Who would associate the weird and wonderful Axolotl with Switzerland?
Well, not I for one - but then I've still got a lot to learn about that wonderfully green country way up in the middle of Europe!
Lucille from AxolotlCompany describes her homeland as fresh and clean - and thinking about all of those wonderful colours, she picks out bright, light blue, warm yellow and the saturated green that reminds her of warm summers at the lake and horseback rides through the forest in spring.
When it comes to Swiss traditions, Lucille's favourite is celebrating the 6th of December - called "Samichlaustag" (Father Christmas day). A family member dresses up as Father Christmas and hands out bags filled with nuts, chocolate, gingerbread and marzipan. Mmmmm - it's got to be good being a kid in Switzerland!
Here is a taste of Swiss summer beauty...
Do you love to shop abroad? Ever have time to hunt out those wonderful treasures in all the small towns as well as the big cities? Do manage to escape all of the chain stores and their mass produced line-ups of endless stuff - only seeking out those special and quaint little shops run by a human who is fabulously talented either with their hands, or at seeking out and restoring those long lost treasures of times past? We've picked out a small Swiss selection for you to sample today...
SHOP SWITZERLAND!
These cool 'green' finds all come from Swiss shops that ship right to your door!
Clockwise from top left:
Christmas Axolotl Print from AxolotlCompany in Olten
Hand-felted Brooch from GabardineCouture in Fribourg
Great-Crested Newt Family Card from AxolotlCompany in Olten
Stunning 3 Story Swiss Villa Cardboard Dollshouse from Mooiio in Rheinfelden
1950s Slim Dress Sewing Pattern from willynillyart in Zürich
Vintage 1950s Children's Counting Book from BeforeMarianne in Bienne
Christmas Tree Art Print makes unique wall decor from PlanetMOMEKO in Zug
Vintage French Stable Light from NaturaMachinata in Zürich
This article is part of the Blog @ Kroshajje 'Country of the Month' featuring Switzerland for December 2014. There are more exciting posts to come - you can stay informed by subscribing to updates here.