Magazine for Rural Development
Volume 6, February, 2015
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development - Europe Investing in Rural Areas - Project co-funded by the EU
foto Slavko Vidic
Published by: INFONOVA Mitja Tripković s.p. 64 Goriška cesta, 5279 Ajdovščina mitja.infoburja@siol.net, +386 (0)5 36 71 501
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development - Europe Investing in Rural Areas - Project co-funded by the EU
The GlasNIK Project is partly financed by the European Union under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the Leader approach. The Managing Authority of the Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Slovenia for the period 2007-2013 is the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. INFONOVA, Mitja Tripković s.p., holds the responsibility for the contents of the GlasNIK magazine.
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WOOD PROCESSING
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Brst Wood Processing and Sales depleted the domestic secondary processing sector and forced businesses like that of the Pirjevec family to strengthen their presence on the international markets. Currently the mill has 14 employees and exports 95% of its produce to Italy. Depending on the customer’s preferences, Brst relies on domestic timber sources as
The Pirjevec family, from the village of Vrtovin, continue a 150-year tradition of wood processing, which initially focused entirely on primary wood processing and the manufacture of rough-cut lumber pieces. It was only when the current manager, Stojan Pirjevec, took over the family business and founded the company Brst that the mill began to manufacture wooden packaging material such as wooden pallets, and to surface and size the lumber into selected lengths for the furnituremaking industry. In the past, much of their lumber was sold to domestic furniture manufacturers, but the renowned companies Lipa, Lip Radomlje, Lika, Javor pohištvo, and Stolarna Dobropolje were gradually swallowed by the ravaging economic crisis, which
Name: Stojan Pirjevec Address: 27 Vrtovin, 5262 Črniče Phone: +386 (0)5 364 4054 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 645 491 E-Mail: tomaz@brst.si Website: www.brst.si
well as imported supplies from loggers in Croatia, Austria, and Germany, while rough green boards are imported from Switzerland. The locally-available logs are inappropriate for manufacturing due to their exposure to the prevailing harsh Bora wind. Brst primarily focuses on processing beech wood, as this is the most popular choice for many kinds of furniture. Maple and ash lumber account for 10 to 15 percent, and they also work with spruce wood. After
the logs are cut by the company’s subcontractor, the lumber is seasoned – air-dried – in the company’s warehouse, and then finally processed. In addition to wholesale, Brst also sells their products at their retail store, while the custom-made marine furniture is manufactured and sold through their
68% affiliate company Excel, located in the town of Ajdovščina. In the future they plan to further expand their output and enlarge their production halls. Their experience, high-quality products, and strong family tradition make a great combination to successfully satisfy the demanding market.
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
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Bajc Wood Processing and Sales transportation costs are high, and the total price of imported timber can often be too great for small, family-run sawmills, leaving the sawyers trapped in a vicious circle of high production expenses. The Bajc family ceased to import logs from Bosnia due to the high transportation costs and settled for local and imported timber from the Dolenjska loggers (GG
Jernej Bajc, who took over the familyowned sawmill in the village of Podkraj in 2009, specialises in the processing and transportation of lumber, the preparation of firewood, and the processing of wood chips and sawdust. Although wood is a common raw material in Slovenia, log prices are quite high, forcing entrepreneurs like the Bajc family to enter international markets to obtain competitively priced timber. However,
Name: Jernej Bajc Address: 12 A Podkraj, 5273 Col Mobile Phone: +386 (0)51 418 712
Novo mesto) in Slovenia. On arrival at the mill the four, six or eight metre beech, oak and hornbeam logs are further broken down to produce pieces of lumber or logs of various lengths, depending on the customer’s preferences. Most of their firewood and woodchip biomass is sold from April to December. The
desired length and quantity of firewood or woodchip biomass is usually delivered directly to the customer’s home or to a prearranged location. Some of their lumber and firewood is shipped to the domestic and Austrian market, but mostly it is sold to Italian customers. Although struggling with the high log prices, high transportation costs and the on-
going recession the resourceful Bajc family are not willing to give up their trade so easily. Their satisfied customers and love for their work give them the strength to keep on fighting for better days ahead.
