Designs that make a difference
Handicraft painting
Made by: Elida Cela
Handicraft painting is a gold thread and beadwork handwork made using the traditional method of folk costume.
The process for its realization begins with the drawing and then sewing with a fine needle. The special feature of this work lies in joining the gold threads and twisting them in such a way that the thread appears thicker and more radiant. Its framing makes it look like a real painting.
The vest is one of the most important parts of the folk costume. Its colors and materials differ depending on the different cities of Albania. Today, the vest or other parts of the folk costume tend to be worn at festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. In many cases, they are donated to remember the traditions and values of our nation.
The vest of the popular costume is handmade and its realization is an art in itself as it is worked with two needles (one is used for sewing and the other for holding the thread), where first a piece of velvet is taken, the shape of the vest is drawn with a pencil, then the model is created. The process for its realization is long enough.
The materials used to make the vest are: pieces of velvet, gold thread, sequins, pearls or otherwise (beads). One of the processes that is worth mentioning is passing the cotton thread in beeswax to strengthen it.
Traditional costume of Kruja
Made by: Elida Cela
Hat
Made by: Elida Cela
The hat of the popular Kruja costume was the most beautiful accessory of the costume because of the napoleons it had, which when placed on the head showed not only the charm of the woman and the beauty of the costume but also her status.
The hat is embroidered with gold thread and worked all around with imitation gold napoleons.
Today this hat, which is all handmade, is one of the best selling products for tourists for the very history it carries. Besides accompanying the costume, it has already become one of the most favorite souvenirs among tourists.
The triggers are part of the folk costume. They are placed at the feet of the marble plinths. Their work is similar to the work of a vest.
Today, the triggers are not only used to complement the popular costume, but are also used as a unique part of the costume, which is placed in the frame as an authentic gift from Kruja.
Triggers
Made by: Elida Cela
Vest of the traditional costume of Tropoja
Made by: Elida Cela
The vest of the popular costume of Tropoja is adapted to the motifs used in traditional Tropoja clothing, which is distinguished by the variety of colors. His work is made by machine embroidery.
For its realization, black cashmere is taken, which is first worked with frazelina, hand-painted, and then embroidered. Modeling is done by machine and at the end of the process, the parts are joined. Also, a lining is placed under the vest to make the vest more complete.
This facility is liked by tourists for its design, beauty, but also for its affordable price.
This costume of Central Albania has marble, velvet, silk and combric as its main materials. The techniques of its realization are adjusted according to the requirements and the required dimensions. All parts of this costume are worked and sewn separately: the cheetahs, the apron, the shirt with embroidered sleeves and the collar with improvised gold thread. The vest and the cuffs are made of silk material and are made by hand. The production of each part of the suit is completed in 2-3 working days.
Traditional costume of central Albania
Made by: Fatime Derveni
Embroidery
Made by: Fatime Derveni
The realization of these embroidered covers in various shapes varies by the design and required size. Even the colors or the type of embroidery can be adapted to the customer’s wishes.
The popular men’s costume is made of fabric and black thread. The vest, also the most important part of the costume, is made of silk thread and a piece of satin from which national symbols such as the Eagle in this case are made.
Traditional costume of central Albania
Made by: Fatime Derveni
Chameria women's traditional costumes
Made by: Lindita Herri
The costume of Chameria women is known for its beauty and color contrast. Based on the traditional model and its main parts such as: silk shirts and vests and sleeves embroidered with gold or silver thread, long-sleeved jackets or silk scarves decorated with ojje. Lindita brings back this model in combination with the modern where each part is used separately and worn in different events.
Men’s vest, made of red fabric, embroidered with improvised gold threads, with ornaments inherited from the Albanian folk culture.
Parts of the traditional costume from the central Albania area
Made by: Makbule Kaçiu
Parts of the traditional costume from the central Albania area
Made by: Makbule Kaçiu
Men’s vest, made of red fabric, embroidered with improvised gold threads, with ornaments inherited from the Albanian folk culture.
Women’s silk shirt, embroidered with improvised gold thread and early decorations of Albanian culture.
Parts of the traditional costume from the central Albania area
Made by: Makbule Kaçiu
Traditional costume of central Albania
Made by: Mimoza Berushi
This model is based on the traditional one located in the Kruja Ethnographic Museum. Its main parts are the vest, the boots and the red or cherry colored hat, which are embroidered with improvised gold thread, beads and sequins. The rest of the outfit is made up of the shirt, the cheetahs and the bottom of the shirt, which are mostly white or velvet. The material used for their realization is marble and velvet.
The processing of the cell goes through more than ten processes, some of which are quite delicate. The work begins with the provision of the raw material, which is very dirty and must be cleaned and then washed. Next, the first process begins in the workshop where we spread the material with the bow, we compress it with an instrument called “setilje”, and then it is processed by giving it shape with warm water and soap. This whole procedure is carried out by hand until it reaches the right size to put it in the mold.
All cell shapes are original shapes and differ in shape according to different regions of the country.
Vest and cuffs of the popular Kruja costume
Realizuar nga: Mimoza Berushi
Copper coffee set
Made by: Mimoza Berushi
Coppersmithing is a craft that has been practiced throughout the ages. Because of the metal’s unique physical properties, it can be manipulated into various shapes, designs and structures of all sizes. Mimoza has been practicing this skill 20 years ago in her family. Her family is one of the only ones that has preserved it and still brings inherited models and the traditional technique of copper working. Today, decorative copper finishes are a new trend in home decor and can be found on everything from small appliances such as trays, jugs, vases, mugs, kettles, to fireplace surrounds and more.
The technique for its realization begins with the copper plate, which is given shape and then carved with a chisel and hammer. The chisels are of different shapes and are used depending on the flower. All these go through the paste process which gives it the desired shine.
The processing of the cell goes through more than 10 processes, some of which are quite delicate. The work begins with the provision of the first material, which is very dirty and must be cleaned and then the wool washed. Then the first process begins in the workshop, where we spread the material with the bow, compress it with an instrument called “sedling”, and then it is processed by giving it shape with warm water and soap. This whole procedure is carried out by hand until it reaches the right size to put it in the mold.
All the shapes of the cells are original shapes and differ in shape according to different countries of Albania.
Fez
Made by: Mirela Guni
Traditional wool socks
Made by: Mirela Guni
Traditional woolen socks are made of shajak material, which is formed by warm water and soap. It takes over 2 hours of work to make a pair of slippers. At the end of the process, we place a piece of leather underneath, which is done by hand.
These eggs are made from shajaku. The embroidery part is all done by hand. This process takes a lot of time as it is a very delicate and delicate work.
Eggs
Made by: Mirela Guni
Hand-embroidered center
Made by: Vjollca Dallaku
This center is made of 100% cotton or linen. It is based on the models which have been carried over the years on tracing paper and the desired shape is drawn. Then it is placed in the box and worked with slits in the machine. After we finish this process, we remove it from the hem and cut it with embroidery scissors. Then the center is washed and ironed to be called finished. This work takes 2-3 business days.