ABOUT THE WOOL WONDERS PROJECT

   'The Wool Wonders'  Project aims to enhance children’s understanding of natural resources and sustainable craftsmanship through wool and cotton processing and creative activities. By exploring traditional and innovative ways of using wool and cotton, students learn to value sustainability, creativity, and collaboration. The project also strengthens international cooperation by sharing cultural heritage and modern practices.

FRIENDSHIP BLANKET

   We created a Friendship Blanket in which the members of the participant countries chose traditional symbols from their country to make a digital blanket.  

OUR FRIENDSHIP BLANKET

   In this book, we give information about some chosen symbols from 'the Friendship Blanket' and share the work that we made from a different country's symbol.  

TÜRKİYE

                    LALE (TULIP)

It is a traditional Ottoman symbol that reflects elegance, beauty and the rich history of Turkish Art.

INSTRUCTION

The work used the felting technique and beads were glued on for accent.

TÜRKİYE

 ELİBELİNDE (HANDS-ON-HIPS) 

The Elibelinde is one of Anatolia's traditional motifs. It symbolizes motherhood, fertility, protection and the continuation of life.

INSTRUCTION

Symbol made by Latvian students

The work used an applique technique. In the math class on the topic 'Geometric Shapes,' the student created a symbol using felt.

TÜRKİYE

NAZAR BONCUĞU (EVIL EYE BEAD)

The Evil Eye Bead is believed to protect against negative energy and the evil eye. Its blue colour represents peace and positive energy.

INSTRUCTION

Evil Eye symbol made by Slovakian 

students

The students chose the Turkish symbol, the Evil Eye Bead. Some of the students had already encountered this symbol during their vacation in Turkey. They used layers of felt to create the symbol.

ROMANIA

                     EARS OF GRAIN

   The ear of grain symbolizes prosperity.

INSTRUCTION

Ears of Grain symbol made by Turkish students

The symbol was created using felt and yarn. Each student chose colours they like to

 create their 'ears of grain' symbol. They cut the felt and the yarn and glued them on 

paper. They really enjoyed doing their own 'piece of art'.

POLAND

               HEN

In Polish tradition a hen symbolizes home, safety, motherhood, and everyday prosperity. It is also seen as a sign of care, protection and the warmth of family life.

INSTRUCTION

Chicken Symbol of Poland – Made by Turkish Students

My students used the felt cutting and layering technique in this work. First, the rooster shape was cut from black felt. Then, small pieces were cut from colored felt to create the wings, comb, and tail details. The pieces were layered and glued together, and finally the eye detail was added.

    JUMIS and SKUJIŅA               (Double Ear of Grain/Pine Branch)

In Latvian folklore, these symbols represent prosperity, abundance, and wealth. Jumis, the double ear of grain, symbolizes fertility and richness, while the pine branch (Skujiņa) represents good luck, prosperity, and goodness.

LATVIA

INSTRUCTION

Latvian symbols made by Turkish students

This work represents the Latvian symbol of prosperity and good luck, the pine branch. After cutting the felt pieces, they were filled with stuffing material, giving the symbol a three-dimensional and textured appearance.

ROMANIA

WOMEN DANCING HORA

'Hora' is a traditional Romanian folk dance where people dance in a circle to folk music joining hands. It shows the unity of Romanian people that have been divided through times by different conquerers. 

INSTRUCTION

WOMEN DANCING HORA symbol made by Turkish students 

Using black and red felt, square shapes were cut and glued together to create the symbol.

TÜRKİYE

This symbol represents harmony, balance, and interconnectedness, expressed through its radial symmetry and floral geometry. The updated colors were chosen to give the design a deeper cultural resonance, especially in connection with Turkey’s artistic and historical identity.

INSTRUCTION

Symbol made by Romania students