Kaarina Tiainen

“The lifetime goal is to protect the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.”

The lifetime goal of textile designer Kaarina Tiainen is to protect the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. Besides conservation work in the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. The idea for her unique textile pattern of the Saimaa ringed seal originates from the popular wildlife animal patterns such as leopard and zebra. The Saimaa ringed seal craved for its own pattern.

The cooperation with Lapuan Kankurit led to the SAIMAANNORPPA products, which combine the craftsmanship of Lapuan Kankurit with a deep understanding of nature. The norppa pattern is a very beautiful and inspiring pattern: organic, alive, and timeless. Each seal has a unique pattern, and the textiles replicate that uniqueness. The covers for each SAIMAANNORPPA hot water bottle are cut from a different piece of fabric, replicating the unique rings that are found on each seal.