FLETTEHJERTER (Woven Heart Baskets)
Norwegians don't put as many decorations on their Christmas trees as Americans, and most Norwegian decorations are hand made. Woven heart baskets decorations are typically made from good quality paper in two contrasting colors (often one of the colors is bright red). A good quality gift wrapping paper is a great material to use. Hang the little baskets on the tree either empty or with a few small treats in them. Virtually every school-age child in Norway learns to make these woven hearts. Other names used in Norway for these baskets include: hjertekurv and julekurven.
However, Norwegians aren't the only Scandinavians making such baskets. They are popular traditions in Denmark and Sweden as well. The Danes call them Jule-hjertet (also flethjerte, flettede hjerte or flettede julehjerte) which translates roughly as the Christmas Heart. Some Danes say it a symbol of the heart of Christmas (love and respect) and was invented by Hans Christian Andersen in 1867 (or 1860). During Christmas, the hearts were filled with treats (nuts, candy or dried fruit) and these were the only gifts the children received many years ago after their Christmas ring dance with singing around the tree. The Danes are master paper cutters and have devised several special patterns for these heart baskets. The Swedes refer to them as julgranshjãrtan, julprydnaderna, julgranshjãrtan, or julhjarta.
Today, with all the design variation, these can be also be used for Valentine's day, gift-tags, invitations, thanks-you cards, etc. It's fun to try all the various types of shapes that are available. If you are unable to make them, they even sell Scandinavian woven hearts pre-done at Ugly Duckli. However, it's much more fun to weave them yourself. The trick is to begin with a basic 3-tab heart and work your way to more complicated ones. Beginning with one of the following sites is most rewarding, and additional sites are listed in the left hand column.
FOLKSY SWEDISH CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Sample Card by Anni
A great idea that could be used for making Christmas Cards, wrapping paper or bands, gift cards, gift bags, etc. with any of the Scandinavian influenced themes is found on Anni Arts web site. The Swedish crafts she has designed take on old painting styles and themes. These are then stylize and make some wonderful and practical crafts. She has free downloads of all her designs on the web site. However, you can also order a kit with these themes on high quality paper at the site. We hope this gives you some ideas on how to incorporate Nordic designs for making useful items.
SWEDISH PAPER CHAINS
3 versions of Swedish paper chain
Reminiscent of grade-school Christmas tree paper chains, these Swedish chains are a bit more complicated and very decorative for your Christmas tree. They also are beautiful when completed! To make this craft, you will need the pattern, the directions, and the following materials:
- roll of paper-backed foil paper in gold or silver color
- cardstock for pattern transfer
- yardstick or ruler
- Scissors
- printed pattern
- paper cutter (optional)
PAPER CUTTING
Example of Danish paper cut with coloring added
Although, paper cutting is of ancient origin and widespread throughout the world, it is often associated with Denmark. There paper cutting was raised to an art form since Hans Christian Andersen's time. Hans' designs were so intricate that viewing them inspires one to try this time-honored craft. If you ever get to his home in Odensk, Denmark, there is a display of his works.
During the twentieth century, the art of paper cutting was taken to a new level when another Dane, Christian Flensted (a mobile-maker), helped take paper cutting mobile. Paper cut-outs and mobiles abound around Christmas time and many pieces are available online.
In order to do this craft, you need few things — paper (acid-free card stock best in white or black), small and sharp scissors or X-Acto knife, and a design (either homemade or purchased). Use of a cutting mat is recommended when using the X-Acto knife. If you wish to decorate your cut-outs, paints, colored pencils, or crayons are also required.
Many paper cutting books exist and usually are found in libraries and online. Websites offer ideas on designs. Additional books or sites to investigate include:
PAPER DOLLS
Paper Dolls used to be a big hit amongst little girls. Here are some old paper bunad dolls showing off various bunads in Norway. Use good heavy paper in order to print the attached three files: page 1; page 2; and page 3 [suggestion is to print on 8.5 x 14" heavy duty paper (such as cardstock) as one of the three pages requires that size]. If you prefer a better quality print, standard size paper that will take some time to open the file due to it's size click here! You can use the template and create a bunad from your area to enjoy with your children or grandchildren. Enjoy memory lane!
