As the nights get longer and the chill creeps in, this blog is dedicated to the enduring appeal of fairy tales, storytelling, and traditions that emerge from the wintertime. 

For many who celebrate, Christmas evokes Germanic traditions; snowy dark forests contrasted by warming fireplaces, candles, nutcrackers, mulled wine, and of course, a brightly decorated Christmas tree! Gathering together and reviving old traditions at Christmas gives us more connection to ancient tales, where animals are used to explore common archetypes and themes in the human experience, and can be found across cultures and centuries- the wolf being a particular favourite!

Often cast as the villain, the Wolf Christmas Tree Decoration invites you to see him as more than a predator. With his larger-than-life eyes and beautiful mottled fur, he captures the sly charm of a fairy-tale character but also the dignity of the real creature, one that deserves admiration and protection (they are under threat as a species). As they have been vilified for so long, I want to try to represent them in a way that brings them into our lives in a positive way. I would like to add that a lone wolf has been tracked through the area where our house is situated in France; this was a major source of excitement for me.

For me, fairytale/storybook animals always bring up childhood nostalgia. I strive to trigger those emotions through my own creations, for us to react to something emotionally, rather than rationally/logically. By being influenced by the vintage designs and styles that I grew up around, I try to evoke some of that childhood innocence to remind you of older designs or toys you might have received as a child on Christmas Day, and give you ceramics for your home that really resonate with you! 

The Toadstool and Red Squirrel collections immediately bring up those feelings for me. They're perfectly reminiscent of this time of year, when we might go out foraging in the woods for mushrooms, where you can see the squirrels up in the trees, gathering acorns for hibernation. Such a setting is enough to make you feel like your own fairytale being. The Toadstools and Red Squirrels are also perfectly retro for those mid-century fanatics! 

For even more story-book sweetness, see our Hedgehog, Badger, Fox, and Hare collections. It's certainly safe enough to bring these characters into your home this winter...

Don't forget that we offer free UK delivery on orders of £60 and over. Now is the perfect time to start a collection of novelty Christmas Baubles for the tree!