Creating Success Around the World - Stylizimo (Norway)

It's late Tuesday night in Europe and you know what that means...it's time for our weekly showcase of crafters and artisans from countries around the world. This is the European leg on this creative global blog hop - and the fun doesn't stop here! Don't miss other stops on the tour in Asia, Australia, and North America. What do we all have in common? We create! Thus the title of this global blog hop...'Creating Success Around the World'.





This week's European creative showcase:
Stylizimo

Who:  Nina at Stylizimo
Where:  Drammen, Norway (just outside of Oslo)

BVC:  When did your passion for interior design and home decor begin?
Nina:  Well, I´m not sure how old I was but I know that I loved to decorate my fiends room when I was a little girl, so I guess it´s a passion that has always been there.

How-to for Nina's DIY sofa

BVC:  Do you have a 'day job'?
Nina:  My day job is administrating my home decoration community Stylizimo.com. It´s getting a makeover at the moment, and the new version is about to get launched. It´s going to be an inspirational website where you can find ideas from real homes.

BVC:  Have you ever sold any of your decor creations on sites like Etsy or Epla?
Nina:  No, I haven´t. I do buy stuff there though.

Guess what? It's Nina's pallet headboard you've seen on Pinterest!

BVC:  Norway seems to have very active craft bloggers. Why do you think that is?
Nina:  I´m not sure, but we do love to spend a lot of our time in our home, and that means that we have more time to do creative things like crafting I guess.

See how to make your own butterfly tree like Nina's

BVC:  What is your 'dream' project?
Nina:  I love my new home office and my DIY chalkboard calendar. I spend a lot of time in my office, therefore it´s nice to have a room that I enjoy spending time in, and where I can be organized as well.

Nina's tutorial for her DIY chalkboard calendar

BVC:  Can you share 3 other Norwegian DIY or crafting blogs that you think our readers should see? 

Nina:

Mrs Hardy

Kronprinsessene

Forever Love

Nina's DIY bird feed

BVC:  Fill in the blank:   If I was in Paris, I would...
Nina:  ...relax and spend a lot of time in cosy restaurants and cafès... I would also eat a lot of Crêpes *smile*.

A genuine thanks to Nina for sharing a bit of her time with us. There is a special design aesthetic in Scandinavia, and Nina is among the best. I'm so in love with her unique style that is always on target - and never over the top.


If you'd like to catch up with past global blog hop interviews for Europe, check out:
Ina Olavarria (Spain)
Made by iSa (France)
Handmade by Kallaristi (Greece)
Annemarie's Haakblog (the Netherlands)


Now it's time for you to hop over to see who's been discovered in North America, Australia, or Asia.







Are you also in Europe and would like to be considered for an interview feature? Leave me a comment at the end of the post, or send an e-mail with your website/blog.

**Don't forget to add your own blog or website to the link party below to connect with new creative soulmates from across the world.

Until next time...
Mike

My Style vs. Scandinavian Style

Creating a home that appeals to my design sensibilities while living smack dab in the middle of Scandinavia clean-line design is challenging...at best. 

How challenging? It takes me five times longer to remodel and decorate my home than it should. One weekend becomes nearly two months. One year becomes five. I just cannot find the decor, nor the supplies needed to create my own decor. While others in blogland are talking about Gorilla Glue, I'm fumbling around with a German version of Elmer's. I keep reading on other blogs about this fabulous new Dual Paint + Primer from Krylon, but alas, my last trip to the paint store didn't even score me a spray primer that would cover glass. They just didn't have it. Chalkboard paint? Huh? And when it comes to familiar supplies for the big remodel projects? Hopeless!

Now keep in mind that I've been living in Sweden nearly 11 years. We just got ziploc-style bags 1 1/2 years ago. Oreos came this past year. M&Ms arrived about two years ago. We still don't have ranch dressing. And my mom continues to send over 'care packages' filled with liquid vanilla, Glad Press 'n Seal, and Arm & Hammer baking soda boxes. I know that living in Europe may sound glamorous to some. But believe me, we have the same daily life obligations...but without the comforts of home! I'm not ungrateful for my new European home...just yearning for some home comforts every now and then.

