Traditional Dala Horses

We have just received a assortment of new traditional Dalahorses, along with each horse came a letter describing the unique story of how these handcrafted gifts originated. I am more Irish than Swedish, but I found the Dalahorse story interesting and wanted to share with you.

" It was in the small log-cabins deep in the forests during the long winter nights in front of a log fire that the forerunner of the Dalahorse was born. Using simple tools , generally only a knife, toys were carved for the children. The fact that many were made was only natural, because the horses to them were invaluable. A trusty friend and worker who could pull great loads of timber from the forests during the winter months and in the summer could b just as much use on the farm.

In the older days the Dalahorse was mostly a toy for children, but nowadays it is a symbol for the kingdom of Sweden.. "  - Grannas A. Olsson

Photo Credit: Grannas.com

  It is a unique tradition and you can see the technique and careful attention given by each crafter to produce the Dalahorse. Tessa Clogs is proud to work with Grannas A. Olsson, the oldest company making Dalacarlain Horses.


Left to Right: Stuffed DalaHorse, Dala carving set

If you are interested in introducing this tradition to your younger ones, start by telling them the story and presenting them with a stuffed dalahorse, they will look forward to getting their own wooden one when they get older. For the more adventurous ones, a carving set, that allows them to create their very own dalahorse, under parental supervision. The Dalahorses come in a variety of sizes and colors, as well as limited edition Dalahorses that go fast. Check out our website or call us at (970)476-8083 to reserve these limited gifts.


-M

How do you wear your Clogs?

People often assume that Tessa Clogs can only be worn in the summer. Not only do I see local residents of Vail wearing them all year long, I often look online and see an abundance of people enjoying their clogs in the colder months as well. It is there on the pages upon pages of pictures that I look for my inspiration. It is right about this time, that I get annoyed with winter for limiting my wardrobe to pants, boots, and a coat. With the weather getting warmer, sometimes reaching up to the 60°, I want to celebrate. Although I do enjoy winter, I just love the summers here in Vail!

Some inspiring photos, Clockwise from top left: Man with cuffed pants and Brown Oil clogs,
Becky Black oil boots, Man in jeans and clogs, Brown Mtn Ski, Clogs with socks,
Wardrobe inspiration with Ultimate High, Black clogs with socks, Stapled clogs

 After grabbing my lighter clothes out of storage, I decided that today (with bluebird skies and a projected high of 40°) I would throw on some tights, a jacket  my cream slip dress and my pair of ultimate high stapled clogs. After coordinating it all with a pair of painted flower snap straps and my black Dala Horse necklace, I realized that it was I who had been limiting my wardrobe in the cold months.

Local Inspiration, clockwise from left; Tessa Manning in Van Deurs dress and Zoe boots,
Chris Manning in Black Clogs, Me in Ultimate high clogs,
Local in clogs, Svea in Nordic Clogs, Tessa in Ultimate High and HandMeDown jeans

Locals who have experienced the advantages of owning a pair of Tessa Clogs, are also my inspiration. I have sold clogs to many who just want something comfortable to slip on after they get out of their boots, and to take the dog out real fast. Something that they can walk around in all day running errands, wear to dinner as well as work. One of the most popular trends that I see is locals wearing their clogs and cuffing their pants. I am not sure why the pants are cuffed, nor do I think there really has to be a reason, it simply something that I see locals doing. Pairing their cuffed jeans with a puffy jacket and they are ready to go.
If you get stuck on what to pair with your unique clogs, just surf the web. You can find a way to wear them with tights, knee socks, cuffed pants, shorts, skirts.. well you catch my drift. You can continue to check out the blog for inspiration as well, previous posts by Chris Manning can inspire men who like to wear clogs and our website has Tessa Manning in some coordinated outfits with her hand painted clogs.
_______________________________________________________________________  Coming soon! Stay tuned to check out the newest designs and limited edition Dala Horses, visit our website or call (970)476-8083, to reserve these unique gifts.

-M

Tessa Clogs and Natural Life

The founder and CEO of Natural life, Patti Hughes, has a lot in common with Tessa Clogs owner Tessa Manning. They both had a knack for creating things and soon turned that into a business. Patti was influenced by her mother who would hand make gifts to sell to neighbors and friends. Once Patti found her interest in photography, she would print the pictures on magnets and make handmade frames. Soon she was selling her handcrafted items in stores including Tessa Clogs.

From Top left; Natural Life; Hemp Bag, Lounge Pants,
Natural Life assorted items, Jewelry

Natural Life includes clothing, jewelry, accessories for the home, and gifts. "Give.Love.Laugh", the companies tagline is further described by Hughes in an Interview for FolioWeekly; "We make stuff girls love with a free spirit, style and love to inspire girls of all ages."

From top left: Natural Life; Assorted items, Camper Mug,
Apron tote, Wrist let

Natural Life's boho style accessories and clothing appeal to people of all ages. I noted this as I was at the register when an older women came in to purchase a Natural Life wrist let with a flower embroidered on the front. As I was ringing it into the register I mentioned it would make a great gift, was it someones birthday? "No", she replied, " I really enjoyed the flower and always seem to loose things in my purse, I think this one suites me just fine." A few hours earlier a young girl decided on that same wrist let to be her first purse to carry the few dollars she was allowed. Proof that Natural Life really is suitable for all ages!

From top left clockwise: Natural Life; Ski Charms, Assorted necklaces,
Charms.

To inspire creativity, Tessa Clogs now carries Natural Life's stamped Charms. You can select a necklace, bracelet or key chain then add charms to customize it to your personal style. Charms that read, "Born to Ski", "Best Friends," "Soul", Skiing" and many, many more! Stop by the store so you can make your custom souvenir charm jewelry and to check out our other specialty items!


-M