tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22317074827034741602024-03-18T23:28:05.182-04:00European BeautifulA blog about European crafts and design. A work of love to showcase European artists. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-33214510917002546732020-10-13T08:08:00.002-04:002020-10-13T08:08:36.046-04:00On starting over, in a place of my own<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbgyouI2ZoaYGLkAqWOBqnWfj3FmPPX2hT4I6nJRgn9dJ6eHoNVmVRtB9_6xDMDOHaxID5zgklLTetFAZWNfbRoMHT2vrm816DweffuZT-2ipK5V2n2Ol6_krUg0SRDuUnYKPTDKLZ20/s2048/IMG_8080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbgyouI2ZoaYGLkAqWOBqnWfj3FmPPX2hT4I6nJRgn9dJ6eHoNVmVRtB9_6xDMDOHaxID5zgklLTetFAZWNfbRoMHT2vrm816DweffuZT-2ipK5V2n2Ol6_krUg0SRDuUnYKPTDKLZ20/s16000/IMG_8080.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A lot has happened since I last wrote here, 5 years ago. A lot of good things, too! But somehow the biggest internal transformation in my life was to turn this online writing into a profession. Into the only way to make my living. </p><p>It had its highs (which were really high), and its lows (which were, predictably, really low).</p><p>And now I'm settled into a pattern in which I write for much of the week, for much of the month, about things that other people pay me to write about. It's nice to make a living on your own terms. But it's also emotionally exhausting to turn a creative hobby into a job. </p><p>But the side-effect, the only side-effect that keeps my head spinning, is not having anything to enjoy at the end of the day. Feeling like a keyboard monkey is an understatement. In a year when I thought understatements are no longer possible. </p><p>So I'm back here, in this little corner of the internet, where nobody reads (the relief), and people don't know my name (the relief). I can paste quotes and think thoughts, and throw in photos (both taken and found) and generally not care about views and SEO and analytics and social shares and and and. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-57676121980959775442015-02-13T19:16:00.000-05:002015-02-13T19:16:26.444-05:00Wisdom on: being alive is a grand thing<i>I love collecting quotes. My own thoughts, when they come in the shape
of quips of other people's wisdom, seem more fully formed.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I'm hoping to renew my old habit of collecting quotes in a series called Wisdom on:
in which I pair quotes that resonate with me with pictures that are
inspired by the words. In keeping with the spirit of the blog, I'm
trying to feature European crafters and artists.</i><br />
<br />
Here's my quote for this week:<br />
<br />
"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly despairing, acutely miserable, tacked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to <i>be</i> alive is a grand thing."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Agatha Christie - <i>An Autobiography</i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB76EPTtOLr2BWwch52-OlExj-bKSn5RIgV9Z5Ud6fnhjtXtUuBH1-G6gd4V2QBQUL9Zy01veJ1EMrxryGEcdWNo7ueZClJccdob-rPwGtGBsVDaAx2-6uGZM1zUwbCuTd5Fmv8yzNJVv7/s1600/nursery+art+by+CasiaBeck+on+Etsy+via+European+Beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nursery art by Cassia Beck on Etsy :: Being alive is a grand thing (Agatha Christie)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB76EPTtOLr2BWwch52-OlExj-bKSn5RIgV9Z5Ud6fnhjtXtUuBH1-G6gd4V2QBQUL9Zy01veJ1EMrxryGEcdWNo7ueZClJccdob-rPwGtGBsVDaAx2-6uGZM1zUwbCuTd5Fmv8yzNJVv7/s1600/nursery+art+by+CasiaBeck+on+Etsy+via+European+Beautiful.jpg" title="Nursery art by Cassia Beck on Etsy :: Being alive is a grand thing (Agatha Christie)" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nursery art by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61082376/nursery-art-carnival-photography" target="_blank">CassiaBeck</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another <a href="http://europeanbeautiful.blogspot.com/2015/01/wisdom-on-unfounded-fear-of-being.html" target="_blank">Wisdom on: the unfounded fear of being childish</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-67138098729545605232015-01-30T21:02:00.000-05:002015-01-30T21:09:47.566-05:00Wisdom on: the unfounded fear of being childishI love collecting quotes. My own thoughts, when they come in the shape of quips of other people's wisdom, seem more fully formed.<br />
<br />
When I was little, I used to fill notebooks with quotes and pictures that matched them. There was really nothing that I couldn't pair with a picture. For hours, I would sit at my desk and cut and paste (literally, using real scissors and glue) little bits of printed magic. I used magazines, newspapers, chocolate wrappers, packaging and pretty much anything with a cute picture printed on it. Everything that fitted beloved words. I would then get out my quote notebook and find one that matched the mood of the picture. Sometimes, it was the other way around, with the words of wisdom waiting patently at the bottom of a blank page for the colors, shapes and textures of a glossy piece of daydreaming. <br />
<br />
When I first started this habit, I had never seen a computer. I didn't even know such things existed beyond computer labs. It was the mid-90s and the only screen that we had in the house was the bulky TV set. (Yes, it was a set back then.)<br />
<br />
The notebooks are long gone. My high school self was too embarrassed to keep any. Some of the words are long forgotten. Some are still ingrained in my memory. Some are lost, but have left a mark on my life. They taught me that words are powerful, mighty and dangerous. But words can be whatever you want them to be. Words are uplifting, encouraging and brave. Words are loving, creative, inspiring, playful and hope-giving. <br />
<br />
I'm hoping to renew my old habit of collecting quotes in a series called <i>Wisdom on:</i> in which I pair quotes that resonate with me with pictures that are inspired by the words. In keeping with the spirit of the blog, I'm trying to feature European crafters and artists.<br />
<br />
Here's my quote for this week:<br />
<br />
"When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
C.S. Lewis </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZMtEFaa_MBzuGQIGClfJSzqQILwYzn0XYq0Qm-OBeqlKEwlt6NN_dglJjShnRrW7rB_Fknifm7Wa6PLs6kMOhP_KEV6PoKHf-qryp0Dq6d155F23sEXxBe99JlXnSst-hCK1oPfpS6vx/s1600/balloon+ride+by+david+fleck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Voyages over Edinburgh by David Fleck" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZMtEFaa_MBzuGQIGClfJSzqQILwYzn0XYq0Qm-OBeqlKEwlt6NN_dglJjShnRrW7rB_Fknifm7Wa6PLs6kMOhP_KEV6PoKHf-qryp0Dq6d155F23sEXxBe99JlXnSst-hCK1oPfpS6vx/s1600/balloon+ride+by+david+fleck.jpg" title="Voyages over Edinburgh by David Fleck" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://society6.com/product/voyages-over-edinburgh_print" target="_blank">Voyages over Edinburgh</a> by <a href="http://davidfleck.co.uk/81919/738977/everything/society6-collection" target="_blank">David Fleck</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-83668286147268744452015-01-25T17:05:00.002-05:002015-01-25T17:05:17.769-05:00Polish Textiles from Taftyli I found out about two talented textile designers and I want to spread the news. Some of their work appeared on <a href="http://kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com/2015/01/simply-projekt-i.html" target="_blank">Kickan & Conkers</a>, one of the blogs that I read faithfully. <br />
<br />
The textile work of Swlvya and Dorota is bulky, daring and unapologetic. Almost magnetic, I would say. You can find something for both masculine and feminine interiors, and it would certainly match sophisticated, white spaces as well as darker, moodier rooms.<br />
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/031/0/7720213/il_570xN.658552053_ron0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Braided pillow case by taftyli on European Beautiful" border="0" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/031/0/7720213/il_570xN.658552053_ron0.jpg" title="Braided pillow case by taftyli on European Beautiful" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdvdB87u0T65nahJ85b_x3VNOvYGS977wQjHm0yZ3akyroPnJAzmKq_EN4DwrOQl84FhV1pfp1BD5a3POahSXVNvfCIcQWzLgNeJ1BR_OQDQRMt4VXgkD0p-j2KD9b1f1BvCp0RpeUzU/s1600/blog-sypialnia-na-wprost-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Braided headboard by taftyli on European Beautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdvdB87u0T65nahJ85b_x3VNOvYGS977wQjHm0yZ3akyroPnJAzmKq_EN4DwrOQl84FhV1pfp1BD5a3POahSXVNvfCIcQWzLgNeJ1BR_OQDQRMt4VXgkD0p-j2KD9b1f1BvCp0RpeUzU/s1600/blog-sypialnia-na-wprost-01.png" title="Braided headboard by taftyli on European Beautiful" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/051/0/7720213/il_570xN.677350444_f27y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Braided textiles by taftyli on European Beautiful" border="0" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/051/0/7720213/il_570xN.677350444_f27y.jpg" title="Braided textiles by taftyli on European Beautiful" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1200697739"></span><span id="goog_1200697740"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1200697739">Every piece is unique, hand-dyed and sewed by hand. </span>And I'm still dreaming about that braided headboard. <br />
<span id="goog_1200697739"></span><span id="goog_1200697740"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1200697739">This is their blog: <a href="http://projekt-i.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Projekt-i</a>.</span><br />
<span id="goog_1200697739">This is their <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sliana/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. </span><br />
<span id="goog_1200697739">This is their <a href="http://www.projekti.pl/" target="_blank">website</a>. </span><br />
<span id="goog_1200697739">And their <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/taftyli" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. </span><br />
<br />
Here's where I would see their work showcased:<br />
<br />
1. In this warm, coastal-inspired living room in Spain.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.domainehome.com/img/uploads/current/images/0/173/40/main.original.585x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Warm, coastal-inspired living room in Spain" border="0" src="http://www.domainehome.com/img/uploads/current/images/0/173/40/main.original.585x0.jpg" title="Warm, coastal-inspired living room in Spain" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.manoloyllera.com/MANOLO_YLLERA_web_page.html" style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" target="_blank" title="Manolo Yllera">Manolo Yllera</a><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> via <a href="http://www.domainehome.com/spanish-living-room/" target="_blank">Domaine Home</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. As headboard/backdrop against this grey wall on the Cosy Home blog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cosyhomeblogi.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/makuuhuoneen-muutos-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grey bare wall in the bedroom on CosyHome blog via EuropeanBeautiful" border="0" src="https://cosyhomeblogi.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/makuuhuoneen-muutos-5.jpg" title="Grey bare wall in the bedroom on CosyHome blog via EuropeanBeautiful" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="https://cosyhomeblogi.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/makuuhuoneen-pieni-muutos-a-little-change-of-order/" target="_blank">Cosy Home</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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3. To break down and blend in with the palette in this deep blue and black&white bedroom.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VMv56Vn_mOdNbxKcJt_QvNQ0EkPQ09RwEj_Lr7HuPMiC1YDVyUCu_Rzgf61oF5c298GuXG7b2EZHm2nwcrX16FnmH69bHijP6MiNo9fhOpxwZUVZYs9rY7vl3Hll4Ztu2cWHezCcp0EO/s1600/Blue+Bedroom+on+FantasticFrankviaEuropeanBeautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blue and white bedroom from Fantastic Frank via European Beautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VMv56Vn_mOdNbxKcJt_QvNQ0EkPQ09RwEj_Lr7HuPMiC1YDVyUCu_Rzgf61oF5c298GuXG7b2EZHm2nwcrX16FnmH69bHijP6MiNo9fhOpxwZUVZYs9rY7vl3Hll4Ztu2cWHezCcp0EO/s1600/Blue+Bedroom+on+FantasticFrankviaEuropeanBeautiful.jpg" title="Blue and white bedroom from Fantastic Frank via European Beautiful" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.fantasticfrank.se/visa-bilder-hemnet.php?objekt=OBJ17365_1372522750" target="_blank">Fantastic Frank</a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-76569576746551689602015-01-24T17:20:00.001-05:002015-01-24T17:20:47.247-05:00It's a new year. It's a new dawn. The holidays went by so fast, like happy free days tend to do. I was holding my breath in the beginning of December to make sure I take every occasion to celebrate and enjoy the month. Next thing you know, it was January 3rd. But I did have a great time on a wonderful trip to New York to spend time with my friends. I even managed to enjoy the city for a week, and was lucky enough to have beautiful warm winter weather.<br />
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Top to bottom:<br />
1. Chandelier at New York Public Library<br />
2. Light angel at Rockefeller Center<br />
3. Statue of Liberty on a clear and sunny winter day<br />
4. Textile booth in Bryant Park<br />
5. Carousel in Bryant Park<br />
6. Brooklyn Museum<br />
7. Peeking in a New York office building, <i>Rear Window</i>-style<br />
8. New York skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-75279765361758650292014-12-19T15:59:00.002-05:002014-12-19T15:59:34.550-05:00How to make paper snowflakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Early in our relationship, my partner and I decided to get a Christmas ornament each year. We don't like buying the Christmas
ornaments that you find in stores. It seems to me that all the
collections available are cheaply made in China. The glitter is more in
the box than on the baubles, Santa's eyes are drawn on his forehead and
angels have dubious things hanging from their backs, that definitely
don't look like wings. We like to buy from small businesses or independent vendors at craft shows or online, but we're also learning how to make Christmas ornaments from scratch. </div>
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Making a paper snowflake was a simple and fun project done while we were
watching TV. I remember doing this paper project when I was in
kindergarten, so it really is easy. The most difficult part might be
picking the right book to butcher, if you choose to use book pages
instead of regular paper. I did, so I picked Jerry Seinfeld's <i>Seinlanguage</i>. Jerry wouldn't mind, and all the jokes are in his shows anyway, so I felt the sacrifice was minimal. </div>
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<b>What you need:</b></div>
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3 book pages for every snowflake</div>
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sewing thread</div>
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a needle</div>
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scotch tape</div>
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scissors </div>
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patience</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu-ppxxo20FxFfPW2_ITy7w-8VIGIkhhOpP7dfyKlXdUXw9LdCKp7T09DX1Q0bUszKUhUDo2CmdZBl5AFQuttQ2NXVLdj9ZNT7gAP2BTQvpdJ-XZr3gI0YyU4CJsPE0qQ8GC_GXR07CRs/s1600/HowToMakePaperSnow+Flakes+EuropeanBeautiful.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a paper snowflake :: EuropeanBeautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu-ppxxo20FxFfPW2_ITy7w-8VIGIkhhOpP7dfyKlXdUXw9LdCKp7T09DX1Q0bUszKUhUDo2CmdZBl5AFQuttQ2NXVLdj9ZNT7gAP2BTQvpdJ-XZr3gI0YyU4CJsPE0qQ8GC_GXR07CRs/s1600/HowToMakePaperSnow+Flakes+EuropeanBeautiful.jpeg" title="How to make a paper snowflake :: EuropeanBeautiful" /> </a></div>
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<b>1.</b> Take a page out of a book.<b> </b></div>
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<b>2.</b> Fold it accordion-style.<b> </b></div>
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<b>3.</b> Cut the ends into little hearts or stars (optional, but it looks nice).<b> </b></div>
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<b>4. </b>Fold it in half. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDFAB5KdjFTrthq9MlXP4p6wliT_TU6mBL_erLz1y-qCJUVddP1IMYYrMUhMhI1gA8Je9ApG6QXQufU8C_9lRgFdLwxoCRxmglqrkvJ7up2lh0bcC4en3YCmRHvXe3buGKK-td7W9tGVj/s1600/how+to+make+paper+snowflakes+EuropeanBeautiul..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a paper snowflake :: EuropeanBeautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDFAB5KdjFTrthq9MlXP4p6wliT_TU6mBL_erLz1y-qCJUVddP1IMYYrMUhMhI1gA8Je9ApG6QXQufU8C_9lRgFdLwxoCRxmglqrkvJ7up2lh0bcC4en3YCmRHvXe3buGKK-td7W9tGVj/s1600/how+to+make+paper+snowflakes+EuropeanBeautiul..jpg" title="How to make a paper snowflake :: EuropeanBeautiful" /></a></div>
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<b>5</b>. Make two more, following steps 1-4.<b> </b></div>
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<b>6.</b> Tie three folded pages in the middle with regular sewing thread or a thin ribbon.<b> </b></div>
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<b>7.</b> If the snowflake doesn't stay "open" (this depends on the
paper), use scotch tape to attach the separate pieces of paper at the
ends. You can also use double-sided tape. <b> </b></div>
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<b>8.</b> We used a needle and thread to attach the snowflakes together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_CMbml8i8n4mJNYhxwMV2TTLbmdZ11-QHYZ03ujucZJig6pqi7pyBhY49dc-Nw_JAvB_jET4cj9qH_djJwEbi0bwTHGjyZXsTCwH6vIpNtwMtXWQFDy9eaQfl7KOTPd30gav38DVMbAQ/s1600/how+to+make+paper+snowflakes_EuropeanBeautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to make a paper snowflake :: EuropeanBeautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_CMbml8i8n4mJNYhxwMV2TTLbmdZ11-QHYZ03ujucZJig6pqi7pyBhY49dc-Nw_JAvB_jET4cj9qH_djJwEbi0bwTHGjyZXsTCwH6vIpNtwMtXWQFDy9eaQfl7KOTPd30gav38DVMbAQ/s1600/how+to+make+paper+snowflakes_EuropeanBeautiful.jpg" title="How to make a paper snowflake :: EuropeanBeautiful" /></a></div>
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If you're making just one snowflake, you can leave the thread long and use it to hang the snowflake on
the Christmas tree. We made three flakes and put them up on a wall. As you can
tell, it was really dark when we finished. Which means it was probably
4:30 pm in Pennsylvania.
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<span id="goog_385691993"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-86630730414939859462014-12-16T18:51:00.000-05:002014-12-16T18:51:43.844-05:00This the season to buy from a small businessAnna from <a href="http://www.doorsixteen.com/2014/11/28/this-holiday-season-stay-independent-4/" target="_blank">Door Sixteen</a> is crowdsourcing a list of independent crafters, artists and designers that offer an excellent alternative to shopping in big box stores for your holiday gift. Supporting a small business means supporting a talented artist make a living. I strongly believe that making a living through your art and work should be a viable alternative in this day and age.<br />
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So I combed through the links of talented designers and makers, and picked a few gift options that are made in Europe:<br />
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1. Inge of <a href="http://windwardmade.com/shop/" target="_blank">Windward Made</a> offers sustainable fashion accessories and home goods made of fine hemp fabrics. A couple of her creations that I really like: <br />
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Hemp and organic cotton tea pot cozy and tea towel. Hand-printed, non-toxic ink and organic fabrics. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiq-jHWXOsBtgDOPqI49C9BdfqBnDGQl44mcBU9Tc_INxyTOnSYubiu9z1cB5w43K8d-xwSD2rYSmOk2hPCsg2T01n9AxAfR_xvdZkAPr7Jya1snjUP5z2UcaPHJC50e_uUD-sFzYzlas/s1600/Hemp+organic+tea+cozy+by+Windward+Made.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hemp and organic cotton tea pot cozy by Windward Made on EuropeanBeautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiq-jHWXOsBtgDOPqI49C9BdfqBnDGQl44mcBU9Tc_INxyTOnSYubiu9z1cB5w43K8d-xwSD2rYSmOk2hPCsg2T01n9AxAfR_xvdZkAPr7Jya1snjUP5z2UcaPHJC50e_uUD-sFzYzlas/s1600/Hemp+organic+tea+cozy+by+Windward+Made.jpg" title="Hemp and organic cotton tea pot cozy by Windward Made on EuropeanBeautiful" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs4EYGf4q1_36-WsVGGfeWu5V99mqqwfbT6sTvPUgXQ4w20Vs4Xct6sq1sI4IyjedNOrPBAEp1lOAM8GAzQLPRjsSa2yNbpAmlFemMMd_EcRqgblyQQE_0Tx75JZCv2tflDap6Mp8GNX5/s1600/hemp_organic_cotton_tea_towel_simple_trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hemp and organic cotton tea pot cozy by Windward Made on EuropeanBeautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs4EYGf4q1_36-WsVGGfeWu5V99mqqwfbT6sTvPUgXQ4w20Vs4Xct6sq1sI4IyjedNOrPBAEp1lOAM8GAzQLPRjsSa2yNbpAmlFemMMd_EcRqgblyQQE_0Tx75JZCv2tflDap6Mp8GNX5/s1600/hemp_organic_cotton_tea_towel_simple_trees.jpg" title="Hemp and organic cotton tea pot cozy by Windward Made on EuropeanBeautiful" /></a></div>
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2.<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EllaMoe" target="_blank"> Ella Moe</a> makes mesmerizing kaleidoscopic cards that you can buy in a set of 4.</div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/043/0/6994388/il_570xN.587405637_r5fo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kaleidoscopic cards by Ella Moe on European Beautiful" border="0" height="479" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/043/0/6994388/il_570xN.587405637_r5fo.jpg" title="kaleidoscopic cards by Ella Moe on European Beautiful" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Boxwood pendants stamped with handmade stamps are a really unique gift made by Judith of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KirikuArtesania" target="_blank">Kiriku Artesania</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/033/0/8630600/il_570xN.652448937_d4ir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boxwood pendants by Kiriku on European Beautiful" border="0" height="425" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/033/0/8630600/il_570xN.652448937_d4ir.jpg" title="Boxwood pendants by Kiriku on European Beautiful" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Yvonne of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Mouseblossom" target="_blank">Mouseblossom</a> is drawing botanical prints on ceramic brooches. You'll know that these mushrooms are in good company, if you look at the other nature-inspired illustrations in Yvonne's shop. </div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/034/0/6728077/il_570xN.633479619_gbfd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Botanical prints by Mouseblossom on EuropeanBeautiful" border="0" height="640" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/034/0/6728077/il_570xN.633479619_gbfd.jpg" title="Botanical prints by Mouseblossom on EuropeanBeautiful" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-2536957521024772872014-12-06T18:57:00.000-05:002014-12-06T18:57:48.690-05:00Simple Christmas TreesI always loved putting up a Christmas Tree. The glitz, the anticipation, taking the ornaments out of the boxes, reminiscing about each and every one of them.<br />
