20 Scandinavian Gift Ideas

Swedish Gift IdeasKAWAI grand piano $168 Amazon

Are you interested in buying something different than the typical gifts found in the big box stores? Scandinavian style gifts come with a taste of heritage and family traditions passed down through  generations. Below we list a selection of gifts that are inspired from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

1.  Consider buying a Dale Of Norway Sweater – Dale of Norway is a world leading designer and manufacturer of premium knitwear, and is available on Amazon  All of its garments are knitted at Dale, a small village by the west coast of Norway, located between beautiful steep mountains, waterfalls and fjords.  The company was established in 1879, and has since then developed many innovative yarns and knitting techniques, creating beautiful designs made of 100% pure, high-quality wool.

2. Make Your Own Norwegian Mittens and Gloves: Over 25 Classic Designs for Warm Fingers and Stylish Hands by Annemor Sundbo This gorgeous collection showcases traditional Norwegian mitten and glove patterns, providing an accessible format for new and old lovers of knitting. Presenting a beautiful selection of 29 classic figurative concepts, this array is a fashionable representation of Norway’s history of the craft. Used From $12

3. Create Your Own Nordic Gifts: 35 Projects Inspired by Scandinavian Style by Mia Underwood – Add a touch of Scandinavia to your home and your wardrobe. Scandinavian style has never been more desirable, with its emphasis on natural materials, light and fresh colors, and classic motifs. Mia Underwood inherited her love of making things from her Danish grandmother, and she understands both the techniques and the heritage of crafts from Scandinavia. In Nordic Crafts she presents 35 new projects which reflect the traditions of the Scandinavian countries, with a modern twist. Projects for the home include a novel bread basket, and a gorgeous bird mobile. For a child’s room, there is a beautiful baby blanket, and a woodland scene to hang in the window. For playtime, felt animal masks will fire your child’s imagination, while nisse – mischievous elves – are easy to make from scraps of wool. The Danish love of coziness and comfort – ‘hygge’ – is reflected in patterns for felted slippers, embroidered mittens, and snoods for both adults and children. Buy New from $16

4.  Can You Knit?  Make Traditional Scandinavian Knitting Gifts (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) by Sheila McGregor lassic guide to the styles of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands. Vibrant patterns for an array of garments include jerseys, gloves and mittens, stockings, and caps. Illustrated with 191 black-and-white and 20 color pictures, this volume is well known and prized among longtime practitioners of the craft.- Buy Used From $5

5. Our Nordic Heritage Ingalill Snitt-Our Nordic Heritage presents the 18 sites in the Nordic countries which have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List – the cultural and natural heritage of mankind. Areas with this status represent outstanding and irreplaceable cultural and natural treasures. They are important to us as sources of experience and understanding of our manifold historical, cultural and natural background. Buy It Used From Amazon $18

6- Gifts For Little Girls- Scandinavian Girl and Boy Paper Dolls (Dover Paper Dolls) by Kathy Allert and Paper Dolls (Aug 17, 1993) Two dolls, 32 traditional, accurately detailed folk costumes. Full-color renderings of a Norwegian bridal ensemble, Finnish Lapp outfits with colorful “four winds” hats, Swedish Lapp summer garments, Danish bridal apparel with a floral crown, an Icelandic folk-dancing costume, and more. Includes map showing countries and regions represented  – Buy Used From $1

7.  Have a Baker In The Family?  Or Consider Baking Scandinavian Style.  Scandinavian Classic Baking by Pat Sinclair and Joel Butkowski- Shows you how to do Scandinavian coffee breads and cakes to cookies and tarts.  This gorgeous cookbook offers forty-three recipes, along with photographs, history, musings, and stories. Buy it new from $13 on Amazon

8.  Make Something Out Of Paper For A Gift– Norigami: The Art of Norwegian Paper Folding by John Roth Buy Used From $2

9. Classic HOW To Nordic Needlework-Scandinavian Needlecraft: 35 Step-by-step Projects to Create the Scandinavian Home by Clare Youngs and Sarah Hoggett – Incorporating the finest elements of Scandinavian crafting traditions, inspiration is taken from a range of backgrounds including classic folk art and local needlework, as well as more contemporary sources. These delightful designs, each with clear step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography, will have you itching to get stitching. Buy used from $5

