Special Swedish Christmas

CHRISTMAS time is special and in Sweden they really enjoy the festive season.
“Obviously it is dark and cold so we really enjoy making our homes cosy and special inside,” says Julia Franz.
“We use lots of candles and lights but we also use a lot of tablecloths and runners to help create a festive atmosphere”.
At The Mud Factory you can see a wonderful range of linens from Sweden on display, as well as handmade ceramics that are made by Julia Franz on site.
“Ekelund who make the linen started in 1692 and you can really feel and see the quality that comes from a business that is still owned and run by the Ekelund family,” she said.
“Also at the moment we have little handmade Santas and elves that we bring in especially from Småland; they are very cute.”
Originally from Gothenburg on the west cost of Sweden, Julia studied with Healesville potters Henry and Jennifer Hackenberger for several years and now has her own pottery studio called Formbar located at The Mud Factory in Healesville.
“A lot of my work is influenced by my childhood in Sweden … the ocean, lakes and forest,” she said. “I make mostly functional ware such as bowls, plates and mugs but probably my most popular item is a garlic grater. It’s simple and functional and people are always surprised how well it works with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.”
The Mud Factory at 2/29 Hunter Road, Healesville, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. To contact Julia phone 5962 5343.
The winner of the October Healesville Shop Save and Win $150 voucher from The Mud Factory is Belinda Robins of Lilydale.