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

Clogs Made in Sweden, Handpainted in Vail!

As the gift giving season starts consider this; how many of the gifts that you give are made in China?India?Mexico? What about something made in Sweden? Better yet, something in Vail, Colorado?

Swedish Christmas Stocking

I recently gifted my mother a pair of Tessa Clogs Black High Heels with the snap-strap. The clogs are made in Sweden, and hand painted by Tessa in Vail,Colorado. I am relieved that every holiday I can just send her a new pair of straps and maybe include some Cream leggings or Desigual printed socks. Recently added to the snap strap inventory are hand painted holiday themed straps, and hand painted Black High Heel Clogs.

Left to Right:
Black Christmas in Vail ,Black Vail Mountain ,Black Oil High Heel
Black Oil Lucia ,Black Christmas extrawide

For my sister who has been eyeing my mom’s new clogs, a pair of clogs for herself, some glӧgg, and Lele hand knit and embroidered hand warmers. I wasn't sure what glӧgg was when I first started working at Tessa Clogs last year, and as Christmas was approaching I noticed that it was flying off the shelves. Glӧgg is a mix of spices that you typically add red wine too, or for a non-alcoholic version you can add fruit juice. Glӧgg is great for something to sip on while sitting around the fire reminiscing or getting to know new people.

Glӧgg Concentrate ,Lele Love,Heart Arm Warmers

For my brother I will have to give him an assortment of Swedish chocolates, Ligonberry jam and of course chocolates. You can never go wrong with chocolates and at Tessa Clogs we have plenty of it! Caramelized almonds in milk chocolate, dark chocolate drizzled over whole hazelnuts, caramelized pistachio nuts in dark chocolate, caramel with a touch of sea salt, mint with milk chocolate, Lindt, Marabou, and of course an assortment of Toblerone.

Lastly, I will get myself that beautifully embroidered pillow; it is embroidered with bright threads on velvet fabric in pink, green, purple and dusty blue, and finally the Van Deurs tunic. Tessa Clogs is the only store in the United States that carries the Van Deurs line. Both the dress and the tunic would look great with some leggings and boots (check out Tessa’s Van Deur outfit here).

Van Deurs Tunic ,Beige Velvet Pillow

If you want to avoid the crowd visit our website, or come into the store and any one of the friendly associates here at Tessa Clogs can help you. I know what I am giving this holiday season, do you?


-M