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But there are times when a tree may prove too big or too complicated an idea. I remember that before I moved countries, I wanted to keep the Christmas tree decorations as hassle-free as possible. So if you're getting ready to move, or your apartment is too small for a Christmas tree, or you're traveling for the holidays and can't justify decorating an empty house ... these 4 ideas are for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThyphenhyphenvKzuVyFtif947ZJdbH0bRILmI_wdk_Y7s1n6j_FujrGcfswaH9mPmYxDL4NkjDtVMwU8HlhuZ8JM0kJ95AL7rwutr4nZdCsALtxR1fEqe7X5jkHJR1Okv1eOxxR5Q-l02JX0gj4Kb4/s1600/Simple+Christmas+Trees_European+Beautiful+Blog.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Small simple Christmas Tree decorations - europeanbeautiful.blogspot.com " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThyphenhyphenvKzuVyFtif947ZJdbH0bRILmI_wdk_Y7s1n6j_FujrGcfswaH9mPmYxDL4NkjDtVMwU8HlhuZ8JM0kJ95AL7rwutr4nZdCsALtxR1fEqe7X5jkHJR1Okv1eOxxR5Q-l02JX0gj4Kb4/s1600/Simple+Christmas+Trees_European+Beautiful+Blog.jpeg" title="Small simple Christmas Tree decorations - europeanbeautiful.blogspot.com " /></a></div>
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From top, clockwise, we have inspiration from :<br />
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1. Live tree in a pot with polka dot hearts and stripped hearts found on <a href="http://trendenser.se/2012/november/gratt-och-grannt-for-ikea-livet-hemma.html" target="_blank">Trendenser</a>.<br />
2. Wooden tree with white stars made by Ann Elin from <a href="http://idylloghim.blogspot.nl/2014/11/my-diy-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Idyll and him</a>.<br />
3. Advent calendar in the shape of a tree from <a href="http://homebylinn.blogspot.fr/2013/12/a-d-v-e-n-t-s-k-l-e-n-d-e-r.html" target="_blank">Home by Linn</a>. <br />
4. Twig Christmas tree with black stars and lanterns from <a href="http://lekkerfrisss.blogspot.nl/p/jotte.html" target="_blank">Lekker Fris</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-6674935790179843902014-12-02T17:23:00.004-05:002020-10-13T08:14:07.024-04:00Christmas ornaments from Finland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/051/0/5431877/il_570xN.677595965_1j37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clay Christmas house collectible" border="0" height="640" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/051/0/5431877/il_570xN.677595965_1j37.jpg" title="Clay Christmas house collectible" width="608" /> </a></div>
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This adorable house with a Christmas tree next to it is made out of stoneware clay and high fire glazes by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/elukka" target="_blank">Elukka</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/035/0/6238975/il_570xN.655744901_kfax.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Finnish gingham stocking" border="0" height="512" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/035/0/6238975/il_570xN.655744901_kfax.jpg" title="Finnish gingham stocking" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kimaraCRAFTS" target="_blank">Kimara Crafts</a> sells a few variations of this Finnish Christmas stocking upcycled from vintage curtain, medium weight white cotton fabric with red gingham pattern. </div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/026/0/5654108/il_570xN.524185106_q8ew.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Ornaments from Finland" border="0" height="426" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/026/0/5654108/il_570xN.524185106_q8ew.jpg" title="Christmas Ornaments from Finland" width="640" /></a></div>
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These cross-shaped felt bowl by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/aikafeltworks" target="_blank">Aika Felt Works</a> are made using an innovative technique for bending felt into shape while maintaining consistent thickness. </div>
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/037/2/5710825/il_570xN.525728377_jg40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Green heart garland" border="0" height="478" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/037/2/5710825/il_570xN.525728377_jg40.jpg" title="Green heart garland" width="640" /></a></div>
