Swedish Dala Horse Craft


I'm tapping into our Swedish heritage and
had the kids make these sweet little Dala horses this year for the holidays.

The Dala horse is a popular example of Swedish folk art. 
Traditionally it is a carved, painted horse from the province of Dalarna and used as a toy for children.  These collectible horses have become a popular representation of the country. 
I love the folk art quality and various designs painted on them.
This was one of the crafts at our annual girl's holiday craft party.
The girls had a great time designing their horses. 

I found my pattern {here}
and shrunk it down to ornament size.
Then cut it out of 1" thick pine with my scroll saw.


Just screw some little hooks on their backs for the ornament.


You commonly find these horses painted red.
So we had the option of red or white for the base color.
After it fully dried, we used red or silver Sharpee or a white paint pen for the details.




The girls came up with some fun patterns for the horses. 





I just love how these horses turned out.


Each unique and full of character. 


Beauties! Even some of my older girls wanted to make one.
Bringing  a little bit of Scandinavia to your Christmas tree this year. 


Comments

  1. These are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing the pattern!

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  2. I love the horses. Thanks for sharing this project and the history behind them.

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    1. The history of these folk art horses makes them extra special.Thanks for the comment.

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  3. so super cute and you have real talent as well. The red and while seems to offer a vintage holiday feel
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    1. Thank you Angie! I love the simple red and white scheme too!

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  4. They are so cute! And I love that you made them to hang. I probably would make white silver ones. Such a cute craft. Thank you for showing us.
    Happy weekend, Tobia

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    1. White and silver would be a pretty combination and with a gray bakers twine or pretty silver ribbon for hanging.

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  5. I am loving these. So cute. They would be cute at Christmas Tree ornaments

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    1. Yes! We added hooks on the back and tied bakers twine for hanging on the tree.

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  6. Thanks Namrata. I love to know a little art history behind crafts and art projects too!

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