PIPPI OF TODAY

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beloved character Pippi Longstocking from the books by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Together with Save the children, the Astrid Lindgren Company has initiated the Pippi of today campaign to earmark funds to support refugee girls.  

Millions of families are forced to leave their homes around the globe, and girls are especially vulnerable when on the move. Much like Pippi, they have to navigate new neighbourhoods and rely on their own strength to create a home, a family, and a future for themselves. 

Support the campaign with a christmas gift from the merchandise range available online at Astrid Lindgren butiken, or with a Pippi donation.

Elinzfotografi is the creator behind the wonderful print above called "Girl Power", available in three sizes from the webshop. Parts of the proceeds support the campaign. 

IMAGE: ELINZFOTOGRAFI, USED WITH PERMISSION 

POT PERFECTION

If you are looking for a timeless addition to your christmas home, consider adding hand made pots from Gysinge instead of mass produced knick knacks. Available in four colours equally perfect for Christmas as well as seasonal blooms around the year. The perfect gift to a friend as well. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE GYSINGE BYGGNADSVÅRD

KADETVADUSADETVADETVA?

Six medical students at the University in Tromsø wanted a product to sell at christmas markets in order to pay for a gourmet dinner at a fancy restaurant. Eleven years later they have a small collection available in their web shop. T-shirts and aprons with idioms and expressions from Northern Norway, a fun gift for anyone from the region or an affinity for the area.  Visit Hæx to see more. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE HÆX WEBSHOP 

COUNT YOUR DEGREES

I had to run back to the house and get warmer mittens for my son as we were getting ready to go to school. An outdoor thermometer would be handy. Byggfabriken has four handsome ones. A pretty little mailable gift for home owners around the world. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE BYGGFABRIKEN WEBSHOP 

GAME ON

I love gifting Scandinavian Memo games, especially during Christmas. It's a subtle introduction to Scandinavia through characters, objects and colour, and at the same time its an invitation to engage with other family members, rather than watch a screen during down time. The brilliance of games where you have to find matching pairs is that all ages, and languages, can play together.

There is an amazing range of memo games available in most book stores and online in Sweden. Barnbokhandeln.com is one of my favourites and dangerously wonderful to browse.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES BARNBOKHANDELN

A TALL ORDER

We live in small quarters, but with a large family and good neighbours there are plenty of occasions to invite people over for a Swedish fika. I've been looking for a tiered stand to serve many while leaving plenty of room on counters and tables for hot drinks and more snacks. This one from Bruka Design is best in show so far. You can take it apart between uses, so it stores easily. Pretty enough for a party, casual enough for a family gathering.

Now, if they would just make the rod in two sizes, so I could choose how high I want to stack my baked goods (a.k.a how much time I used sleeping the night before instead of baking) it would be a definite winner.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE BRUKA DESIGN, USED WITH PERMISSION

FOOL PROOF GIFTS

This is our list of can't-go-wrong gifts from Sweden that suit all ages above 20 years, all genders, most home interiors, and all life events: wedding, christmas, birthday, anniversary, hostess gifts...

Round tray Aristida, Svenskt Tenn. Small crystal bowl Precious, by Malin Lindahl for Orrefors. His or her body scrub brushes, by Iris Hantverk. Baroque candlestick in concrete, by Tove Adman. Napkin rings available in silver or brass, by Skultuna.  Kitchen towel Siljan, by Ekelunds Linneväveri. Stoneware bowl available in 5 colours, by Höganäs. Notebook Dinners, by Ordning & Reda.
IMAGES: ORREFORS WEBSHOP, SKULTUNA WEBSHOP, SVENSKT TENN WEBSHOP, TOVE ADMAN, DESIGNONLINE, ORDNING-REDA.SE, CERVERA.SE, IRIS.SE

A FUN WAY TO LEARN

Perhaps it requires the sensibility of a carpenter to notice details of beauty in nature that the rest of us easily overlook. Lars Klinting is a talented, self taught illustrator whose depictions of Scandinavian nature are as educational as they are inviting. In his rendition, nature is kind, interesting and full of life. A good selection of his memorygames are available in the Swedish webshop Naturbarn.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES FROM NATURBARN

A NEW TAKE ON BESKOW

Catharina Kippel has interpreted Elsa Beskow's storybook characters into charming patterns. I am completely smitten with the collection. The colour scheme, and the whimsy of the illustrations work surprisingly well in both modern and country style Scandinavian interiors. Available through Designhouse Stockholm among others. 

IMAGES: DESIGN HOUSE STOCKHOLM 

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN

Nobody knows why Swedish tradition demands seven different kinds of home made cookies if it's to be considered a proper cookie platter (usually accompanying coffee). It's a custom that suddenly gained popularity in the late 1800's, and its origin remains a mystery to this day.

