Citizens of Stepanakert are making brand-name dolls dressed in Armenian national costumes.

In an interview with Artsakhpress, doll makers Suzy and Lusine said they had been making dolls on their own and decided to work together after their encounter.

“Lusine and I have known each other for two years. Making dolls is what connected us and is a hobby for us. Our work turned into a unique brand.

I don’t have a background in making dolls. My grandmother taught me how to make dolls. We create collections on a particular occasion. Our first collection was devoted to the New Year. This time, we decided to make dolls dressed in Armenian national costumes. We matched the ornaments on the clothes of the dolls with the shades of the Armenian national costumes. We are very connected to our dolls and have a hard time separating from them. Our dolls only have Armenian names (Naneh, Nareh, Saten, Arpi, Gohar, etc.). Many people love and appreciate our handicraft works and purchase them with pleasure. We also love to donate our dolls to our close ones.

We dream of having a school/studio where many people will learn how to make brand-name Armenian dolls. We want to present ourselves with our collections of Armenian dolls,” Suzy said.

Lusine Petrosyan admitted that she had had no experience in making dolls at all and only after working with Suzy did she learn how to make them.

“It takes us three hours to make one doll. The work is not too difficult, but it requires a lot of effort and attention. My friends and I try to use cloths, threads and stuffing materials made from natural raw material, but this is not always possible.

On May 9, we participated in the exhibition organized in Shushi. Many people were interested in our dolls, and the responses were interesting. We also take orders. We believe our dolls will have their place and role in culture. We urge teens and young people to not sit in front of the computer the whole time and make handicraft items like us. After all, they are also unique types of art.

A doll is a little girl’s favorite toy. I also liked playing with dolls when I was a little girl. I am happy to see other children play with the dolls that Suzy and I have made. We are excited about and proud of our work,” Lusine particularly said.