10.  Swedish Cooking Guides – In Kitchen of Light readers are transported to Viestad’s Norway—fishing for cod, halibut, and salmon; gathering chanterelles, porcini, and wild berries. More than 100 recipes emphasize fresh, simple ingredients in delicious and elegant dishes such as Pepper-Grilled Oysters and Scallops and Roast Dill-Scented Chicken with Leeks and Potatoes. This inspired cookbook, a companion to the public television series New Scandinavian Cooking, is perfect for home cooks, armchair travelers, cultural food enthusiasts, and anyone who yearns for the simple life. New From $17 on Amazon

11.  The Knitter’s Directory  150 Scandinavian Motifs is an inspirational collection of favorite motifs found in the traditional knitting of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands. New From $16 on Amazon

12. Embroidery Books- Scandinavian Stitch Craft: Unique Projects and Patterns for Inspired Embroidery – Highlighting traditional Swedish embroidery techniques and featuring easy instruction, Scandinavian Stitch Craft will be an inspiration to modern crafters. Through thirty inspiring projects, Holmberg highlights many of Sweden’s traditional embroidery stitches and uses them in new and exciting combinations. The projects can be used to make new buys more personal, to embroider clothes that you already have in your wardrobe, or to brighten up a flea-market bargain. Also included is information about materials used, tips and tricks, descriptions of the various stitches, and removable pattern templates which can be used to create your own works. Buy it new from $15, Used from $11 on Amazon

Continue Reading…

Where To Find Swedish Looking Wall Sconces

French Candle Holders Wall Sconce- Etsy

PAIR Vtg Ornate Gold Syroco $20 Etsy

Pair of French Style Oval Gilt Wall Sconces with Mirrors $450 Etsy

Gustavian Sconce www.stadsauktion.se

One common decorative element found in Swedish decorated homes is the use of small mirrored sconces.   Not only were these beautiful to look at, they were practical in the 17th and 18th centuries when light switches and modern electricity was not invented yet.  Candle sconces were placed on the wall in old times to bring light to a room.  The mirror backing magnified the light from the candle which allowed the room to be even brighter.

Sconces were paired with tables, which made sense to protect the home from fire hazzards.  Candles at walking height were easier to light at dusk, allowing the freedom of candles on the tables to be moved around from room to room as needed.  In addition, stationary candles on the walls didn’t serve a fire risk as much as those on table tops. Often times pictures depicting Gustavian interiors feature demi lune tables paired up with wall sconces.  Gustavian interiors are all about simplicity, and symmetry, although I am sure positioning the table or chair below a candle also prevented bumping and tipping over of candles.

Today it is hard to locate a set or a pair of these Gustavian styled wood sconces.  They are not a common find!  If you are really enamored with old world Swedish and Gustavian styled rooms, hunt around for rectangular mirrors that you can alter yourself.

1.  Shop Ebay For Similar Looks

Ebay is one of the best resources for decorating your home.  Lets face it, if you are after a particular style, it isn’t going to be in your local antique store, unless you live in Sweden.  Shopping ebay allows you to narrow down the parameters, and search for key words.  Consider buying something close to the style you are after, and alter it with additional wood, decorative wood appliques, and paint.  You do not have to have ALL genuine antiques in your home.  Be creative without spending a fortune.

Get the Look For Less- Vintage Primitive Pair Homco Black Mirrored Candle Holder Wall $17.00  Check out this pinterest page with looks you can create for less.

2.  Shop Esty!

Esty is often the last place I look, and often times I forget all about esty.  Ebay is always my first place to look, although when I have looked on esty, often times there are a few hidden gems.

