They are part of the "RAISE GRAOVO" embroidery workshop.
Eliza and Iveta are two girls with an interest in art. They learn about the embroidery workshop from the members of the Regional Youth RAISE Center and say, "Why not?". Thus, from the end of November until now, the master of embroidery - Gergina Shlomska, shows them the intricacies of embroidery.
The girls are really happy to learn not only new embroidery methods, but also patience and perseverance. The craft is not unknown to them thanks to their grandmothers.
"I will be happy one day to be able to pass these skills on to my children," says Iveta. "I really like Bulgarian customs, traditions and crafts and I would be happy to help preserve them."
The love for Bulgaria can be the beginning of successful businesses.
Apart from personal satisfaction, the girls say that they can use embroidery as an opportunity for additional income in the future when they develop their skills, because they like to see the results of their beautiful creations and believe that they can bring pleasure to others with them.
The studio has already made 50 calendars for 2022, cards, magnets and jewelries.
"In February next year we will make keychains with hearts and letters, we will embroider martenitsas at the end of winter, and for March 8 we will prepare beautiful women's jewelry," said Desislava Alexandrova, head of the workshop. She added: "Currently our customers are local authorities and citizens of the region, but in the future we will sell the products through an online store, as well as at exhibitions and festivals."
This is the third edition of the RAISE Graovo embroidery workshop - more girls and women have been trained in various embroideries in August 2020 and June 2021.
If you are also interested in the craft, call us on 0898734778 or email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The training will be organized with at least 10 participants.
According to Eliza, "You should definitely try!". Iveta urges you to “Get involved! You will not regret!".
We are waiting for you!
The RAISE Youth project, implemented by the Center for Development of Sustainable Communities, covers over 500 young people aged between 18 and 29, living in the municipalities of Pernik, Breznik, Trun, Radomir, Zemen and Kovachevtsi, who are not currently involved. Within its framework, various trainings for career and personal development are passed, and the most active 20 participants will be provided with additional training and mentoring assistance to start their own business.
The RAISE Youth project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment.