This year's Christmas gift to myself - yes I do give myself one since I think it's important to be kind also to oneself - is this lovable, handmade felt brooch in red and pink with a dash of green leaves from talented Swedish designer Tina Calén. Who happens to have her studio and shop in last week's small town of Sigtuna. She makes quirky gorgeous clothes and accessories, mainly felted and combined with lace, in many wonderful colours. Many of her things are perhaps too delicate for everyday wear, but I'd truly love to have a dress or two from her designs. And a hat and a bag and...
Another thing that will warm my heart this Christmas is the fact that one of my favourite wee things, Järn-Olle (Little Iron Boy) in Gamla Sta'n (Old Town), here in Stockholm seem to have found a friend in red. The friend doesn't look to unhappy despite the fact that (s)he is soaking wet (we can't all be shaped in iron) and has been sort of chained to the place. Not another lonely Christmas for Järn-Olle. That must be the best gift of them all.
The felt brooch is so unusual! I LIKE it. ;-) Merry Christmas, Pia.
ReplyDeleteMetals can be so cold in the winter. So, adding the warmth in that red scarf to Järn-Olle is a thoughtful gesture. And I amsue he appreciates it, too.
ReplyDeleteThe rose is delicate looking but offers a strong sense of style. Obviously, guys don't bother with accessories. But you can with Tina's artistry. You can give yourself more gifts, and you do deserve to do so!
The 2nd pic looks so cute and interestiing. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteMerry X'mas and a Happy New Year! Have Fun!
It Meows #14
the brooch looks edible!
ReplyDeletethe little scene is precious
I love reading your posts... you always make me feel like I have been given a gift... something beautiful and unique.
ReplyDeleteBlessed holidays to you dear Pia!
I like the look of Iron Boy's scarf. We're having an unusually cold day or two here and a scarf strikes me as a very sensible garment right about now. Brrr!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Dear Pia K
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be just like my little sister Karen. She is a delicate little lady who always likes quirky but elegant garments with just the touch of dainty lace.
She used to shop at antique clothing stores in Toronto. One time we laughed at her because she bought a pair of lacy white mid 40's bloomers. Yeh we laughed all right. In the meantime we were a touch envious of her. That girl could put a potato sack on and STILL look great. Oh, and the little laced up antique black boots that she used to wear!
This is such a nice brooch that you have treated yourself to!
Little Iron Man looks quite the dude with his ruby red scarf and his ruby red girlfriend!
I won't be able to make my Ruby Tuesday until this evening because we had to do a little celebrating for Felisol's sweetheart, Gunnar's birthday........Till then...Merry Christmas to you and the Little Iron Man couple!!!!!Love Terry
The pin is very special. I love the look of real felt shaped into something beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe composition of your second shot is just so dear. I have a thing for elves. ;-)
Happy Christmas to you also, Pia!
Love,
Pagan
What a beautiful brooch. It looks so realistic, she's a very talented artist. I love your idea of giving yourself a gift, too.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you from Israel.
I completely agree with you on gift-giving for yourself! We deserve it :)
ReplyDeleteThe Little Iron Boy seems like one of those fun little secret traditions. I'm happy to see that he has company this year.
ReplyDeleteI hope your holidays are merry.
That is a beautiful brooch. Gifts to ourselves are often needed. :)
ReplyDeletethat's a pretty neat idea! but i think i may have given myself all too much already:) Happy Holidays to you! and i love the iron boy shot!:)
ReplyDeleteGlad you approve of the brooch, YEGTG:)
ReplyDeleteRalph, always with a well thought comment, thanks!
Thanks for stopping by, Dora, I'll try and have as much fun as possible:)
Hi, Dianne, thanks for visiting!
Kay, oh that must have been one of the sweetest comments ever, I'm touched and flattered!
ReplyDeleteutenzi, thanks for visiting and a merry Christmas to you too!
Terry, your sister Karen would probably make me envious too, I never find anything quite right in vintage shops but I marvel at those who are able to combine great and personal outfits from such finds. I hope your holidays will be lovely too!
Thanks, Pagan, yes felted things are precious things, I had enrolled in a weekend class for that once, fell ill and never had the opportunity to attend. One day I'm adamant to learn at least a wee bit and try and create at least something reasonably decent felted. Elves are wonderful, even though the, at least, one in my home is always misplacing and replacing my stuff...;)
Thanks for visiting, Robin, I inaugurated the brooch today and it felt nearly as wonderful as it looks:)
ReplyDeleteYes, Olga, we really do:)
Thanks, tr3nta, for your kind words and wishes!
Hi, Hayley, yes he is one adorable semi-well kept secret in this city.
Lovely brooch you've got yourself. I agree too that one has to be kind to him/herself :)
ReplyDeleteYou deserve the Christmas gift to yourself!
Merry Christmas with lots of love :)
Thanks for the link to the older post! I enjoyed learning about Little Iron Boy. He cerainly looks festive in his red scarf, and it's nice that he has company for Christmas. Love the brooch, too.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Have yourself a very merry Christmas! I love your suggestion about being kind to yourself and giving yourself a gift. Hope you get that dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog the other day. I appreciate it very much.
Dear Pia K,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy spending quality time with you and your treasures.
The otheres are asleep, and this is the gift I give myself this year.
I so agree with you on being kind to oneslf. The brooche is a remarkable gift to offer yourself.
Jesus siad " Love thy neighbour as yourself". A minister said: "Ergo, you cannot love your neighbor, if you don't love yourself."
Enjoy your Christmas fest
From Felisol
Önskar dig det samma, hoppas att du får en härlig julhelg.
ReplyDeleteKram Helena
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa, indeed they are:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, ces, oh I think it's a great idea myself;)
napaboaniya - thanks for leaving a sweet comment!
MyMaracas, glad you liked reading about the Little Iron Boy, he's such a precious wee thing.
Thanks, Sara C, and the same to you!
ReplyDeleteFelisol, that's so true, you have to love, or learn to love, and be kind to yourself in order to be able to treat others in the same way. I hope your Christmas will be a lovely one.
Halloj, Helena, tack! :)