What we do know is that food and retail company ICA dates back to 1917. In 1945 one of its subdivisions held a competition for cookie recipies yielding more than 8000 entries. The best recipes were compiled into a collection that quickly became a household staple in Sweden. By 2005 the 84 continually revised editions had sold 3,4 million copies over the years. An edition in English was released in 2008 and is the ultimate christmas gift for any baker with a Scandinavian heritage or interest. 

Available anywhere in Sweden, for example here (Swedish), here (English) and here (Swedish). Preview available at Amazon.com.
IMAGE: TANT GUL, USED WITH PERMISSION

GIFT GUIDE

As much as I hate to admit it, Scandinavian Modern and Folklore aren't for everyone. Today's gift guide is for the traditionalists and romantics. Star Fluted Christmas Cake dish by Royal Copenhagen, Fabergé inspired ornaments from Brink, Linen towel Jaktmönstret from Ekelunds, Reproductions of Billmark's Stockholm motifs from the Stockholm City Museum, Gingerbread thins in decorated tin by Annas, Candle holder Lovisa Ulrika by Skultuna.
IMAGE: ROYAL COPENHAGEN; BRINK; EKELUNDS LINNEWÄVERI; STOCKHOLMS STADSMUSEUM; ANNAS PEPPARKAKOR; SKULTUNA

PLAYLIST FOR NOVEMBER

  

I know that christmas bloggers around the world have confessed to playing christmas music already. I don't care what they say, it's too soon. Try Lisa Nilsson's soothing, warm, vocals, Jan Johansson's melodic sensibility, and Georg Riedel's updated childhood nostalgia as backdrop for crisp days and chilly evenings. If you haven't heard these before, click on the covers to preview. It'll be a treat for your ears.

SHINE A LIGHT

Yesterday at the Nobel museum, one laureate communicated even to our three year old the concept of the field of work for which she was awarded. Mother Theresa was quoted saying: "Peace begins with a smile." 

Designed by jewish designer Josef Frank in 1938, this brass or silverplated candelabra was named the "knot of friendship" as a symbol for peace and friendship. Available at Svenskt Tenn.  

IMAGE: SVENSKT TENN

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

As much as I adore the clear Aalto vases we have, they are too wide for just a small bouqet of flowers. After searching high and low I might have found the perfect complement. Olympia is made in crystal glass, in three sizes, and is designed by none other than Ingegerd Råman for Skruf. How did they not show up on my radar until now?
IMAGE: NORRGAVEL

KEEPING SCORE

My sister was very occupied with assigning me vuxenpoäng (adult points) during her late teens. For example:  points would be awarded to anyone who answers yes to the following:

Have you left a concert or show a little too soon, just to avoid the crowds or long lines?
Do you worry that there's been an accident if the phone rings after 10 PM?
Have you, during the past two years, asked for the recipe for the dish you've been served?
Do you use phrases such as "value for money", "a nice leg stretch"?

She still hasn't gotten over the fact that I once brought a banana to the cinema for a snack... Well, here's what I would put in my sister's easter egg this year. The game Vuxenpoäng with a bunch of questions to keep her busy calculating her own points nowadays. Revenge is sweet.
IMAGE: VUXENOPANGSPELET.SE

SHAKE YOUR TAIL FEATHERS

In the early 90's designduo Bengt och Lotta made a name for themselves with a stylized cow-candlestick (!) that became an it-object in Swedish homes alongside Starcks lemon squeezer, and Tricia Guild fabrics. This rooster candlestick shows their signature style that mixes graphic minimalism and folkloristic charm. A fun easter decoration.
IMAGE: DESIGNONLINE

GREEN GREEN GREEN

I have a colour crush on deep emerald greens. Could it be related to the lack of green in my surroundings? When it comes to green glass in Scandinavia Finnish design company Iittala reigns supreme. Shown here is Vitriini.  

IMAGE: IITTALA.COM

ONE EGGSTRA

What a great boho/budget alternative to the Georg Jensen egg! Perfect as an easter hostess gift, filled with dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate (with all the LCHF dieting everywhere, I don't dare to bring sweets). Made from aluminium and available at Indiska. 

IMAGE: INDISKA

EGG ME PLEASE

I don't mind an empty easter egg this year. If it's this egg, that is. From Danish master Georg Jensen.

BLACK GEMS

Professor Ingegerd Råman is a well known glass and ceramics artist and designer employed by Orrefors of Sweden. Her work features graphic simplicity but is never onedimensional in its expression. Her objects often retains tactile and structured qualities despite a streamlined design. The limited edition Bon Bon collection is a celebration of her 10 years at Orrefors. I see a few well chosen cut flowers or small branches in one of these black gems to celebrate the coming spring. 

IMAGE: ORREFORS.SE