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A soft cotton heart garland would make the tree look even more festive and lovely. Sold by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/poppyshome" target="_blank">Poppy's Home. </a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2231707482703474160.post-60355755145153465552014-12-02T15:14:00.000-05:002014-12-02T15:14:47.070-05:005 European Christmas Markets to visit this winterChristmas markets are one of my favorite places to be in December. I love going to markets because there's no knowing what you're going to find, but you can be sure there will be a feast for the senses. Christmas markets embody all that is right about shopping (beautiful craftmanship and artistry) without the consumerism of malls and chain stores. It really gives a warm and fuzzy feeling to know that you can buy homemade gingerbread, mulled wine and wood carved figurines and, at the same time, help a small business sustain itself. <br />
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The first Christmas markets originated in Germany, and dates back to the 1300s. So it's only appropriate that we start our list with a German Christmas market. <br />
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<b>1. Munich, Germany</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEiSG6pnQQvVuZN8iMa9wYZCE2_tDI9mkwcSBl5u9J-K10tokUNgZMWHs-kKdpX8IOJZXRhLAUZrCvcO5aJeJTnREmj2WCLBI7ez9wLOZsiDcVkVscbej75sJUHF0bFDZ0sg-hVQcrw-j/s1600/European+Christmas+markets_Munich,+Germany.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="European Christmas Markets" border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEiSG6pnQQvVuZN8iMa9wYZCE2_tDI9mkwcSBl5u9J-K10tokUNgZMWHs-kKdpX8IOJZXRhLAUZrCvcO5aJeJTnREmj2WCLBI7ez9wLOZsiDcVkVscbej75sJUHF0bFDZ0sg-hVQcrw-j/s1600/European+Christmas+markets_Munich,+Germany.jpg" title="European Christmas Markets" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://europeanbeautiful.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Source:</a> EuropeanBeautiful</td></tr>
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<br />The market at Marienplatz, facing the city's charming Gothic City Hall, is the place that becomes a winter wonderland in the heart of Munich. The origins of this market are though to date back to the 14th century, thus making it one of the oldest in Europe. Enjoy festive live music, cooking workshops for kids and a Christmas Post Office (which will send a letter anywhere in the world) between November 27th and December 24th, 2014. <br />
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The official website for the Munich Christkindlmarkt is <a href="http://www.muenchen.de/rathaus/home_en/Tourist-Office/Events/Christmas">here</a>. <br />
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<b>2. Prague, Czech Republic</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuQoaLJxP0QMGGUiEvoECuBY4tzCVmS0C8hH98ZlT34Y4a7rr9XBLzsQSUqa_eMDGUKcNXE2EDhljcZRwxxsGfjYnv_Dc4fNn3TLNf0AlRA9N4RS9ETvesRpqrQ1UZxzfMATl03Wue-4/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="European Christmas Markets" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuQoaLJxP0QMGGUiEvoECuBY4tzCVmS0C8hH98ZlT34Y4a7rr9XBLzsQSUqa_eMDGUKcNXE2EDhljcZRwxxsGfjYnv_Dc4fNn3TLNf0AlRA9N4RS9ETvesRpqrQ1UZxzfMATl03Wue-4/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" height="426" title="European Christmas Markets" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fromtheretoheretheblog.com/2012/12/the-prague-christmas-markets.html" target="_blank">Source:</a> From There to There</td></tr>
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The Prague Winter Markets are open daily at Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, Republic Sqaure and Havel's Market starting with November 29th until January 6th. You can buy the famous Czech glassware and jewellery, visit a mini petting zoo and have mulled wine in the center history-steeped Prague.<br />
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Find more information on <a href="http://http//www.pragueexperience.com/events/christmas_markets.asp" target="_blank">PragueExperience</a>. <br />
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<b>3. Innsbruck, Austria </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tyrol.tl/images/cms/754x435/A_2009_653_ChristkindlmarktInnsbruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="European Christmas Markets" border="0" src="http://www.tyrol.tl/images/cms/754x435/A_2009_653_ChristkindlmarktInnsbruck.jpg" height="368" title="European Christmas Markets" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tyrol.tl/en/highlights/christmas-markets/innsbruck-christmas-market.html" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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There really is no better way to shop for Christmas than at a market in the Alps. Innsbruck is the host of six Christmas markets this year, for the romantic, the artsy and the gourmand. <br />
