Niina Hiltunen

CreativeWeaving™

Niina is an experienced teacher and textile craftswoman who has completed the Wetterhoff training specializing in fabric weaving, and also has a degree in visual art. In addition to teaching, Niina works as a textile artist and textile designer. “In my CreativeWeaving™ courses, small, unique fabrics are woven in a relaxed atmosphere, on lightweight looms that can be held in the lap, amidst a huge range of materials. The concept I developed is based on Japanese and Finnish handicraft traditions. Hapticism, the use of the sense of touch, is one of the important elements. In my courses, I aim to provide as much personal guidance as possible, but you are not obliged to follow my advice. There are many different ways to do things in weaving, and there can be different ways to achieve a goal in order to achieve certain things visually. There are both shorter and longer courses, and the selection also includes courses focused on technique for those who want to deepen their weaving skills,” says Niina. Learn more about Niina Facebook ja Instagram. Read more creativeweaving.fi

Mimmi Paatero

Jewelery course

Mimmi is a native of Savo currently living in Espoo, also known as Mama Africa, as she has lived in East Africa for years. Mimmi runs the Blooming Desert Africa organization from Finland, which helps former child soldiers, and is also an entrepreneur in her own company, Blooming Desert Shop. Mimmi loves colorful and unique clothing and styling outfits with various accessories, such as jewelry. Her and her company's motto is: "You are unique, show it!" 

Aino Partonen

crafts, Japanese language

Aino, who holds a Master of Education degree, has taught crafts and Japanese in adult education and now also in comprehensive schools. In her work as a teacher, Aino feels that she gets to serve and feel connected to other people. According to her, when teaching, she also learns herself. Aino wants to be an encouraging teacher and emphasizes that every learner is different. Each person has their own learning path to follow, and the teacher can offer options along the way. “Come to my course if you want to expand your world and experience something new every lesson. Learning is inspiring and makes life worth living!”, Aino urges.

Maria Soderstrom

Sewing

“I am a passionate crafts lover, a professional teacher and a vestonomist by education (YAMK). I have worked as a textile and fashion teacher at the secondary school level. A few years ago I decided to jump off the squirrel bike and realize my dream of entrepreneurship. With the unexpected passing of my mother, led by my grief, I got the idea to make beautiful and individual coffin clothes for the deceased from recycled materials, and that is how my company Taivaansiipi was born. The recycling philosophy is close to my heart and alongside Taivaansiipi I also started creating another brand, Sinisiipe, which makes personal clothes and accessories from recycled textiles. I love visiting flea markets and thrift stores, from where I source most of the materials for my products. Colorful retro fabrics in particular are my passion. Come and get to know me, my products and my company story: www.taivaansiipi.fi | www.sinisiipi-clothes.fi, Instagram: taivanisiipi.fi | bluewing_clothes”