Ok. Back on track. Design and decor.

This is my design aesthetic. Think of this room restored...and with better walls. But the color palette would definitely remain the same. This is 100% me!

Now, here's what is available in Scandinavia.

Do you see my dilemna?  Ok...maybe I am exagerating...but honestly, just a bit! Just look at this Google Images page when I typed in Scandinavian interior design. Do you see the color scheme? It's WHITE! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking white (for all you white aficionados out there)...but let me remind you of my ideal color palette.

Where does that leave me? Trying to fit a square into a circle! 

Today I 'Sweden-ized' photos that I took for my friend who recently had a baby (if you remember my post about the baby shower, she had a boy!). She's also an American and has been here as long as I have. The difference is that she loves the clean and white lines of Swedish design. And her home reflects her love for all things clean, organized, and pale. So I knew that I needed to Sweden-ize the finished product to fit with her decor. How, you ask, do you Sweden-ize a photo? It goes a little something like this.  

Here's an original version of the kid's collage I put together for them.

Now, here is the Sweden-ized version to fit her Scandinavian interior design.

See the difference? Overexposed with a de-saturated color hue. 

How about another example. Here's my button bouquet in its original form.

Now, here's my Sweden-ized version.

My husband is Swedish. And guess what...he likes the clean, modern design. Sometimes I feel sorry for him as I continue to decorate with rich shades of jewel tones and luscious textiles. Sometimes.

I really do appreciate Scandinavian design. Honest. It suits A LOT of people from around the world. It just doesn't work for me. So, I will impatiently continue my quest to remodel and decorate my home in my own personal and eclectic/repurposed aesthetic...despite the many speed bumps and road blocks along the way.

What's your style? Do you have an image that reflects your aesthetic? I'd love to see it.

Until next time...

Mike

I Heart Thrifting

What a fabulous day I had on Saturday at one of my favorite thrift stores here in Gothenburg, Sweden. If you didn't hear about the "I <3 Thrifting" event this year, it was such a great success that I am sure Mr. Goodwill Hunting is already planning for 2012! And it was fun to know that many other thrifty kindred spirits like The DIY Showoff, In My Own Style, and Nesting Place were also out there in their own respective cities - not to mention Mr. Goodwill Hunting, himself!

And I came home with a stash of fabuloso finds! And I already have inspiration for what to do with my treasures - so make sure to follow all the way down and have a look.

Pottery was what caught my eye on this outing. Particularly in shades of blue.

I absolutely adore the pantina on these little clay shot glasses. I came home with glass light globes, small planter bottoms, misc. pieces, and some candle holders that are going to be fabulous middle supports for some unique tiered cake stands.

Now, this one is presenting me with a real dilemna. I purchased it for about $15 because I wanted that blue frame for a known project. But call me crazy...in only 1 day this fabric painting is really growing on me. It is done by a Swedish artist (at least the sig is a Swedish name), but my Swedish hubby says it isn't traditional Swedish design - more likely something from Eastern Europe. But the colors are fab...and it is such a nice oversized piece (about 4 feet tall). Help! What do you think? Keep this painting? Or use the frame to make my husband's 10-year anniversary present - a painting (by me) inspired by this longitude/latitude idea? 

Most pizza joints here serve a thin crust pizza, meant for one. How fun that we found these nice large round pizza plates from Sagaform. Check out their 'very Swedish' designed products. It inspired us to make pizzas from scratch tonight.

NOW...on to the inspiration! I've got plans for most of what I brought home. These are not finished projects...but just playing around to show you what I'm thinking. I've got garden towers on my mind, inspired by those I've pinned on my 'whimsical garden decor' board at Pinterest. Have a look!

The 'shades of blue' pottery will make 1 tall or 2 short garden towers. Those cute little lamp globes (center) will start stacking on an old broken broomstick and become a tall tower of glass goodies. The little pottery planter bottoms will sit on those cutie pie clay shot glasses on some kind of natural stone...and serve as little bird baths and feeders. 

And last but not least, I think this one will be a pretty simple bird feeder...the glass vase with a little porcelain vase on top...and an extra surprise tucked inside for when the birds come to visit.

