Traditional felt clothes, called “Theka” have become very popular in Georgia. The business is booming and many Georgian shops have started to sell only exclusive theka creations.

The beautiful Mountain health resort Abastumani is not only famous for its hot baths and crystal clear air. Russian tsar Romanov's family built there a holiday residence, where the nunnery is now located.

Nuns at the St. Panteleiomns Nunnery are famous for their thick felt creations, in Georgian called Theka.

Making theka is a part of their everyday life. An ancient Egyptian craft is used by Georgian monks and nuns. Nuns say that it is not easy to create the perfect item, so practice is essential.

At first natural wool is dyed to achieve the wanted colour, material is then carefully placed to create the pattern and pressed by hand using just the right amount of soapy water.

Singing helps the nuns to put the religious spirit into their work. Most of the items are sold to cover the running costs of the nunnery.