around the studio honors georgian felt-making with vibrant ‘wool diaries’ furniture series

wool diaries by around the studio explores felt-making

Around The Studio is a Tbilisi-based interdisciplinary product and interior design studio exploring local and cultural influences, materials, and history. For their latest collection, Wool Diaries, the studio founders Ano Jishkariani and Tika Shelia began researching the techniques of felt-making in the Kakheti and Tusheti regions of Georgia to learn more about the traditional methods artisans use in these areas and the cultural significance of felt-making in these communities. ‘The process of creating the felt fabric was a long and labor-intensive one, but it was worth it to see the final result,’ shares the duo. 

joining forces with georgian craft women

In the process, Around The Studio (see more here) worked closely with craft women to ensure that the traditional techniques were being respected and preserved while also introducing new ideas and technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of the material. According to Jishkariani and Shelia, the resulting Wool Diaries collection is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the craft women, as well as the potential of Georgian-felt processing to be a meaningful and valuable part of the contemporary design industry.

Sword Armchair Aluminum, felt

a collection that pairs rich heritage with modern fabrication

Before achieving the final result, the founders engaged in an extensive manufacturing process. Fabric manufacturing was conducted in the regions of Georgia by local women workers, while product construction and development occurred in Tbilisi. Around the Studio collaborated with multiple manufacturers, conducting experiments and creating models to refine their designs. The construction phase played a crucial role in ensuring the quality and ergonomics of the final products. The resulting collection of Wool Diaries ultimately symbolizes a merging of traditional fabrics with contemporary materials and designs, showcasing the rich heritage of Georgian felt-making in a modern context.

Sword Armchair, detail

Resting Table Aluminum, fabric

Sheep Chair Felt, 3/4 view

Sheep Chair Felt, back view

Warrior Armchair Old oak, felt

Warrior Neckless Table Old oak, Tuff stone

Warrior Neckless Table Old oak, tuff stone

Natural felt used in Wool Diaries, detail shot

Founder of Around The Studio, Ano Jishkariani and Tika Shelia

project info:

name: Wool Diaries

designers: Ano Jishkariani, Tika Shelia / Around the Studio

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