Friday, January 4, 2013

Dala Horses

Bright little Dala Horses.



Dalas are whittled from pine and handpainted with a kurbit saddle design 
in Nusnas, Sweden (Dalarna province),  just as they were 200+ years ago.
Today these traditional folk-art ponies are considered a symbol of Sweden.



Here is my little herd.
(The kids have Dala horsies too, but I didn't try to round those up for the photo shoot.) 


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Linking to A Favorite Thing at Mockingbird Hill Cottage

40 comments:

  1. I've seen these but did not know their origin. Very pretty!
    Have a nice weekend.

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  2. I had seen this horse design before too but didn't know the history behind it. How sweet. Happy weekend!

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  3. Lovely Dalas! :) I too am quite the Dala fan.

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  4. What a gorgeous blog you have! I'm so glad you found me, because now I've found you too! I look forward to seeing more! xo Jennifer

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  5. The Dala horses look very lovely in your display. Glad you shared, I didn't know what the horses were called.

    Visiting from Claudia's Mockingbird Hill Cottage.
    Joy

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  6. What beautiful treasures and it's nice to know the history of them. A favorite for sure!

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  7. Thanks for the info Gayle, always wondered what the history was behind these horses. I see they are quite popular in the crafty world at the moment, making an appearance on fabrics etc.
    Have a great weekend.
    .....
    Claire :}

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  8. Very lovely little horses - and I learned something new too - thanks.

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  9. I always admire Dala horses, they look so cheerful and bright - yours a re lovely, thanks for sharing the photos and the info!
    Gill xx

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  10. Love your Dalas! I still have yet to find one. Hope to one day. :) XO Helena

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  11. My young daughter bought an old Dala (real cheap) at a estate sale last spring. She really likes it! We even made a paper Dala horse garland for Xmas (idea from The Vintage Umbrella blog).

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  12. These are beautiful! I do not own any, I think I will have to change that! Thanks for visiting me too!

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  13. I have a pattern to make Dala horses out of felt for Christmas ornaments! I love them! They are so charming!

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  14. Oh I have one that was my Grandmother's! I never knew the history so thanks!

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  15. I adore these little guys.....love your collection!
    Have a good weekend, Heidi

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  16. These are delightful. I'd love a little herd of my own!

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  17. I can see why you love them - I think they are so charming.

    Thanks so much for joining in this week!

    xo
    Claudia

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  18. I adore Dala horses. I inherited my mom's two Dala horses she picked up when she visited Sweden. Her fathers family was from Dalarna so they are very dear.

    Happy weekend to you!

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  19. They are so pretty. Love the pop of red. Deb

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  20. Agreeing wholeheartedly with Deb -- love the red!

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  21. Oh, what pretty Dala horses. I love their bright shiny red coats. I would love to visit Sweden someday. It's been so much fun finding bloggers from this beautiful country.
    Thank you for sharing, my sweet friend!
    Have a lovely day.
    Carolynn xxx

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  22. I must find me some of these cute little darlings.

    Judy

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  23. You never cease to amaze me with your unique collections.

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  24. They are super cute, I have never heard of them.
    Happy New year!!!!

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  25. These are adorable. I have never seen them before. Thank you for visiting my blog. I have become a follower of yours and and i am looking forward to knowing you better.
    Hugs,
    Laura

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  26. vERY SWEET, i LOVE THINGS LIKE THAT..WOOD THATS PAINTED..HAPPY NEW YEARS. HAVE LOVELY DAY..WITH LOVE JANICE

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  27. Those are pretty and so cheerful looking. Thanks for sharing and the story behind them.
    Thanks for the nice comment on the necklaces. Most of what I do in jewelry making, is self taught, with a lot of mistakes along the way. :)

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  28. We used to go to a Swedish Festival in Geneva, Illinois called Swedish Days. It's a little town with Swedish bakery, gift shop, tea room etc. These little horses and their likeness are everywhere.
    Balisha

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  29. I didn't know that's what they were called.
    Your little "herd" is lovely.

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  30. Red (my favourite colour)and white and green horses! Lovely!

    Very nice to meet you,

    Poppy

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  31. Your horses are darling. I learned something new today because I've never seen these horses before. I love the color! Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving a comment. I hope you'll come visit again.

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  32. Just popping in for a cup of tea and to wish you all the very best for 2013
    Lovely photos - I have a few pieces of fabrics with these on too
    Best wishes
    Jenny

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  33. Dala horses always remind me of Solvang in California and Lindsborg in Kansas, two very special Swedish towns in the USA. Thanks for a visiting me today.

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  34. What beautiful pieces! Love the flair of the painting of the saddles! Thank you for sharing more of your treasures with us, Gayle.

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  35. Your horses are so sweet and I love your header.
    ~Clara

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  36. Love those little horses! So pretty.

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  37. I love them I once saw them on fabric. Don't remember where......

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  38. I've never seen these before. I love them. They're unique.

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THANK YOU for your thoughtful comments. Replies to your questions will be posted here, so be sure to check back soon. Have a wonderful day! - Gayle, Garden Of Daisies