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WOOD PROCESSING
Biomass Centre
The mechanical engineer Kristijan Marc and his wife Irena Marc, an IT and logistics engineer, entered the wood processing business about a year ago. After attending several intensive start-up weekends in Nova Gorica, they established the Biomass Centre in the village of Lokavec. Today the young couple manufacture, sell, and deliver high-quality firewood, wood briquettes and pellets, which are regularly tested by a certified CATAS laboratory based in Udine in Italy. The high-power-generating spruce pellets, produced with a moisture content below 8% and less than 0.86% ash content, are made from dry sawdust and milled lum-
Name: Kristija and Irena Marc Address: 139 Lokavec, 5270 Ajdovščina Mobile Phone: +386 (0)40 438 401
ber, compressed under high temperature and pressure and extruded through a die. They are primarily shipped to the Italian market, where more than 4,000 tonnes are sold annually. The briquettes are larger and brightly coloured, and made from 80-90% beech and 10-20% spruce sawdust, producing a clear, intense flame.
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
The logs for firewood processing are purchased from local loggers. After splitting and cutting the hardwood logs in different diameters to perfectly suit the customers’ specific needs, the couple bag the firewood and leave it to season in the warm, dry climate and strong Bora wind until it reaches optimum dryness. They also offer firewood splitting and cutting services.
Customers always come first with the positive young couple, and are welcome to visit their stall in the Ajdovščina Farmers Market, where once a month they promote their services and produce. In the near future they plan to open a small shop in the centre of the town of Ajdovščina.
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Hrast Carpentry
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Lesimpex’s log walls, utilizing the Scandinavian tongue and groove joining system. Hrast Carpentry also produces beech firewood and briquettes. The latter are an efficient alternative to conventional logs, which last longer while at the same time producing an exceptional heat output. Hrast Carpentry’s wood briquettes and seasoned beech firewood are always in stock and can be purchased from the production hall or delivered directly to the customer’s home. They also manufacture custom-made glued laminated pine/spruce timber; this glulam, produced from a number of smaller pieces of timer glued together with a durable adhesive, is used for structural elements such as beams and pergolas.
Hrast Carpentry, located in the village of Lokavec, manufactures smooth grainless ash and beech tool handles. The family business was founded in 1984, when Anton’s father invented a machine for the production of wooden handles for
Name: Anton Kompara Address: 93 Lokavec, 5270 Ajdovščina Phone: +386 (0)5 364 2057 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 756 722 E-Mail: info@mizarstvo-hrast. si Website: www.mizarstvo-hrast. si
iron tools and equipment. In 1990 Anton’s brother, a carpenter by trade, took over the business and expanded it to include carpentry. Six years later Hrast Carpentry was taken over by Anton, who expanded production to cover Slovenian market demands. Today they are the second largest manufacturer of wooden handles in Slovenia, exporting the majority of their produce to England, Wales, and Ireland. Two years ago, they acquired Lesimpex, based in the village of Kromberk, together with its entire production line, i.e. garden sheds and log cabins as well as garden furniture. The products were primarily exported to Italy and Japan, but market demand decreased, forcing Anton to cut back on production. However, they still produce
Hrast Carpentry currently employs five people including Anton’s wife, who is responsible for external controlling, packing and finance. In the near future, they plan to increase the number of employees and open a small shop selling garden structures and furniture, as well as partially processed DIY products such as beams, slats and panels.
