The world of John Bauer: Trolls, witches and fairies

A few years ago, I had the chance to visit the John Bauer Museum in Jönköping. I felt like a child again, captivated by his illustrations of an enchanted swedish forest filled with fantastic creatures!  Bauer was born in 1882 in Jönköping and became the favorite fairytale artist in Sweden when he illustrated between 1907 an 1915 "Bland tomtar och troll" (Among elves and trolls), a book published annually at Christmas. Trolls meeting tiny boys and girls, witches, fairies, dragons, princesses and knights... a walk in the forest feels different once you're familiar with Bauer's world!

In 1918, Bauer and his family decided to move to Stockholm to start a new life and try to save a troubled marriage. They decided to travel by boat instead of train after a well-publicized train accident, but the canal boat sank and John Bauer died at only 36 with his wife and their 3 year old son.

His legacy lives on through his beautiful, magical illustrations, and a century later, he still fascinates!

Photo: Wikipedia

Photo: Wikipedia

Photo: Artsy Craftsy

Photo: Artsy Craftsy

Photo: Artsy Craftsy

Photo: Artsy Craftsy

Photo: via Nordic Thoughts

Photo: via Monsterbrains

Photo: via Monsterbrains

Newly restored vicarage near Malmö, Sweden

This fantastic newly restored vicarage near Malmö is on sale. I love it!!! Now, I need to earn a much, much higher income and do lots of positive vizualisation to even think about buying such an amazing house, but at the moment, it just feels nice to look at the pictures while drinking a glass of red wine. Ah, the simple pleasures of life!
When I fantasize about my dream house, there's always a long tree alley leading to the house. A huge backyard and lots of natural light. This house may not be perfect, but it meets those three requirements (even if I know that real estate pictures are often overexposed so the rooms looks brighter...).

Here are some pictures, enjoy!

Images: Erik Olsson via Hopea

Jonna Fransson's "From seed to flower" prints

Jonna Fransson, a Stockholm-based artist / illustrator created these two vintage inspired prints, "From Seed to Flower". These gorgeous prints are a wonderful contemporary re-interpretation of vintage botanical school charts (I adore old teaching charts!), and I'd be seriously tempted to buy both of them if I had any space left on my walls! With the name of the seeds and flowers both in swedish and english, these detailed prints, with their soft colors are not only beautiful, but also informative. Isn't it a great combination?
Get them here!

Photos: Jonna Fransson

Saarinen in Marrakech

Photo: Nordiska Style

Spotted today in the Gueliz neighborhood in Marrakech: a café with Eero Saarinen's Tulip chairs and tables!