Handcrafted Stories: How Orel & Friends Keeps Czech Art Alive

By Victoria Zherebna (11/05/25) — Prague, CZ

After living in Prague for a few months, I realized it was long overdue to buy souvenirs for my loved ones. On my daily walk to class, I pass by dozens of mini-marts, markets, and local shops filled with souvenirs. However, most of the time, the souvenirs themselves aren’t made in the Czech Republic but in a factory abroad. I wanted something authentic and meaningful, which is when I stumbled upon Orel & Friends. 

Orel & Friends, a hidden gem in Prague, is tucked away in the historic area of Malá Strana. The cozy shop offers a distinctive selection of handcrafted gifts from local artists, ranging from magnets to ceramics to toys.

I spoke to Ana, an employee, who shared the story behind Orel & Friends with me. “The owner Stéphane was tired of seeing people buy mass-produced souvenirs and wanted to support local artisans,” she said. At Orel & Friends, the owner personally selects every product and rotates collections to showcase new artists. “Stéphane searches for artists at markets, museums, and online, looking for new crafts to display. People even reach out to him online and in person to have their work in the store,” Ana added as she readjusted a row of earrings made from real flowers. 

I wandered around the shop and gazed at all the work. Every object in the store had its own character, its own story, and even its own little imperfections. The hand-painted magnets had little uneven layers of paint, there was roughness in the ceramics, and even slightly curved lines in the pictures. These imperfections reflected the handmade process, which ultimately reduces mass production waste.

Sustainability is woven into the store with leather products, which are carefully repurposed through keychains made from old leather straps, washable paper wallets, and jewelry pieces made from melted recycled glass. Discarded materials are often turned into beautiful pieces here. Furthermore, there are notebooks, each different and handmade, made up of old magazines and book pages, individually painted postcards, and art exclusive to Orel & Friends. Beyond sustainability, the shop also focuses on Czech heritage and culture. It features blueprint textiles, hand-painted puppets, and a variety of products decorated with traditional motifs. 

Orel & Friends is a clear example of an eco-friendly and socially conscious business in the heart of Prague. By supporting local artists' work, the shop promotes fair labor, paying artists for their skills and time, and supports the well-being of nearby communities. In addition, the products the store sells are often made from natural, renewable, or recycled materials, are crafted on a small scale, and reduce waste by focusing on quality over quantity. Purchasing local goods uses less energy, reduces shipping costs, is made more durable with high-quality materials, and can be brought home as an authentic piece that preserves cultural heritage. 

In a world dominated by mass-produced souvenirs, Orel & Friends shows how businesses can prioritize people, the planet, and culture while still being a successful business. Each piece shows the story of a Czech artist and is a commitment to sustainability and community. Leaving the shop with a small hand-painted magnet reminds me that every choice can make a difference.

Next time you travel, take a moment to discover and support local artisans to foster a more creative and sustainable world.