Where Nature Becomes Color
At Woolway Studios, natural dyeing is more than a technique—it is a living tradition that connects plants, fiber, craftsmanship, and culture.
Nestled in Argavand, Armenia, just minutes from Zvartnots International Airport, our Natural Dye Studio is a place where centuries-old knowledge is practiced, refined, and shared with a new generation of makers, collectors, designers, and travelers.
Every skein of wool carries the story of the land from which its colors are born.
A Tradition Rooted in Armenia
Armenia has a long history of producing some of the world’s most celebrated natural dyes. For generations, artisans transformed roots, leaves, flowers, bark, fruits, and minerals into rich, enduring colors that gave Armenian textiles their distinctive beauty.
At Woolway Studios, we continue this tradition through careful research, practical experience, and respect for historical methods while adapting them to the needs of contemporary textile artists and rug weavers.
Our Philosophy
We believe that beautiful color cannot be rushed.
Natural dyeing requires patience, observation, and a deep understanding of both nature and fiber. Every plant behaves differently. Every season offers subtle variations. Rather than forcing consistency, we embrace these nuances as part of the character and authenticity of handmade textiles.
Each dye bath becomes a collaboration between nature and the artisan.
The Colors of Nature
Our studio works with a wide range of traditional natural dye materials, including:
- Madder for warm reds, brick reds, terracotta, and coral tones
- Walnut husks for rich browns and deep earthy shades
- Pomegranate rinds for golden yellows, soft greens, and warm neutrals
- Onion skins for amber, copper, and honey colors
- Chamomile and other local plants for delicate yellows
- Indigo for beautiful shades of blue
- Additional regional plants and historical dye sources as our research continues to grow
Every season expands our understanding of Armenia’s remarkable botanical heritage.
From Fiber to Finished Textile
Natural dyeing is only one step in a much larger journey.
At Woolway Studios, visitors can witness the complete process:
• Hand-spinning wool
• Preparing yarn for dyeing
• Mordanting and natural dye extraction
• Hand dyeing with traditional methods
• Drying and organizing color collections
• Rug weaving and textile production
• Conservation and restoration of historic carpets
Seeing every stage together offers a deeper appreciation for the skill behind handmade textiles.
Learning Through Experience
Our Natural Dye Workshops are designed for curious beginners, textile enthusiasts, artists, students, collectors, and professionals.
Participants work alongside experienced artisans and gain practical knowledge through hands-on learning rather than observation alone.
Depending on the workshop, participants may learn:
- Fiber preparation
- Traditional mordanting techniques
- Safe handling of natural dye materials
- Dye extraction methods
- Color modification
- Record keeping and recipe documentation
- Creating a personal natural dye sample collection
No previous experience is required for introductory workshops.
Meet the Founders
Woolway Studios was founded by Hayk Oltaci and Mariam Nalbandyan, combining decades of experience in textile conservation, rug weaving, natural dyeing, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.
Hayk Oltaci has devoted more than four decades to the study, restoration, and preservation of handmade rugs and historic textiles. His work has connected him with collectors, museums, designers, and institutions around the world.
Mariam Nalbandyan brings exceptional expertise in natural dyeing, hand spinning, weaving, and textile craftsmanship. Her careful approach to color, fiber, and traditional techniques plays a central role in preserving and sharing Armenia’s textile heritage.
Together, they established Woolway Studios as a place where knowledge is practiced, preserved, and passed on through education, collaboration, and meaningful cultural experiences.
Visit Woolway Studios
Whether you are a traveler, collector, designer, student, or textile enthusiast, we invite you to experience the world of natural dyes firsthand.
Join a workshop, explore our studios, stay in our guesthouse, meet the artisans, and discover how ancient knowledge continues to inspire contemporary craftsmanship.
At Woolway Studios, every color tells a story, every thread carries history, and every handmade textile reflects a living tradition.