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WOODWORKS
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Bovcon Carpentry The wood technician Vojko Bovcon, based in the village of Gojače, has been in the wood processing business for many years. After being made redundant from his position as production manager at the furniture manufacturing company Meblo in 1991, he started his own business, specialising in manufacturing shop and office furniture. In the glory days of the booming economy, he furnished between 30 and 40 different shops annually, including among others the Ajdovščina-based Ibis Optics. With the changing economic situation and consequent decrease in demand he moved from furnishing shops to furnishing homes. Today he is primarily engaged in the manufacture of kitchen units, cabi-
Name: Vojko Bovcon Address: 32 Gojače, 5262 Črniče Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 862 044 E-Mail: vojko@bovcon.com
nets and cupboards, and living room and bedroom furniture; in short, all home furnishings. He achieved mastery in the production of high gloss coated furniture. The finishing is done with a hand sprayer, starting with several coats of lacquer. The finish is then levelled with sandpaper and finally polished to achieve the desired level of gloss. Although retired, the honest, young-atheart carpenter can regularly be found in his workshop working the wood with love until it reaches perfection.
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Švara Woodworks Švara Woodworks, established in 1990 in the village of Coljava, offers interior and exterior woodwork services – renovating kitchens, restoring old furniture, timber repairs, stairs and window carpentry and so on. Their unique woodwork, and restoration of old, damaged furniture, are highly appreciated by their customers, who understand the value of handcrafting and carpentry. The continuously evolving family-owned carpentry, which at one point employed seven people, started out with unique custom-made woodwork and was later expanded by the serial production of cer-
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tain woodwork. For seven years they also manufactured mahogany panels for slot machines. Although facing strong competition from carpenters specialising in the manufacture of specific woodwork and a continuously growing demand for cheap massproduced furniture, as well as a number of debtors unable to repay their debts, Marko Švara is far from giving up his trade. Now partially retired due to rheumatoid arthritis, the proprietor, Marko Švara, hopes that either his daughter or one of his two highly-skilled employees will fulfil
his long-term goal of increasing production and enlarging his workshop. ”Wood excites me. It is a living material. We, the woodworkers, are artists, able to produce a beautiful piece out of a regular plank. But skill and hardworking hands are not enough, you need to have your heart and soul in it,” says Marko.
Name: Marko Švara Address: 18 Coljava, 6223 Komen Phone: +386 (0)5 733 0155 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 730 683 E-Mail: mizarstvo. svara@siol.net Website: www.mizarstvosvara.com
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WOODWORKS
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Onles Woodworks Onles Woodworks, owned by Zoran Nabergoj, manufactures various types of particle board and solid wood custom-made interior woodwork: built-in wardrobes, and kitchen, living room and other furnishings.
After working for 14 years at the furniture manufacturing company Excel, the licenced carpenter Zoran, who primarily manufactured custom-made living rooms, gathered enough experience, the necessary machinery, and the courage to make his dream of a private workshop a reality. He handles all the manufacturing, marketing and sales by himself at the moment. However, If there is a larger project he can always count on his fellow carpenters to help out with the additional work.
His woodwork quickly gained recognition among the local customers and his good reputation spread as far as the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. New potential customers also find him through his webpage or through the recommendation of his satisfied customers. Due to the economic crisis, customers often decide on furniture manufactured from particle board rather
Name: Zoran Nabergoj Address: 84 Slap, 5271 Vipava Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 540 901 E-Mail: info@onles.si Website: www.onles.si
than from solid wood; however, Zoran also makes custom-made cupboards and furniture from solid wood. He also cooperates with the furniture store in the Italian town of Opicina. Although the recession can be felt, Zoran, a master of his trade, is satisfied with the work coming in. At the moment he is not considering expanding the workshop, but “who knows, maybe my two daughters, Manca and Maruša, will take up carpentry and continue my work,” he says.
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Smrekar Woodworks
A police officer by profession, Jože discovered his love of woodworking through his father-in-law, who ran a workshop at home in the village of Vrhpolje for more than 38 years. After his retirement, the space was rented out until Jože took up the trade. Working in the afternoons with the help of his two sons, one of whom is studying
Name: Jože Smrekar Address: 1 F Vrhpolje, 5271 Vipava Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 710 357 Website: www.mizarstvosmrekar.si
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to become a carpenter by trade while the other is studying logistics, he primarily manufactures superior custom-made solid wood entry doors. They also build custom-made furniture, cupboards and
lumber. Domestic lumber is mostly purchased from private family-run sawmills in the town of Logatec and the villages of Hotedrščica and Podnanos. By drying the lumber in their own wood-drying facility
kitchen and living-room fittings, cooperate with Alpit d.o.o. in the manufacture of solid wood flooring and woodblock floors, and manufacture timber for construction purposes, windows, garden sheds and log sheds. If necessary they also install all their woodwork.
they achieve the appropriate level of moisture needed for the manufacture of certain wood products; for example interior finished goods require a lower moisture content than exterior finished goods.