Whew! What a great day that was. I've put together a fun little video about my thrifting day and I hope you'll have a look for a little thrifting inspiration. Feel free to shop and tell me if I need to go and pick you up anything!

Until next time...

Michael

A Royal Life

Here in Europe all eyes were on England today as we watched Kate Middleton become a real-life princess when she married Prince William in a beautiful Grace Kelly-esque gown. In Sweden we are a little 'crown crazy' all the time - not just for royal weddings - and we have crowns everywhere!



Check out my guest blog over at Home Sweet Homemade where you'll find royal inspiration' from Scandinavia.

There's lots more to see in my post over at Home Sweet Homemade so make sure and hop over now.

Until next time...
Mike

Swedish Spotlight on 10

Language

(Lang-gwij)

-noun

a body of words and the system for their use common to a people who are of the same community or nation.

Today I want to share with you 10 gorgeous blogs from Sweden that you might miss in your usual rounds simply due to language gaps. Have a look - you might not understand the text, but you will definitely understand thanks to the beautiful pictures and crafts featured.

Språk  [språ:k]   -substantiv
Ord och systemet för deras användning som är gemensamma för ett folk som är av samma samhälle eller land.

Idag vill jag dela med mig av 10 underbara bloggare från Sverige, som du kanske saknar när du surfar helt enkelt på grund av språkliga brister. Ta en titt - du kanske inte pratar svenska, men du kommer definitivt att förstå tack vare de vackra bilderna och hantverket som visas.

1.  Weronica at En Mammas Dag (A mother's day) has a love for decorating, design, fashion, and all things beautiful. She has some beautiful Swedish designs for Easter that you won't want to miss.

Weronica med En Mammas Dag har en kärlek för att dekorera, design, mode, och allt vackert. Hon har gjort några vackra påskarrangemang som du inte vill missa.

2. Kitchenbloom is Lina's blog. She's made her first Rhubarb pie of the season, which makes me long for the day that ours grow large enough in the garden to harvest. My son likes to take the stalks and eat them straight from the garden. Kitchenbloom är Linas blogg. Hon gjorde sitt första rabarberpaj av säsongen, vilket gör att jag längtar efter den dag som vår rabarber växa sig stora nog i trädgården för att skörda. Min son gillar att ta stjälkar och äta dem direkt från trädgården. 3. Clara's blog, UnderbaraClara (wonderful Clara), is quite popular in Sweden. She's also getting ready for Easter with a traditional smorgasbord spread on the table with lots of small dishes. Klaras blogg UnderbaraClara är populär i Sverige. Hon är också redo för påsk med en traditionell smörgåsbord med massor av små rätter.









4. Annika's blog (her own name) features the most adorable 'audio book' that she made with a 2nd hand find.

Annika Bäckströms blogg har den super "ljudbok" som hon gjorde med en 2:a hand fynd.










5. Minna strives to find beauty in everyday life at Blomsterverkstad (Flower workshop). She has recycled and reloved some pedestals that now support the most adorable Easter vignettes. Love the punch of color!

Minna vill finna skönhet i vardagen på Blomsterverkstad. Hon har återvunnit och 'reloved' några piedestaler med en söt påskdesign. Älskar den gröna färg!









6.  Fyra Årstider (Four Seasons) by Lotta has been featured in a national magazine, and she recently showed us their fabulous treehouse painted Falu red to match their house nearby.

Fyra Årstider av Lotta har varit med i en nationell tidning, och hon nyligen visade sina fantastiska Treehouse i Falu röd som matchar deras hus i närheten.









7.  Retro is a huge trend in Sweden right now and Isa's Ljuvligt Hemma (Sweet Home) is testimony to that. Look at the super sweet children's stove that she featured recently...with design wallpaper!

Retro är en stor trend i Sverige just nu och Isa's Ljuvligt Hemma är bevis om detta. Titta på detta super söta lekspis!










8.  I got a kick out of these boxed kid crafts that Jenny with Dos Family (The Family) showed us last month. This is on my 'must try' list!