Last week I was searching through ebay for a particular set of handles for a desk I am finishing up.  I found what I was looking for, and waited several days to bid.  I ended up loosing the bid to another, and would have spent way to much money anyhow.  I looked on esty after loosing the auction, and found an identical set of French pulls for a lot less money.  The best thing is I could buy right away.  Esty has a LOT of great listings.  Take the time to search out key words.

The greatest thing about Esty and Ebay is you are supporting local families and small businesses.  Every day people like you and I….  Often times they are looking for a small profit, making it very a reasonable place to purchase.

Suggestions:

Smiling Horse Designs has for sale an 18th century Gustavian reproduction gold painted mirror with candle holder. Hand crafted wood painted mirror, using same techniques as in the original design. 7″ taper holder in metal, painted gold.  They are selling this incredible mirror for $99  Here you go!  The best deal I have seen yet!

Please be sure to add yourself to the Swedish and French decorating page on Facebook.  Enjoy lots of photographs and other people who enjoy this particular decorating style

Annas Kammare2

www.skonahem.com

This house is situated outside the town Karlstad in Sweden. The house actually manages without water and sanitary sewer! This primitive styled log house has been passed down for generations. The current family who enjoys this home are the eighth generation.

Gustavian Sconce

Gustavian Sconce – www.lauritz.com

www.smagarde.nuGustavian Sconces – www.smagarde.nu

Gustavian SconceGustavian Sconce www.stadsauktion.se

Gustavian Sconcewww.stadsauktion.se

Gustavian SconceSpegel gustaviansk Johan Åkerblad –www.stadsauktion.se

 

Swedish Gustavian Interiors From The Affari Catalogue

Swedish Gustavian Interiors From The Affari Catalogue

Pair of wooden wall sconces…. perfect for a country side home.  Paint them, and heavily distress them.  Buy it for $20 on etsy

Trumeau Mirror & Wall Sconces From Liz
Spradling Antiques. Featured on Acquired Objects Originally seen on Joni’s Blog Cote De Texas

Photograph by Wm P Steele Featured on The White List Blog

Swedish Gustavian Decorating: 25 Of The Best Copper Kitchenware

Vintage Angelique On Ebay

An 18th Century Copenhagen Apartment (below) shows off great looking Swedish style. Decorating with copper can be just the touch you need in your home. Martha Stewart is famous for collecting dozens of copper molds which hang on her kitchen wall. Copper can add a distinct rich appeal to your home.  Hang your copper pots from a pot rack.  Copper molds can be hung on the wall for a very rich effect.

All the greatest chefs around the world have pieces of copper cookware in their collection. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat.   When cooking with copper, you rarely have to turn the stove higher then a medium low to get very high heat.   You will use a lot less energy cooking with copper cookware because it retains the heat.  The only type of cookware that is close to having equivalent heat conduction of copper is cast iron cookware.

Here are 20 of the most interesting copper kitchenware that would look fabulous in your home.

Copper Plated Oval Tub $58, 17.75 x 11 Round Tub $79 22.5 x 13.25 x11.25 Oval Tub 11 Gal. $114