They mostly work with pine, oak, ash and acacia wood, and sometimes they also manufacture marine decorative and finish products from exotic mahogany and teak
In the future the Smrekar family intend to expand production and enlarge the workshop. With two skilled sons eager to continue the family tradition, the future seems bright.
10 UPHOLSTERY
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Merkelj Upholstery
good enough. When restoring antique furniture or museum exhibits to a like-new condition, Aleš strictly employs original, organic materials like seaweed, wool, and rope. Leather, artificial leather, and other fabrics as well as materials are purchased form verified suppliers, who can provide top-quality no matter the price. His 20-year experience, reflected in his work, draw customers from all across Slovenia, what’s more, his reputation outgrew its borders and spreads as far as Venice and Pula. The creative and curious biker
In his neat workshop in the village of Velike Žablje the successful upholsterer and trimmer, Aleš Merkelj, creates, recreates, and restores antique and modern pieces of furniture using various materials. The upholstery specialist carries out full interior car and marine trimmings; fabricates custom-made tarpaulins for caravans, car trailers, speedboats, and yachts; Bimini tops and awnings; re-trims classic car seats; upholsters chairs and couches and fabricates custom-made sofas practically from scratch. His masterpieces are defined by precision and quality. There is no room for low-budget materials – only the best are
Name: Aleš Merkelj Address: 78 A Velike Žablje, 5263 Dobravlje Mobile Phone: +386 (0)40 467 478 E-Mail: ales.merkelj@ yahoo.com
and cyclist by heart is also an innovator. His brainchild, the wheel bag, primarily intended for his private use but after several enquiries launched on the market, is already conquering Europe. Aleš, who never ceased loving what he does, sees his work as a challenge in creativity characterized by high standards, quality and vision. “I don’t work for the money. Money is just a reward for my work,” says Aleš.
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Ženko Upholstery
The professional upholsterer, Damjan Ženko, has been running his own upholstery business in the village of Slap for 12 years now. He repairs, renovates, and reupholsters large and small sofas and kitchen chairs; truck, car, and motorcycle seats, as well as yachts. Damjan mainly works with microfiber fabrics, as well as genuine and synthetic leather, however also employs various other textiles.
Name: Damjan Ženko Address: 34 Slap, 5271 Vipava Phone: +386 (0)5 364 5671 Mobile Phone: +386 (0)31 335 443 E-Mail: tapetnistvodamjan@gmail.com
He primarily works for private clients and cooperates with a few local carpenters. By building a new, larger workshop and setting up a website to increasing the visibility of his company, the ambitious upholsterer wants to expand and increase output in the near future. Among other, he plans to manufacture mattresses and high-quality sofas as well as provide tailoring services.
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Together with his younger brother, an economist by profession, the persistent and thorough woodworker and upholsterer will surely make his dream reality.
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HANDICRAFT
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Femont Hand Forged Metal Works Based in the village of Komen, the artist by heart and blacksmith by profession, Saša Pavlin, creates unique, hand-forged custom-made metal works; wrought iron fences, gates, windows, chandeliers, and fireplace screens, decorated with handforged ornamental iron work; restores cultural heritage pieces like traditional hand water pipes, traditional locks and keys, all types of fittings; and much more.
