Artisan Souvenirs
Souvenir Prototyping
Within the Crafting the Future project, local artisans from Gjirokastër have developed a special line of souvenir prototypes guided by the principles of authenticity, usability, and accessibility.
The goal is to support artisans in creating souvenirs that preserve traditional craftsmanship while adapting to the needs of today’s travelers. These items are designed to be functional, easy to carry, affordable, and above all, true to the cultural spirit of Gjirokastër. From hand-embroidered accessories to wood-carved tokens, each piece serves as a meaningful memory that visitors can take home.
This collection represents the first step toward a broader artisan-based souvenir line that connects heritage with tourism and contributes to the sustainable development of local craft economies.
Support tradition. Take home a piece of Gjirokastër.
Eyeglasses Case – handmade by Eli Zhulati
This elegant eyeglasses case is a handcrafted piece by Eli Zhulati, a master textile artisan from Gjirokastër, known for preserving and reviving traditional southern Albanian embroidery.
Made from deep blue velvet and embroidered with golden thread, the design features spiral motifs inspired by women’s ceremonial garments, representing protection and prosperity. The classic metal frame ensures durability and ease of use, making it perfect for daily use or as a refined, symbolic souvenir.
This case is entirely handmade, from fabric cutting to detailed embroidery – a perfect example of how cultural heritage can be transformed into a modern, functional, and meaningful keepsake for visitors.
A piece of Gjirokastër to carry with you.
Gold-thread needlework textile
– handmade by Hena Gega
This delicate textile piece features one of the rarest and most intricate traditional techniques in Albanian craftsmanship: dimensional embroidery with gold thread. Entirely handcrafted by artisan Hena Gega, it embodies the silent elegance of tradition and a skill that is nearly lost today.
Working from her home in Gjirokastër, Hena applies a legacy technique passed down through generations—a labor-intensive and precise craft requiring exceptional care and passion. The golden wirework flower and the fine hand-stitched lace edge turn this piece into a small work of art, ideal as a decorative element, symbolic cover, or refined gift.
100% handmade, this creation supports the preservation of intangible heritage and the empowerment of home-based women artisans.
Family Key Holder –
handcarved by Anastas Petridhi
This wooden key holder, shaped like a welcoming home, is a handcrafted creation by wood artisan Anastas Petridhi. Inspired by the warmth of family and the concept of home, it blends function and symbolism in one charming piece.
The figures representing family members can be personalized on the spot with hand-carved names, making it a meaningful and custom gift for households or visiting guests. Every detail is carefully carved into natural wood and finished by hand, preserving both craftsmanship and heart.
Irreplaceable, handmade, and full of meaning – a timeless memory from Gjirokastër.
Handcrafted Hair Clip with Crochet Flowers
– by Hena Gega
These delicate hair clips are a rare example of preserved needlework artistry, handmade by Hena Gega using a nearly forgotten crochet technique. The dimensional flowers are crafted from hand-dyed cotton thread and carefully mounted onto a metal clip base.
The design draws inspiration from traditional floral motifs found in women's folk costumes in Gjirokastër, turning this accessory into a subtle yet elegant statement piece.
Entirely handmade, functional, lightweight, and easy to carry – a perfect fusion of timeless heritage and modern wearability.
Velvet Hair Scrunchie with Gold Embroidery
– handmade by Hena Gega
This handcrafted hair scrunchie by Hena Gega is a harmonious blend of modern functionality and traditional heritage. Made with rich red velvet and adorned with a delicate gold thread trim, it reflects the artisan techniques Hena practices from her home in Gjirokastër.
Although she works from home, her products can be found in several shops throughout the Old Bazaar, a testament to their quality and appeal.
Entirely handmade, this scrunchie is soft, durable, elegant, and ideal both for everyday use and as a meaningful artisan gift.
Handmade Velvet Keychain with Traditional Embroidery
– by Eli Zhulati
This keychain is a handcrafted piece by textile artisan Eli Zhulati from Gjirokastër. Made with deep red velvet and embroidered with golden thread in a traditional Albanian spiral motif, it carries symbolic meanings of protection and cultural continuity.
Elegant and functional, this souvenir is 100% handmade, merging inherited craftsmanship with modern-day utility. Lightweight and durable, it makes for a unique gift with ethnographic value.
Velvet Sleep Mask with Traditional Embroidery
– handmade by Eli Zhulati
This unique sleep mask is a handcrafted creation by Eli Zhulati, a master embroiderer from Gjirokastër. Made from high-quality black velvet and embroidered by hand with golden thread in traditional spiral motifs, it brings a touch of luxury and heritage to a modern, practical accessory.
Soft on the skin, lightweight, and equipped with a comfortable elastic strap, this mask is perfect for restful sleep or travel—while expressing an elegant connection to Albanian craftsmanship.
100% handmade, it’s a stylish and meaningful gift for anyone who appreciates artisan work and cultural design.
Traditional Needle Holder
– handmade by Eli Zhulati
This small yet meaningful item is a traditional household accessory once found in nearly every home in Gjirokastër. Known for its practical use and decorative charm, the needle holder has been reimagined by artisan Eli Zhulati in a handcrafted version that honors its symbolic and cultural roots.
Made from red velvet and hand-embroidered with golden thread, this needle holder is a subtle tribute to the daily life and domestic craftsmanship of Gjirokastër’s women. It can be used as a functional sewing tool or cherished as a nostalgic keepsake.
100% handmade – a preserved piece of Gjirokastër’s memory.