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Find out the hours of operation and the locations on the official Innsbruck tourism <a href="http://www.innsbruck.info/en/experience/events/detail/article/christkindlmaerkte.html" target="_blank">website</a>. <br />
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<b>4. Kerststadvalkenburg, The Netherlands</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kerststadvalkenburg.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/11308509874_28119b1f40_o-1000x562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="European Christmas Markets - Kerststadvalkenburg, Netherlands" border="0" src="http://www.kerststadvalkenburg.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/11308509874_28119b1f40_o-1000x562.jpg" height="359" title="European Christmas Markets - Kerststadvalkenburg, Netherlands" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kerststadvalkenburg.nl/galleries/kerststad-valkenburg-impressie/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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This is a truly unique Christmas market due to the fact that some of the stalls and displays are located in caverns and caves. Until January 4th, you can visit the largest and oldest underground Christmas market in Europe. <br />
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More information, as well as brochures and pictures can be found <a href="http://www.kerststadvalkenburg.nl/" target="_blank">here.</a> <br />
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5. Lille, France<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ISfeALq6-NL8LbzkY7DBUscr7S1RhGbgWELwTXbzIweGWryJZxl1NWuT4KmBLR0mqoe8aL08udIWmubottcMngYZ7jOuPDt9oGLOc_SWoMYHrdhvbPUczkq4lG3pmH3MeYIl9HC9-HqA/s1600/Christmas+Markets+in+Europe+-+Lille,+France.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Christmas Markets in Europe - Lille, France" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ISfeALq6-NL8LbzkY7DBUscr7S1RhGbgWELwTXbzIweGWryJZxl1NWuT4KmBLR0mqoe8aL08udIWmubottcMngYZ7jOuPDt9oGLOc_SWoMYHrdhvbPUczkq4lG3pmH3MeYIl9HC9-HqA/s1600/Christmas+Markets+in+Europe+-+Lille,+France.jpg" height="426" title="Christmas Markets in Europe - Lille, France" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.lilletourism.com/lille-christmas-market-short-break.html#thaut" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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About 80 stalls are displaying Christmas goodies at the markets in Lille in Place Rihour. This small but festive market is surrounded by cafes, bars and patisseries.<br />
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Find out more information <a href="http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/discover/events-and-festivals/christmas-markets-in-france/lille-christmas-market" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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What is Mod Podge? Where can I get
Washi tape? What is a Sharpie? Where is the nearest West Elm? Why is
everybody into chevron?</div>
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These were but a few questions I had
when I started reading about design and DIY. That feels as if it was
a million blogs ago.
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You see, in my European corner of the
universe, a Sharpie was called a permanent marker and Anthropologie
was just a field of study. Probably 90% of the blogs I was reading
originated in the United States. Their writers were sharing tips
about Dollar Store crafts, giveaways open to U.S. Residents only and
an obsession with Target that I could neither understand nor relate
to.</div>
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It seemed that my blog reads were all
coming from a magical kingdom at the intersection of New York and San
Francisco, with a few streets of Toronto and Chicago thrown in for
good measure. The writers in this kingdom were all amazingly talented
people, but I wanted something closer to my own heart. Sure, there
was some Paris and London in there, but that was about it.
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I frantically combed through blogrolls
and link parties. I stalked link ups like it was my job. I opened 20
tabs and crashed Mozilla like there was no tomorrow. Alas, it was all
in vain.</div>
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So I set out to create something that I
couldn't find myself. My objective is to discover and showcase
European bloggers, crafters and artists.
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I want to answer a few questions. What
are European crafters creating? What is their creative process? Where
do they find inspiration? What preceded their art?
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Stick around, let's explore and find
out together.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com