During the vibrant days of the Terezijana Festival, which celebrates Bjelovar’s historical and cultural heritage, our KUL Fashion & Design participants added their own creative sparkle to the city with a unique and symbolic workshop.

As part of the ongoing mobility programme hosted by CUK Bjelovar, participants gathered for a hands-on session that beautifully blended tradition with design. The theme? Creating charming crown-shaped pillows as souvenirs – a nod to the royal spirit of Terezijana, an annual festival honoring Empress Maria Theresa, the city’s historical founder.

Led by local designers and mentors, the participants worked with various textiles, sewing techniques, and embellishments to bring the miniature crowns to life. Each pillow was not only designed to be visually appealing, but also to carry the festival’s name — Terezijana — as a handcrafted memento of both the event and the mobility experience.

This creative workshop allowed participants to:

• Connect with Bjelovar’s local identity and history

• Practice sustainable souvenir production

• Incorporate historical inspiration into contemporary design

• Collaborate on a project that ties into a larger public event

The workshop was more than just about sewing; it was about connecting creativity with cultural relevance. As the streets of Bjelovar come alive with costumes, music, and celebration, our participants are contributing their own handcrafted mark on the festivities.

With each crown pillow, the spirit of the KUL project shines — thoughtful design, cultural awareness, and a passion for learning by doing.