The majority of his metal works are sold on the domestic market, although his work is gaining recognition among foreign clients as well, notably due to the quality and stylistic features of his personalized works. After 15 years of experience
foto Primož Hieng in his expertise, the licensed blacksmith, who creates all his masterpieces without
welding, is sure to satisfy even the most demanding customers. Formerly a common accompanying activity of stonemasonry, logging, and woodworking, the tradition of wrought iron works is sadly slowly dying out in the Karst region. It is up to Saša and the like to change the course of history. Hopefully, his work and passion will inspire his two sons to take up the profession and continue his effort in preserving the craft of custom-made wrought iron works in these parts of Slovenia.
Name: Saša Pavlin Address: 130 Komen, 6223 Komen Mobile Phone: +386 (0)31 874 823 E-Mail: femontpavlin@gmail. com Facebook: Kovaštvo Saša Pavlin foto Primož Brecelj
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Sculptor Radivoj Mulič
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salvaged furniture, while the opening saw the hosts treating visitors with exquisite refreshments. Noteworthy is also his carved statuette, presented to the winner of the Vilenica Crystal Award at the 2014 Vilenica International Literary Festival. In 2003, he collaborated with the Slovene sculptor Damjan Švara in the reconstruction and restoration of the Vijećnica; the
Radivoj Mulič is known for his bold, realistic and stylized pieces of art ranging from sculptures, statuettes, open fireplaces, tables, stone sinks, window shelves, and for his excellent restorations. He primarily carves stone, as he sees it as the best medium to express his ideas, but he also works with wood and clay. Prior to his graduation in sculpting, he participated in a number of collective exhibitions. His first solo display was staged in 1998 in his hometown of Komen. While many followed, one of his most notable exhibitions, the Unusual Doubles, was staged at the Celje Art Showroom in collaboration with the designer Andreja Džakušič. The gallery was transformed into a comfortable parlor, decorated with
Name: Radivoj Mulič Title: independent artist and academic sculptor Address: 131 Komen, 6223 Komen
National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Sarajevo, destroyed in the Bosnian war in 1990s. He also participated in various art colonies around Europe and Slovenia, and ran sculpting workshops at the Little Karst Biennial exhibition, staged in the village of Volčji Grad on the Karst Plateau. Organised for the first time, the biennial aims at
creating a stimulating, cultural vibe in the scenic village of Volčji Grad and educating the public on the importance of preserving the Karst stone carving tradition. Radivoj Mulič loves translating his thoughts into works of art and hopes his three sons will inherit his passion for art and stone carving.
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HANDICRAFT
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Karmen Vunjak and Iris Janežič Jewelry and metal; and crochet and embroidery to create themed jewellery of bright colours, which reflect her lively, unique character. This is also expressed in her paintings, initially portraying the breath-taking Austrian alpine nature and later, through abstract art, depicting the infinite flow of energy, movement, and continuity. “My favourite colour is green, the colour of spring, the colour of life,” says Iris,
The two best friends Karmen Vunjak and Iris Janežič from the town of Ajdovščina share a common interest in designing colourful, bold jewellery. Both have been artists since childhood and designers for nearly as long. “I am continuously expanding my comfort zone, experimenting with new materials and new shapes. I find inspiration in everything. If I find something interesting, I look into it and use it,” says Karmen, whose jewellery designs are inspired by the Moroccan and Algerian cultures. She works with a range of materials: beads, semiprecious gems, polymer clay, wood,
Names: Karmen Vunjak and Iris Janežič Facebook: Art by Karin Facebook: Iris Janežič Iris Nakit
who draws her inspiration mainly from patterns and geometric shapes. Working with polymer clay, beads, metal, macramé and crochet, she creates colourful, flower themed earrings, brooches, bracelets, and necklaces. The enthusiastic and talented Karmen and Iris sell their products at various art markets around Slovenia, but the majority of their handcrafted jewellery is sold through their Facebook page. Although fully occupied with their jobs and families, art is their passion and a way to unlock and express the child within, to be joyful in life.
HANDICRAFT
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Predmeja Country Women Club
in Lourdes, made in collaboration with other skilled Slovenian lace makers, their showpiece is the Hladnikia lace flower. The hallmark portrays the endemic Hladnikia pastinacifolia, which was discovered in 1819 on Mount Čaven by the famous Slovene botanist Franc Hladnik.
