From Tradition to Innovation: The Artists Who Shaped My Felting Journey

There are moments in life when inspiration strikes like a lightning bolt—unexpected, powerful, and transformative. My journey in feltmaking has been shaped by extraordinary artists whose work challenged my perceptions, reignited old dreams, and pushed me to explore new possibilities. While visiting Hungary, I found myself reflecting on those who have influenced me the most, and I want to share their stories with you.

Aya Bapani – A New Perspective on Felt

Growing up in Kazakhstan, I was surrounded by shyrdaks—traditional felt rugs rich in symbolism and heritage. They were a part of life, something I sat on, played on, and saw in many homes, but I never truly appreciated them. My tastes leaned towards the modern, and felt, to me, seemed old-fashioned. That changed the day I saw Aya Bapani’s collection on the runway.

Aya, a Kazakh fashion designer, redefined felt in a way I had never imagined—light, flowing, elegant. It wasn’t just about tradition; it was about transformation. Seeing her work sparked something deep inside me. As a child, I had dreamed of being a fashion designer, but for many reasons, it had seemed impossible. Aya’s collection made me pause and think: Maybe it’s not too late.

Diana Nagorna – The Beauty of Simplicity

While exploring Aya’s work online, I stumbled upon another artist who took my breath away—Diana Nagorna from Ukraine. Her minimalist approach to felt was a revelation. She made me step back and focus not on intricate Central Asian patterns, but on colour, form, and the subtle power of design. Her work is elegant yet modern, structured yet fluid. Diana’s collections continue to inspire me to this day, making me think differently about how I approach my own creations.

Atsuko Sasaki – Perfection in Every Stroke

From large-scale fashion to the smallest details, my next great inspiration is the Japanese artist Atsuko Sasaki. Her sea-inspired bags and interior pieces are polished to perfection. Some might say they look machine-made, but no—each piece is felted by hand, stroked again and again until the surface is flawless. Atsuko’s work embodies patience, love, and deep respect for both the material and the customer.

Her approach reminds me that feltmaking is not just about the final product; it is about the process. Every touch, every movement of the hands is an act of dedication. That philosophy resonates deeply with me.

Anikó Boros – Miniature Masterpieces

The last stop on my journey of inspiration brings me to Hungary, where I recently met Anikó Boros, a felt jewellery artist. Like me, she works with wool and silk, crafting intricate, miniature pieces. Meeting her in person after taking her online courses was a wonderful experience.

Despite claiming that her English wasn’t strong, we hardly needed an online translator. Our shared love for materials, textures, and craftsmanship became a language of its own. We spoke about silk, about the wool we use, about the way felt transforms under our hands. It felt as if I had known her for years.

A Journey of Inspiration

These artists have influenced my work in ways I never expected—from grand, flowing fashion to the tiniest, most refined jewellery. Their dedication, craftsmanship, and unique perspectives have shaped my own approach to felt, reminding me that tradition and innovation are not opposites but partners in creativity.

As I continue my travels, I will share more reflections, insights, and discoveries. There is so much to explore, and I hope these stories spark ideas and inspiration for you as they have for me.

Until next time,

Yours Nadia [Nadja]

From shyrdaks to silk, from childhood dreams to modern designs—felt continues to shape my journey. What about yours?

If you would like to learn more about these amazing artists here are some links for your to explore:

Aniko Boros - my favourite Tulip Neckless - https://baribon.hu/portfolio/necklaces/

Atsuko Sasaki - my first love was her bags - https://www.atsuko-art.com/

DIana Nagorna - her collections http://diananagorna.com/moda/galeries.cfm

Aya Bapani - video that I watched those many years ago - https://uk.video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-ima-remarklist&ei=UTF-8&hsimp=yhs-remarklist&hspart=ima&p=aya+bapani&type=q3020_set_bcrq#id=3&vid=6ab393df1b145c9ce8a497c0194c7a21&action=click