Titta på dessa 'barn på låda' hantverk som Jenny med Dos Family visade oss förra månaden. Detta är på min "måste göra" lista!









9. Emelie at Emalajo's shows us the yummiest jewelry I've seen! Look at these goodies...they look real enough to eat! And she's made a licorice line just in time for a Licorice Festival here in Sweden.

Emelie på Emalajos visar oss smaskig smycken! Titta på dessa godsaker ... de ser verklig nog att äta! Och hon har gjort en lakrits linje precis i tid för en lakritsfestival här i Sverige.









10.  Madde with Design Madde shows us that a little creativity goes a long way! Look at this super stylish but ultra clean project with a vase, twigs, and some green curling ribbon. Fabulous!

Madde med Design Madde visar oss att en lite kreativitet räcker långt! Titta på den här super snygga men ren-stil projekt med en vas, kvistar, och gröna presentsnöret. Fabulous!









So there you have it. My first ever Swedish Showcase. I'm thinking about making this a regular feature so leave a comment and let me know if this is something you'd be interested in checking out. Weekly? Monthly?

Nu har du sett min första någonsin Swediswh Showcase. Jag funderar på att göra detta till en återkommande inläggså lämna en kommentar och låt mig veta om detta är något du skulle vara intresserad av att kolla in. En gång i veckan? Varje månad?

Until next time...
Tills nästa gång...
Michael

p.s.  If you enjoyed this post, I hope you'll become a follower of my blog and a fan on FB.



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DIY Meets Design

Look at this pre-love to re-love gem I stumbled across on our Swedish version of Ebay today (Blocket). This clever soul covered a retro 60s bureau (or a dresser if you're in the States) with Alexander Girard's "Retrospective" design.  "Retro" on retro? Love it! Don't know if that was intentional but I want to hope that it was.

Titta på den här 'pre-love to re-love'-pärla som jag av en slump upptäckte på vår svenska versionen av Ebay idag (Blocket). Detta geni renoverade en retro 60-talsbyrå  med Alexander Girard's "Retrospektiv" design. "Retro" på Retro? Love it! Vet inte om det var avsiktligt men jag hoppas att det var.

This modernist upcycle uses either wallpaper or gift wrap paper - too bad the sale advert doesn't specify. They kept the original brass handles for a nice touch. Inside drawers look properly painted as well.

Denna modernistiska 'upcycle' använder antingen tapet eller presentpapper  - tyvärr specificeras inte detta i annonsen. De behöll de ursprungliga mässingshandtagen som en trevlig touch.

Last year the Herman Miller blog honored Girard, who was certainly working with typography - particularly hearts and typography - long before the current trends. Particularly notable were his 'International Heart' which included the word 'love' in 16 languages.

Förra året hedrade Herman Miller-bloggen Girard, som arbetade med typografi - särskilt hjärtan och typografi - långt innan de nuvarande trenderna. Särskilt anmärkningsvärd var hans "International Heart" som innehöll ordet "kärlek" på 16 språk.

And his iconic 'Love Heart'.

Och hans ikoniska "Love Heart".

I'm so happy to see DIY and design fuse perfectly together to bring this bureau new life. Want to see more of Girard's design? Check out these cool neoprene shoulder bags at BUILT.

Jag är så glad att se DIY och design perfekt tillsammans för att ge denna byrå nytt liv. Vill du se mer av Girard-design? Kolla på dessa coola axelväskor i neopren från BUILT.

There's also a bunch of Alexander Girard eye candy available at House Industries and  máXimo if you want to see more of his designs in action.

What did I learn today? Design and upcycle DIY are two worlds that can come together despite all odds. This modern day bureau is testiment to that.

Det finns också ett gäng ögongodis från Alexander Girard på House Industries och máXimo om du vill se mer av hans design i aktion.

Vad lärde jag mig idag? Design och upcycle DIY är två världar som kan mötas trots alla odds. Denna moderna byrå är ett bevis på detta.


Until next time...
Tills nästa gång...
Mike

Photos courtesy of:  Blocket.se, HermanMiller.com, and Builtny.com

If you enjoyed this post, I hope you'll become a follower of my blog and a fan on FB.