Handmade Felted Animal "Zooties"-Toddler

• Toddler size fits 12-24 months, approximately (rubber sole)

• 100% merino wool

• Handmade by Kyrgyz artisans at the rural co-op Kork, in cooperation with Fair Trade Federation member Silk Road Bazaar

• Fair Trade

• Wash cold, delicate (hand wash lion, hedgehog for best results), air dry

 In 1996 Gulnara Kyrdyrmyshova incorporated “Kork, Fiber Art Group.” "Kork" means "hope" in the Kyrgyz language. At that time many artists faced unemployment and required a place to express their talents. Kydyrmyshova recognized this and quickly organized “Kork, Fiber Art Group” to provide local artists with an outlet to sell their works.

Kyrdyrmyshova’s focus has always been on the promotion of felt products; however she works with artists who are engaged in various mediums. “Kork, Fiber Art Group” has been providing artists in Kyrgyzstan with a place to promote their felt works, other textiles, and ceramics for over 15 years.

“Kork, Fiber Art Group” has helped to sustain interest in the arts, provide artists with employment, and kept the tradition of felting alive during times of severe poverty and economic depression. Kyrdyrmyshova and her associated artists have a deep interest in the encouragement and integration of traditional Kyrgyz design and patterns in their artwork as well as educating people about their history of felt.

Since 2012 Silk Road Bazaar and Kork have partnered to bring Kyrgyz crafts and design to a global audience.