1.  Cuisinart 33-Inch Bar-Style Wall-Mount Pot Rack, Polished Copper $40

2. Cuisinart Half-Circle Wall-Mount Pot Rack, Polished Copper $60

3.Extra Polished Copper Pot Rack Hooks Set of 6 $33

4.Old Dutch Round Dome Pot Rack, Copper $112

5. 48 x 18 Oval Satin Copper Pot Rack w/16 Hooks $171

6. Old Dutch 2 Quart Solid Copper Zabaglione Pan $34

7. Mauviel M’Passion Copper 15-Quart Jam Pan with Bronze Handles $290

8. Mauviel M’Heritage 3-1/2-Inch Butter Warme with Bronze Handle $77

9. Mauviel M’Passion Copper 3-1/2-Quart Zabaglione Pan $155

10.22 1/2 x 11 1/4 x 11 1/2 Satin Copper Pot Rack w/Grid & 12 Hooks $60

11. Old Dutch International 4¼ Inch Solid Copper Stovetop Salt & Pepper Set $18

12.Old Dutch  Copper Clad Stainless Steel Hammered Canister, Set of 4 $61

An 18th Century Copenhagen Apartment

An 18th Century Copenhagen Apartment

Copper Collections

13. Olde Thompson Columbia Copper Peppermill & Salt Shaker Set $25

14. Wright’s Copper Cream Polish, 8-oz $7

15. Cover that Microwave, or Dishwasher front. Metal FX Brushed Copper Contact Paper, 18″ x 6′ $12.

16. Pepper Mill Imports Atlas Pepper Mill, Copper, 9″ $56

17.Old Dutch 9-Inch Pedestal Colander, Copper $28

18. Old Dutch Solid Copper 4-Quart Beating Bowl $40

19. Old Dutch Solid Copper and Brass Antique Reproduction 13 1/2″ tray $20

20. Waring MBB520 Bar Blender, Bright Copper $91

21. Rumford Gardener Copper Thermometer Outdoor Clock $76

22. Good Directions Large Oil Lamp $72

23.Hanging 2 Tier J-Arms Antique Copper 12 Candelabra Sockets $626

24. 8″ Solid Copper Wall Tile with Rose Design , Dogwood Flower– Polished Copper $25

25. Copperplated Revere Bowl, 10 $53

 

11 Of The Best French Metal Accessories For Your Home

Picture Credit –Country Craft House

Metal Accessories Metal Cafe Chairs French

French Iron Rustic Teal Blue Cafe Chair – $216 On Amazon

Metal acessories can be a great addition to a home decorated around the Swedish styles.

Birdcages:

Birdcages can be a functional piece of furniture being that it can house a bird while looking beautiful at the same time.  Birdcages date back for centuries.  Birdcages can be the ultimate accessory in a designers tool box as the furniture can be painted any color to fit a room colors. Chinoiserie styled painting is quite beautiful and can add to the beauty as well as adding a stand to match the birdcage.  Swedish Stencils can also be a way of adding a country folk appearance to a wood birdcage stand.

Metal Stands:

Metals stands can add a rustic element to your home.  Simply paint it, and use them as a plant table  through out the year.  Metal can add a whole new element to your home, and it naturally looks great when it is a bit older and the paint is slightly worn.  In case you wanted to update some worn out metal, consider spray paint that is formulated for metal.  Here are my favorite colors:

Rust-Oleum Royal Blue– Perfect colors for a Swedish Home.

Rust-Oleum CREAMY ALMOND– Lovely Color- I never can find the spray at the store.

Rust-Oleum , Gloss Sail Blue– I have never seen this color in the stores. 

Rust-Oleum Gloss Carvinal Red– This is a new color too.  Our stores in Virginia, Washington and Washington State don’t have it.  Red is a classic Swedish Color. 

Rust-Oleum Paint in Heritage Red– Another color I don’t see in the stores in an oil based spray. 

Stops Rust Gloss Fern- This is a bright moss green.  Perfect for a traditional Birdcage color. 

Metal Accessories

Elegantly designed European-styled outdoor table with jet black metal top $1016 Amazon

Metal Accessories

47.5 Inches High Metal Floor Bottle Rack $269 on Amazon

Creative Co-Op Rust Metal 3-Tier Basket $56 On Amazon

Creative Co-Op DA1638 Metal 3-Tier Standing Baskets, Green $136 On Amazon

Metal Accessories

Creative Co-Op Metal Vintage Laundry Basket with Wheels $165 Amazon

Shabby Cottage Chic Wire Cutlery Silverware Caddy

Shabby Cottage Chic Wire Cutlery Silverware Caddy  $23 Amazon 

Metal Accessories

Vintage Reproduction French Art Nouveau Metal Rocking Chair $708 On Amazon

Dalton French Country Rustic Metal Old World Canopy Bed- King

Dalton French Country Rustic Metal Old World Canopy Bed- King $3108 Amazon

Metal Accessories

French Country Three Tier Iron Bird Cage $204 On Amazon

Metal Accessories

Pauline Large French Country 8 Light Curled Iron Arm Chandelier $1320 on Amazon

Save

Save