Kaija started it. We won’t stop.
Finnish handcraft, since 1954.
Aarikka was conceived by Kaija. The unruly rebel with a playful spirit. From the mischievous revolutionary from Somero. Since the beginning, Aarikka’s spirit is in joy and celebrations, functional products with a decorative design, and decorations with a clear function. Wood and round shapes, clear lines, and beauty in the details. Joy and unruliness. Looking at the canons in the eye and deciding that the shape of the world is round. This belief, embedded in us, like wood has its grains. Deep in itself.
Aarikka lives from its roots. The unruly rebels, joyous and energetic. They get stronger, year by year, from generation to generation. Round and bold. Timeless and always relevant. That is Aarikka. Joy and celebration. Unique, in Aarikka’s spirit.
In 2021, we began our work into Aarikka’s truest form. It has a voice and a look, that is part of our lives and celebrations. We have revised our online store, optimised our digital marketing and gotten to know Aarikka again with renewed plans for the coming years. And where round shapes are a true possibility, handcraft is Aarikka’s second nature. We design all our products in Finland, and handmake everything we can with a respect to handcraft and tradition. In Finland, of course.
Respectable age, 70. Time has no effect on timeless ones. When you are truly unique, you stand the test of time. Kaija started it, and we continue.
Aarikka is made at homes.
Aarikka continues to uphold its values in the 2020s, placing emphasis on Finnish expertise and unwavering quality control. And where round shapes are a true possibility, handcraft is Aarikka’s second nature.
Since the most important task of design is to bring joy, Aarikka has invested in it for decades – and there’s no end in sight. Every product is also made by hand, not on an assembly line.
Meet the creators
“It has pretty much gotten under my skin in a few decades.“
Little did Kai Kukkonen know about the future when he started his apprenticeship at Aarikka at the age of 15 in 1981. Kai studied to become a machine carpenter.
“The job title has changed over the years, but I’m still on the same path,” says Kai, who now works as a production coordinator.
Over a million Aarikka products have passed through Kai’s hands, leaving his mark on them. Some products and eras, on the other hand, have left their mark on Kai more strongly. “Allu, a character designed by Pia Kärkkäinen, would have sold as much as there was time to make it in the early 2000s. Allu was a bottle opener, a wine bottle cork, and who knows what else,” Kai recalls the successful character.
Meet the creators
“I also feel that my work is appreciated.“
Minna Kuosa is a dedicated Christmas person. Not even the fact that there are elves on Minna’s desk all year round hasn’t tested her Christmas love. On the contrary, she finds it wonderful. Minna manufactures Aarikka products at her home in Hollola. Minna’s all-time favourites are Pakkanen (Frost) products. Most of all, she loves Koristelija (Decorator). Despite, and because it’s the most labour-intensive to make. “The best part is always when I get a box full of new product parts. I exclaim, ‘Yes!’” Minna says.
Minna says she always needs something to tinker with. Of course, she doesn’t mind that making Aarikka products is not only meaningful handicraft but also profitable. “This is the first job that has never annoyed me in the morning,” Minna says.
aarikka book
Meet the creators and read the stories behind the iconic products in the Aarikka book.
This English-language book celebrates the 70thanniversary of Aarikka. In this book, the story of Aarikka is beautifully illustrated, as an ode to the history and present day of Aarikka – and everything that happened in between. This book takes you to meet the people and stories behind Aarikka’s beloved products. How they were conceived and born – meticulously, piece by piece, sparing no hours, down to the last detail.
Aarikka’s year of celebration began wonderfully. In December, we introduced our colourful Spring and Summer 2024 clothing collection at Kunsthalle Helsinki. The collection features colours and shine to every moment. This season’s new colours are available in bright and natural shades. Every colour is beautiful, just as every flower is beautiful as its unique self.
In the fashion show, we introduced the Tribute to the Wooden Pearl wooden bead clothing collection, designed together with stylist Meri Milash. The collection was designed to celebrate the 70th anniversary year of Aarikka. The unique and breathtaking collection is an ode to the wooden handcraft and Aarikka’s unique shape language. And wood, the pearl of the woods.
Our fashion show and the Tribute to the Wooden Pearl collection is available here. Come and see!
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