1000WOMEN INITIATIVE

Jovanka is a former accountant, who found her new vocation in creative work by making handicrafts using embrodiery and gold-thread embroidery technique. Above all she likes to make Cyrillic alphabet in gold-thread embroidery. She is the holder of numerous awards among which she won the first place in crochet technique in Stara Pazova, following also her first place in embroidery technique in Indjija. She is the member of association „Miris zavicaja“ from Bela Palanka and she’s been making handicrafts skillfully over years. Her miniatures were picked as the best ones in contest among 164 pieces of art within the sixth juried exhibition „100 women – 100 miniatures“ in 2018.

For all above mentioned, Jovanka sees herself as a woman who loves to learn and develop skills by nurturing various techniques, thus she mastered weaving tehnique in a training course carried out by her association in 2019. According to her, handcrafting is soul-crafting.

• Technique:
  Embroidery and gold-thread embroidery

As a textile technician, Gordana has dedicated herself to making handicrafts in traditional embroidery and gold-thread embroidery technique. She founded „Uzor“, an association for rural development, with the aim to strengthen women and their work, therefore supporting our culture and tradition. She has been an active embroider for over 10 years, but crafting has been part of her whole life. She makes miniatures and gold-embroidered vests, and in 2021 she won the prize for paper embroidery (combined technique) within the exhibition „100 women – 100 miniatures“. The knowledge she readily passes to younger generations also resulted in a recognition for her grand daughter who won prize in above mentioned exhibition in the young author category. Always full of new ideas for self-improvement, Gorana takes numerous courses, and in her free time she does calligraphy and parachuting. She won a certificate for participating in summer calligraphy school in the monastery Studenica.

• Technique:
  Embroidery and gold-thread embroidery

Mira learned embroidery and gold-thread embroidery techniques as a child, and after she retired this has become her primary occupation and passion. Officially it all started in 2010 when the association „Panonke Pancevo“ carried out embroidery training course which she participated in. Afterwards she became a member of Panonke and thanks to her hard work she grew to be an embroidery and gold-thread embroidery educator which gave her the opportunity to pass this noble craft to women and youth across Serbia. Besides making embroidered pieces, she finds inspiration in community and belonging to the group. Her consistency in work is the expression of her necessity to pass these crafts to young people and motivate them to carry on their country’s tradition by handcrafting. What she loves most is to make felted balls, bowls, hats and bags. Besides embroidery she mastered weaving by participating in a course organized by her association.

• Technique:
  Embroidery and gold-thread embroidery

As an unemployed construction technician and mother of two, with the support of Ethno Network, in 2009, she founded the local crafts association “Lenka” whose work is based on the production, promotion and marketing of handicrafts. Constructive and well-organized, Nela included about a dozen unemployed women from the territory of Odzaci municipality as members of the association, providing them with the necessary training and opportunities to generate income.

Nela completed a weaving course in 2007 in Zajecar, and felting course in 2009 in cooperation with the a association “Rozeta” of Senta. She received the award for a felt exhibit at the first juried exhibition of miniatures in 2010. Nela is actively involved in felting and weaving, with an emphasis on making items inspired by motifs of Stapar rug as an authentic element of Vojvodina's heritage. As an Ethno Network educator, she is dedicated to preserving these old techniques through creative workshops, transferring her love of tradition to children and young people.

• Technique:
  Felting

A philologist, professor of Spanish, who because of “love at first sight”, in 2012 decided to complete a training course in felting, and after losing her job, she pursued this traditional craft professionally. Since then, as a member of “Beo-etno vizija” association from Belgrade, she has been dedicated to make craft her profession and has participated in exhibitions both domestically and abroad.

Sonja also pays special attention to the preservation of our medieval tradition, so she usually uses ornamental frescoes from our monasteries from that period to embellish her handicrafts.

• Technique:
  Felting

A housewife, fully devoted to her loved ones, Evica enters the world of weaving by upgrading the traditional values ​​of the Serbian family. In January 2006, she completes a weaving course organized by Ethno Network with the support of USAID as a patron of activities aimed at preservation of traditional heritage. In the meantime, she has been refining the kilim weaving technique and specializing in the weaving traditional belts and handicrafts based on that motif.

With her great dedication, Evica became a prominent promoter for the preservation of old handicraft techniques, with the desire to expand her existing knowledge and at the end of 2007, at the Manak house, completed an embroidery course. She is a two-time recipient of awards at the annual Exhibition of Miniatures, in 2010.and 2011 for hand-woven exhibits, getting cash prizes that earned her a car. Evica selflessly shares her knowledge and experience with the local community so that traditional knowledge can be preserved and passed on to future generations.

• Technique:
  Weaving

With a high-school degree from a textile school in Odzaci, Suzana completed training courses in various handicraft techniques. Since 2014 she became an educator for weaving, embroidery, and felting, and since then she has been dedicated to educating children and young people to whom she selflessly passes her knowledge and experience.

