—it allows us to create soft, vibrant ornaments that bring warmth and character to any space.

"Starting as two women working from home, we’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, especially in terms of resources and building a customer base. However, our determination to share the beauty of Armenian felt craftsmanship has kept us motivated. We’ve grown our business through word of mouth, local markets, and by staying true to our values of quality and authenticity. The support we’ve received from our community has been heartwarming, as people have begun to recognize the unique charm and cultural significance of our work.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey has been seeing how our work impacts others. Many of our clients are drawn to the cultural connection embodied in each piece. Our felt ornaments, while contemporary in style, carry the soul of Armenian tradition. We believe that through our craft, we are contributing to the preservation of our cultural heritage, and we hope that each product we create will carry a piece of Armenia into homes around the world.

"As a team, Anahit and I work closely together. We divide tasks based on our strengths and collaborate on design ideas. Each piece undergoes several stages of creation—felting, shaping, sewing, and finishing—before it is ready to be shared with our customers. We take pride in ensuring that every item meets our high standards of craftsmanship. Despite being a small team, we work efficiently, using our combined skills to produce truly special products.

"Looking forward, our goal is to continue growing, both as artisans and as a business. We want to expand our product range, explore new markets, and share our love for felt ornaments with even more people. In the long term, we hope to bring on more artisans who share our passion for traditional Armenian crafts and work together to preserve this art form for future generations.

"We are excited to share our creations with the world through Novica. Each item we produce carries a story—of two women from Gyumri, working together to create beauty from simple materials, while honoring the rich artistic traditions of Armenia.""