European Beautiful

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. 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 Seinlanguage . Jerry wouldn't mind, and all...

Anna from Door Sixteen 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.  So I combed through the links of talented designers and makers, and picked a few gift options that are made in Europe: 1. Inge of Windward Made offers sustainable fashion accessories and home goods made of fine hemp fabrics. A couple of her creations that I really like: Hemp and organic cotton tea pot cozy and tea towel. Hand-printed, non-toxic ink and organic fabrics.  2. Ella Moe makes mesmerizing kaleidoscopic cards that you can buy in a set of 4. 3. Boxwood pendants stamped with handmade stamps are a really unique gift made by Judith of  Kiriku Artesania ....

I 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. 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. From top, clockwise, we have inspiration from : 1. Live tree in a pot with polka dot hearts and stripped hearts found on Trendenser . 2. Wooden tree with white stars made by Ann Elin from Idyll and him . 3. Advent calendar in the shape of a tree from Home by Linn . 4. Twig Christmas tree with black stars and lanterns from Lekker Fris .

  This adorable house with a Christmas tree next to it is made out of stoneware clay and high fire glazes by Elukka .   Kimara Crafts sells a few variations of this Finnish Christmas stocking upcycled from vintage curtain, medium weight white cotton fabric with red gingham pattern.  These cross-shaped felt bowl by Aika Felt Works are made using an innovative technique for bending felt into shape while maintaining consistent thickness.     A soft cotton heart garland would make the tree look even more festive and lovely. Sold by Poppy's Home.  

Christmas 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. 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. 1. Munich, Germany Source: EuropeanBeautiful 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 on...