As a member of the Lenka association, Suzana actively participates in the creation and preservation of motifs from Stapar kilims - the authentic traditional heritage of Vojvodina and designs contemporary pieces with the motifs of this authentic local brand. She is a regular participant in the weaver colonies in Stapar and Stara Planina, as well as in juried exhibitions "100 Women - 100 Miniatures".

• Technique:
  Weaving

Although an economical technician by profession, in 2003 she joined the Kikinda’s crafts cooperative "Unikat", which was created as part of the same project as Ethno Network, out of love for tradition and folk crafts. After a series of training courses, in 2010 Danijela becomes a certified weaver and filet-lace maker.

Danijela has participated in many exhibitions and won prestigious awards, including awards for exhibiting as a young author in the filet-lace making technique at the first juried exhibition "100 Women - 100 Miniatures".

In 2011 she started her own proprietorship called “Frajla” for the production of clothing and interior items made using traditional techniques. She is dedicated in preserving the sophisticated technique of making the finest lace, which she also uses when making clothes and souvenirs.

• Technique:
  Filet-lace making

Graduate economist by profession, who, out of love of tradition, chose to make handicrafts in the technique of filet-lace. As she puts it, "the technique chose her, she didn’t choose the technique."

Marina is a member of the “Panonke” association from Pancevo, within which she participates in various manifestations dedicated to the preservation of tradition and national handicrafts. After completing training programs organized by Ethno Network in 2016, she became a licensed educator for the technique of filet-lace making.

As a participant of the juried exhibition "100 Women - 100 Miniatures" in 2017, she won the first prize in the technique of filet-lace making / crochet.

• Technique:
  Filet-lace making

Academic painter and applied artist, and formerly Artistic Director of the Cultural Center Negotin, with many years of experience as an art educator, that recommends her as an exceptional teacher particularly skilled in transferring knowledge in all traditional techniques.

As a member of ULUPUDS and the author of numerous solo exhibitions, as well as a participant in the collective presentations of artists from Serbia at selected exhibitions in country and abroad. Extremely productive artist and winner of prestigious awards and letters of recognition for artistic creativity.

An ethnologist and dedicated guardian of the motifs of Negotin region and authentic Vlach heritage that she promotes and preserves from oblivion, as a member of the art council, educator, regional coordinator and expert designer of the Ethno Network since 2005.

• Technique:
  Weaving

Although Mirjana gained her working experience working in a bank, after completing training and obtaining a certificate, she joined the group of founders of the Zanart Arts and Crafts Cooperative. She is engaged in the preparation and implementation of projects for the education and training of women, young people and people with special needs.

She lovingly makes traditional terracotta kitchenware, for which she has received many national and international accolades and has been awarded numerous exhibitions and events in country and abroad.

• Technique:
  Pottery

As a graduate technician in horticulture, Maja inherited the love of tradition and embroidery from her mother, who is also an experienced embroiderer. Maja completed her weaving training with Ethno Network to be able to engage in another technique in addition to embroidery.

As the youngest member of Ethno Network and the “Panonke” association, she is known for her enthusiasm and positive energy, which she transfers to her associates. Although young, she works hard and with exquisite quality, so she has twice participated in the exhibition "100 Women - 100 Miniatures" and has been involved in a public works project.

She also expresses her love for the embroidery by decorating her own clothing with this technique, and often bestow her friends with presents that has unique embroidered details.

• Technique:
  Embroidery and gold-thread embroidery

Dijana completed her training in embroidery and goldwork in high school, which only grew her genuine interest in making handicrafts. She participated in the first public works project organized by the Ethno Network immediately after graduating from high school and gained her first professional experience and was contracted for hand-embroidered items. This project gave her tremendously important experience and an opportunity to meet women from all over Serbia and to visit the city of Belgrade for the first time, which brought her the necessary enthusiasm and commitment to continue to dedicate herself to making handicrafts.

Diligently, Dijana seized every opportunity for education and advancement, and she also completed a training course in kilim weaving and continued to improve the technique of gold thread embroidery which she has been practicing by embroidering ceremonial Hilandar towels.

• Technique:
  Embroidery and gold-thread embroidery

Slavica is a decorator by profession and member of the association „Kreativna vizija“. Since 2017 she has been an active felter after she enrolled in a workshop felting course organized by Ethno Network. What makes her driven is the fact that women are encouraged by her example, therefore contributing to awareness that women can gain income by handcrafting. Her permanent employment in tourist organisation of Loznica city engaged her in presenting handicrafts in fares in and outside of Serbia. In this way she spreads traditional spirit of Serbia connecting her profession and beloved crafting. She won a prize in felting technique within the „100 women – 100 miniatures“ exhibition in 2021.

