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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

 
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40 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2013 at 7:53 PM

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

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  2. Musings from Kim K.January 4, 2013 at 8:14 PM

    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. KathrynJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:17 PM

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

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  4. PlushpussycatJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    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. Joy@aVintageGreenJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    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. Thistle Cove FarmJanuary 4, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    those are really pretty!

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  7. ~Lavender Dreamer~January 4, 2013 at 8:45 PM

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

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  8. ClaireJanuary 4, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    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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  9. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)January 4, 2013 at 10:32 PM

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

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  10. gillyflowerJanuary 5, 2013 at 4:10 AM

    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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  11. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2013 at 7:13 AM

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

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  12. DianeJanuary 5, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    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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  13. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com January 5, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    So pretty!

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  14. CraveCuteJanuary 5, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    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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  15. PaulaJanuary 5, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    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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  16. Ann@A Sentimental LifeJanuary 5, 2013 at 10:58 AM

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

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  17. polkadotpeticoatJanuary 5, 2013 at 11:20 AM

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

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  18. sharonssunlitmemoriesJanuary 5, 2013 at 11:48 AM

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

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  19. ClaudiaJanuary 5, 2013 at 2:00 PM

    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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  20. Sally Annie MagundyJanuary 5, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    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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  21. DebJanuary 5, 2013 at 2:40 PM

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

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  22. JCDiTarantoJanuary 5, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    Agreeing wholeheartedly with Deb -- love the red!

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  23. Chenille CottageJanuary 5, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    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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  24. 20 North OraJanuary 5, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    I must find me some of these cute little darlings.

    Judy

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  25. diane bJanuary 6, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    You never cease to amaze me with your unique collections.

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  26. LeslieJanuary 6, 2013 at 6:51 AM

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

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  27. SImple and Serene LivingJanuary 6, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    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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  28. janice15January 6, 2013 at 11:57 AM

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

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  29. Glenda/MidSouthJanuary 6, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    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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  30. BalishaJanuary 6, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    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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  31. wendyJanuary 6, 2013 at 8:26 PM

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

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  32. PoppyJanuary 6, 2013 at 9:17 PM

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

    Very nice to meet you,

    Poppy

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  33. SandyJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:48 AM

    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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  34. The CustardsJanuary 7, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    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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  35. Marilyn MillerJanuary 7, 2013 at 2:25 PM

    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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  36. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    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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  37. Clara January 8, 2013 at 8:41 AM

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

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  38. MelanieJanuary 8, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Love those little horses! So pretty.

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  39. baukjeJanuary 9, 2013 at 2:47 AM

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

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  40. UnknownFebruary 7, 2013 at 9:22 PM

    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