When the Predmeja Country Women Association was formed in 2001 its chief purpose was to simply unite like-minded enthusiasts from the village of Predmeja. It quickly outgrew its original purpose and developed into an established organisation with 25 permanent members running its drama, choir and lacemaking group. All club members contribute immensely to the neatness of the village and usually prepare homemade culinary delights
Address: 79 Predmeja, 5270 Ajdovščina Contact Person: Alojzija Bratina Mobile Phone: +386 (0)41 910 938 E-Mail: alojzija.bratina@siol. net Facebook: Društvo podeželskih žena Predmeja
for local events, while its choir members, dressed in traditional costumes, regularly brighten the local celebrations with traditional, folk songs. The extremely creative, resourceful and charming women form the village of Predmeja are also incredibly talented lace makers, certified by the Slovene Chamber of Commerce. The social group, comprised of ten active members, meet every Wednesday from September to April to make and sell beautiful lace jewellery, napkins, curtains, and mats of various patterns, motifs, and sizes. While they take great pride in the lace tablecloth adorning the chapel at the Ljubljana University Medical Centre and the tablecloth adorning the famous Sanctuary
Through maintaining the custom of bestowing a lace stork on a new-born member of the community, the women also greatly contribute to the popularization of the tradition of lacemaking in these parts of Slovenia. The lion’s share though goes the Otlica Primary School offering its pupils regular classes in lacemaking since 1983. The persistence, love and positive attitude of the club’s members, who continuously upgrade their knowledge and expand their activities, has brought the women and the community a change for the better, forming strong social bonds and raising awareness about the importance of cooperation.
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HANDICRAFT
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Zdenka Resnik Lacemaking
customers are also welcome to view her collection at her home in the village of Cesta.
“This is my life! My love, my joy, my way of unwinding,” says Zdenka, who fell in love with lacemaking at the age of nine and makes lace wall art, tablecloths, curtains, greeting cards and beautiful lace jewellery with religious, animal, and floral motifs. She uses the Idrija lacemaking technique; a type of bobbin lace home to the Slovene town of Idrija. Although traditionally made with white, she also uses colourful and subtle shine threads, generally letting her imagination run free.
Name: Zdenka Resnik Address: 19 A Cesta, 5270 Ajdovščina Mobile Phone: +386 (0)31 389 500 E-Mail: resnik.zdenka@gmail. com Facebook: Zdenka Resnik
Although her sales are small scale and would not do for a living, the praise often repays the great deal of effort, love and creativity invested.
Her lace work is very popular among customers, who look for handcrafted, unique gifts, which can be presented at various occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other events. She sells her handicrafts at various markets, but
HANDICRAFT
Glasnik No.6, 24.2.2015
Maja Štrancar Herbal Products Customers can purchase her products at their home or at various wine fairs, where the Štrancar couple promote their exquisite wine. In the future, they plan to diversify their products and offer at the farm to include accommodation, serving their guests local specialties typically found in the Vipava Valley: its wine, seasonal fruit, cured meat and homemade herbal products. With much love and positive attitude invested, the family will surely succeed in making their dreams come true.
The Štrancar family, located in the village of Planina, produce not only excellent wine but also fine natural homemade herbal products. Their herbal teas, natural soaps, lip balms, herbal oils, tinctures and homemade herbal liqueurs are made from a range of homegrown herbs including lavandin, lemon balm, lemon verbena, savory, rosemary, thyme, mint, roses, and sage. A dental technician by profession, Maja, works her magic in the afternoons using strictly organic ingredients. Her lavendininfused oil rich in antioxidants is perfect for promoting relaxation or soothing injured or itchy skin; while the St. John’s wort oil provides quick relief for sunburns; and her peppermint, green clay and charcoal soap will help balance oily skin.
Name: Maja Štrancar Address: 20 A Planina, 5270 Ajdovščina Mobile Phone: +386 (0)31 308 630 E-Mail: strancar.maja@gmail. com
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