• Technique:
  Felting

Lidija has been involved in weaving for about fifteen years, and continues to develop as a dedicated participant in weaving colonies in Stara Planina and in Stapar. She presented the weaving skills and demonstration skills of this technique by working with Ethno Network and by collaborating with the association “Beo-Etno vizija” in Belgrade.

Lidija likes to make belts and souvenir items with various motifs, like bookmarks and key chains. Also people are referring to the as the "soul-keeper" because of its extremely rich color, the hand-woven belt gives Lidija and other weavers the freedom to enjoy the beauty of weaving and color combining.

• Technique:
  Weaving

From Katarina’s childhood she was engaged in folklore, which led her to complete a weaving course in 2005, when she started to make objects in this technique as a hobby. Through the “Panonke” association, she also completed a course of filet-lace making, after which in 2010 she made the brave decision to start her own shop, Katarina M, for which she received the Open Hand certificate.

Katarina finds greatest inspiration in the design of folk costumes and textile souvenirs, where she combines weaving, filet-lace and knitting techniques. She is also the recipient of the award for the best souvenir of the City of Pancevo, and with the folk costume she made herself participates in many international folklore festivals. Katarina is a regular participant in the exhibition "100 Women - 100 Miniatures".

• Technique:
  Filet-lace making

Slavica is the president of the local handicrafts production association "Misija kreativa", founded with the support of USAID and the Ethno Network in 2007, who gave Slavic and youth in Kladovo the opportunity to complete pottery training and to teach members of the association the art of kilim weaving.

Through the leadership of the association, Slavica has been actively contributing to the preservation of the traditional heritage of Eastern Serbia through participation in thematic exhibitions and events, as well as through cooperation with local government and a regional development agency called RARIS.

She finds design inspiration in pottery samples dating from the Roman Empire in the vicinity of Kladovo, and each piece made of aesthetic and cultural origin has its useful value.

• Technique:
  Pottery

David is a knitwear designer and textile historian. His work revolves around knitting technique and writing samples which he posts on his site and publishes in magazines with great dedication. He also works in preservation and promotion of Serbian wool in the world market. Combining design and wool, he makes modern knitted pieces of clothing, but also educates and spreads traditional values and Serbian heritage. His pieces include various knitting techniques: from irish braids to shetland lace for which he is famous in the community of knitters and among known knitwear designers. His ambition inspires him to develop more knitting skills since he believes there are infinite possibilities for improvement and creativity in this area.

• Technique:
  Knitting

Suzana has been engaged in knitting for many years and has completed training in the technique of filet-lace making. She knits socks, hats, gloves and scarves with embroidery, and enjoys knitting socks from Knjazevac, which are unique in the world and characteristic of the region of Timok.

Rich in various colored ornaments, two-thread socks are a prominent representative of folklore "naive" art and give the knitter the opportunity to express their creativity and craftsmanship.

She is the president of “Etno centar” association from Knjazevac and organizes numerous courses in traditional techniques and creative workshops for children and young people. Also, thanks to her involvement, collaboration has been established between the local women's association and the Knjazevac Local Museum, which has a permanent exhibit of socks and serves as a source of inspiration and knowledge for local knitters.

• Technique:
  Knitting

Radmila gained her experience by working in the knitwear industry and educating herself through training courses organized by Ethno Network in embroidery, knitting and weaving techniques. She creates a knit garment program, such as socks, hats and gloves, which she embellishes with a rich embroidery with floral motifs. She finds inspiration for her work in embroidery characteristic of the Homolje region.

With the association “Entuzijasti”, of which she is a long-time member, she participates in exhibitions and events, and in cooperation with the Ethno Network, in the project of public works and exhibitions "100 Women - 100 Miniatures".

• Technique:
  Knitting

Lala is engaged in knitting, which she learned within her family, and in 2010, she completed a training course in the technique of gold embroidery organized by Ethno Network. Since then, she has been involved in public works projects, in which she skillfully makes Cyrillic alphabets in gold embroidery. With hard work, she perfected the technique and became one of the best embroiders. In addition to these techniques, she also completed training in the felting technique.

Also, with the association “Miris zavicaja”, Lala gladly participates in touristic events, such as “Dani banice” (local pastry festival) in Bela Palanka, organizing exhibitions of folk crafts.

• Technique:
  Embroidery and gold-thread embroidery

Anica was born in Sremska Mitrovica where she worked part-time as a kindergarten teacher. Various materials have passed her hands which she shaped into different decorative and didactic methods. For the first time, in 2020 she learned about the oldest technique of wool processing called felting. She finished the training course as the top performer in the group and as an award she received felting equipment and an Ethno Network educator certificate. She became a member of the association „Zlatno runo Sirmijuma“ in which her ideas are greatly appreciated. Humble when it comes to her talent for which she constantly receives praises and prizes. In „100 women – 100 miniatures“ exhibition in 2022 her piece - unique window miniature of a traditional house in Srem, was awarded as the best in felting category.

• Technique:
  Embroidery and gold-thread embroidery