One day, when we tire of this expat life, I know we will move back home. I am not sure when or where exactly, but in the meantime I like to picture an imaginary house that will finally let us plant some roots. It’s quite a big place (although not overly huge – think of all that cleaning!), but it’s full of light, and lots of things inspired by the countries we have lived in, and the places we have travelled to…
If I should ever be so organised as to start a list of things to go in it, I think it would contain a selection of objects like these from the Etsy Community, based all over the Globe!: –
- After two years spent in Scandinavia, I have a slight obsession with all things Dalahast! This original Swedish specimen can be found in KeepitRetro’s shop jam-packed full of lovely vintage stuff;
- When I first went to Helsinki, I think Marimekko was the first place I found! I love how the Tilissimo have used this Marimekko design on these Eco Friendly Coasters;
- Right at the top of my imaginary house list is a Poul Henningsen Lamp – and this vintage version can be found at Old & Cold’s amazing Copenhagen Etsy Shop;
- This sweet Decorative Paper Heart Garland made out of an unreclaimable Danish Book, is lovingly crafted by MaisyandAlice – so delicate!;
- Something I recently discovered in Japan – Tenugui – intricately patterned fabric that can be used for pretty much anything! Choose from a massive selection in Karaku’s Tokyo shop;
- I have just the desk this amazing Swiss Peppermint Green Hermes typewriter could sit pretty on – Gallavanting Girls has masses of vintage stuff to rummage through by the way!
- Indian Printing Blocks from GilbertsTree. I have always found these both fascinating, and lovely to look at;
- Next up, a couple of things from home – An iconic London Poster Print by Visual Philosophy (already coveted by a six-year-old I know!);
- And this organic Blanket from RWScissors! Yes it might be for a baby, but the pattern just made me include it!
- Imagine another era – with these brilliantly coloured gelato bowls! You can find them at Arquelogica!
- Great for imaginative play (both inside and out), this Australian Wonder Tent in Smokey Black Hearts would win a place in the hearts of two Small People I know, that’s for sure!
- These magnificent creatures will always remind me of South Africa, where we were lucky enough to see them in the wild. I think I might actually love all of Talented Apple’s stuff;
- I would definitely find room for HouseofSeance’s beautiful Norwegian Catherine Holm Lotus Bowls in my new imaginary kitchen (I think I am going through an orange phase)!
- Something from our current host nation – delicate handmade earrings from Madeleine Accessoires, with possibly a pair to go with everything?…
- On to Scotland next with this wonderful hand printed Hare Cushion from Megan Ferguson Smyth.
- Those who have been reading my blog for a while will know that I have a thing for subways and the Underground it seems. Making a bit of a change from the norm are these Amsterdam Metro signs from the aptly named Going Underground;
- I love the design and colours of nearly all of these Messenger Bags from Parisian Ikabags too – plenty of pockets for new house keys!
- Crafting inspiration from the US of A? These Craft Starter Kits from DollyMixDesign would help keep my 8 Year Old occupied during the move!
- I hankered after a very similar rug to this in Denmark, but this one is handmade in Nepal which Top Trumps that quite possibly? Available from FeltNYarn in Kathmandu.
- And of course I had to include a keepsake from Bavaria! With Oktoberfest season not far off, it will soon be time to dig out the dirndl, and accessorise to the hilt. I thought this Charivari from Bohemia1973 was sweet, and very typical of the trachten jewellery so popular at these huge fests!
One of the things I like the best about Etsy, is that behind its flashy website is a whole host of normal (yet incredibly creative!) people like you and I, who want to sell their wares – to the likes of you and I! Being invited by Etsy to become part of their European Affiliate Campaign means that if you choose to buy something through one of my handpicked links, then I might earn a tiny bit of commission! But of course you don’t need to click through these links should you wish to buy something. Although if you do, I am going to put anything I earn towards that peppermint green Swiss typewriter. No really!
Sarah@The View From the Table says
I need no excuse to float around Etsy! That typewriter though.. So beautiful!
bavaria says
Fabulous isn’t it? Someone has since bought it howeve, I hope it’s gone to a good home! :) Thank you!
Rozvanaalen says
Great selection of etsy items, I have a love hate relationship with Etsy, love all the stuff on it but hate that I can’t buy it all!
I do have the wooden horse in white with symbols all over it though
bavaria says
Thank you Roz. I have both red and blue, but I NEED a white one! Hope you are well! :)
susanna says
I obviously need to spend more time on ETSY!
bavaria says
Great isn’t it? :) Thank you!
Pia says
wow. love the collection; the lamp, the typewriter. this post this going to be so useful when you put that house together! xx
bavaria says
And now just to save up for it all! Thanks Pia! :) xx
Grace says
Mmmmm all gorgeous things on your covetable list for your dream house. xx
bavaria says
Thank you Mum xx
Pinkoddy says
Do you know I’ve never used Etsy and there looks to be some amazing stuff on there. Great choices.
bavaria says
Thank you, it’s a virtual treasure trove of stuff I can tell you! :D
Actually Mummy... says
I love that rug – I have visions of it in a white room – the room that will be on the other side of my brand new kitchen, one day *sighs*
bavaria says
Amazing isn’t it… You can get them in plain colours too, but I like this one, and in a white room would be just perfect! :)
The Fairy and The Frog says
Gorgeous, I particularity love the horse
bavaria says
Thank you… Me too! :)
Liz Burton says
What a gorgeous selection! I particularly love all things Scandinavian, but I have to say, that play tent looks awesome!
bavaria says
Thank you, I quite fancy the tent for myself for a kind of reading den in the garden! :D
Sonya Cisco says
ooh I LOVE that typewriter, and the kids tent is beautiful- some gorgeous pieces- lovey post x
bavaria says
Beautiful isn’t it? Thanks Sonya! :) x
Mammasaurus says
PS. I use Etsy for loads of handmade design stuff for blog designs – it’s a great resource!
bavaria says
I hadn’t realised how much incredible stuff you can find on there! Thank you! :)
Mammasaurus says
What an awesome selection! I have an Etsy shop – with nothing in it at the moment, I was thinking of making and selling cards for awhile. LOVE that tent!
bavaria says
You must you super creative thing you! Thanks Annie. I love that tent too, gorgeous isn’t it? :)