Folk art inspired

The article about traditions in "Świat Kobiety" magazine.

It all started with my mom sending to me a magazine.
I read about the store that sells Polish folk art and folk art inspired items, and since then I am hooked!
I LOVE decorative items inspired by Polish folk art. I just want them all :)
Few years ago, I wouldn't even care about folk art.
It seemed old fashioned to me, especially when there was a trend for modern, convenient and simple things
(I am a youth fascinated with IKEA style - "simple, put it together").
It is pretty amazing how the items inspired by Polish folk art can be easily implemented to any home decor. I love the ideas!
The website introduces us to Łowicz  folk art that is famous for its colorful costumes (velvet dresses, vests, shirts, belts, hats, purses), but also jewelry, paper cut-outs, dolls, embroidered (hand or machine) pillowcases, throws and tablecloths.
There are lots of items inspired by Łowicz  folk art, such as plates, mugs, t-shirts and even cute socks!
My favorite of all time are pillows with roosters (inspired by paper cut-outs), a clock with paper cut-out design and black & white mugs.
Check out all the colors of the rainbow and tell me how not to fall in love with this stuff ?? :O)
The link:
http://www.sklep.folkstar.pl/

Amber - Part 2 (video)

This is a very informative video, that I found on You Tube.

Check it out, if you would like to learn more about amber

and see some great amber jewelry collections.

Amber - Gold of the Baltic Sea

Amber (in Polish: "bursztyn") is a popular souvenir from Poland and makes the best gift ever!

Polish amber is unique and known all over the world. It comes in different colors: orange, brown, green and white. Bursztyn can be found all over the south coast of the Baltic Sea.
Fall and spring storms are the best time for amber collectors who take walks on the beach after the storm, looking for a "gold of the Baltic Sea". One of the popular methods is searching the beach at night by using flashlights. The light helps to spot amber that shines under the water and can be seen from a long distance.

Polish name bursztyn comes from German "bernstein" which means "burning stone". Burning amber produces an intensive aroma, and even Egyptian queen Cleopatra used it as an incense :)

The Baltic amber is a harden resin which originated 40 million years ago. The resin was produced most likely by pine trees which were located in the region where the Baltic Sea is today. This explains why there is lots of amber with insects in it. The resin became hard under cold water temperatures.

Polish legend

Our great grandfathers believed that there was a gold, amber palace on the bottom of the Baltic Sea, that belonged to the beautiful princess Jurata. She felt very lonely in her palace, and one day took a trip to the coast where she met a poor and handsome fisherman. Jurata fell in love with him. When the king of the Baltic Sea found out about it, he got very upset, threw lightning on the fisherman's boat and killed him. Seeing princess Jurata crying, the king threw another lightning on the amber palace and killed her. The amber palace broke into a million pieces. The storms would throw gold amber onto the beach to remind us of the tragic love and the anger of the king.


Natural medicine and amber

Amber has been also used in the natural medicine. It creates "friendly" negative ions and brings balance into our stressful life. Amber liquor is known for being a remedy for almost anything - flu, fever, migraines, stomachaches, heartaches, rheumatic pains, asthma, bronchitis and more... (yes, more!)

My favorite bracelet with amber

Amber jewelry makes a great gift and I am a huge fan of it myself. Besides jewelry, there many other souvenirs made of amber that are sold in the galleries, jewelry shops and gift shops across the country.

Some items might be pricey, but once you fall for amber your love will never end!





Polish pottery / ceramics



Ceramics from Boleslawiec
Author: Antosh
Source: http://www.en.wikipedia.org/

 Here is an idea for great souvenirs from Poland!
Polish pottery!
Polish pottery (in Polish: "polska ceramika") is known all over the world for its characteristic design and durability. The biggest manufacturer of Polish ceramics is located in a south-western Poland, in Bolesławiec city, where the production of ceramics has been known since Middle Ages.


A wine stopper, my favorite :)
Own source

Polish pottery from Bolesławiec (from "Zakłady Ceramiczne Bolesławiec") is handmade and handcrafted. The patterns are painted using sponge stamps and brushes. The most popular patterns are: peacock's eye, flowers, circles and dots. Characteristic colors of Polish pottery are creamy white and patterns in dark blue, green, brown or yellow. All products come in different shapes, sizes and designs.

Polish ceramics is made of white clay which can be found in Bolesławiec region. After decorating process, the pottery is glazed and burnt in a big furnace, in temperature of 1250 degrees "C" (2280 degrees "F"). All kitchenware can be used in microwaves, dishwashers and stoves thanks to its high resistance. It is cadmium and lead free, and can be used for serving food, not only for decoration purpose.

My little spoon, my own souvenir ;o)
Own source

Talking about variety! You can choose from: plates, pots, bowls, containers, vases, pitchers, teapots and teacups, sugar bowls, salt and pepper shakers, figures, wine stoppers, spoons, etc. ... It is countless...
Many people all over the world are collecting Polish pottery, which is known also as Polish stoneware. It is a great gift for people who love collectibles, but also for every day use.


And this cute magnet on my fridge
Own source

The largest collection of Polish pottery can be found in the Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec, Poland.
Here is the link to the museum's web site:
http://www.muzeum.boleslawiec.net/