From Teacher to Artisan: How One Woman Revived Kazakh Felting

State Support Helped Gulmira Aitkhozhinova Open Her Own Workshop

Gulmira Aitkhozhinova's creative journey began in school, where she amazed her teachers and classmates with her talent. Once, they even refused to believe that a drawing she submitted for a competition was her own work.

By profession, Gulmira Aitkhozhinova is a teacher. No one doubted she would end up working in a school—she grew up in a family of educators, and her parents often took her with them to work. After finishing school, she trained as a primary school teacher. But her love for creativity won out, and she decided to continue her education, enrolling in the art and graphics faculty. After graduating, the young specialist easily found a job—back in a school—and later became an extracurricular instructor at an orphanage.

She still creates with the children there today. Gulmira Mukhamet-Kyzyrovna adores her students, so each of her lessons feels more like a unique masterclass filled with inspiring ideas.

In her scarce free time, she is passionate about an ancient Kazakh craft: felt-making. Her introduction to felting began with an interest in natural materials and traditional handicrafts. She did not choose wool by accident—it is an eco-friendly, living, and beneficial material created by nature itself. It has unique properties: it warms, "breathes," and has a positive effect on a person's health and energy.

"Besides, felting is a technique with deep roots. Our ancestors worked with this material, crafting household items, clothing, and protective talismans. And today, despite the advancement of modern technology, interest in wool and handmade crafts is only growing," the artisan says.

In fact, she first encountered felt through the Usadba program, where she saw the dry felting technique. She was struck by how a needle could transform wool into an entire image. It was also there that she first learned about wet felting. But before beginning her own work, Gulmira Aitkhozhinova studied literature, explored materials, and delved into the history of the craft.

She remembers her first creation for the rest of her life.

"I'll never forget how, inspired by what I'd seen, I bought some wool and felted my first little flower. That experience truly amazed me—the sensation of a soft, living material taking shape was unforgettable. Then I decided to take a wet felting masterclass, where I felted my first small bag—more of a makeup pouch, really. The emotions were overwhelming, and I knew I wanted to keep going," the artisan admits.

"The most rewarding stage for me is when the layout is complete and the actual wet felting begins—using water and liquid soap. It's a truly meditative, organic process. And, of course, the greatest joy comes at the end, when I see the finished piece. That moment always brings happiness and a deep sense of fulfillment from the work done," says Gulmira Aitkhozina.

Last year, she took part in the major project "One Village, One Product" and made it to the finals. After receiving a grant to develop her business, she found a space to rent, opened her own workshop, and purchased the necessary tools and materials.

"Today, this isn't just a workshop—it's a place where my own business is growing. I'm sincerely grateful to the Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs for their support and assistance. This experience inspires me to keep moving forward, to share my craft with others," the artisan explains. "I'm also thankful to exhibition organizers for giving me the opportunity to showcase and sell my work. I truly hope our city will have a permanent creative space where artisans and artists can exchange ideas, hold solo and joint exhibitions, and where people can discover and purchase our handmade pieces."

For those looking to learn the art of felting, Gulmira Aitkhozina offers master classes and works with students, passing on the knowledge and skills she has mastered.