Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Christmas Gifts from Sweden – Our Top Picks
Reinvented classic toys, made in Finland Lillagunga started from something broken. Founder Anton Stenfors wanted a swing for his two sons and bought them a standard plastic swing, as that was the only type he could find. Unfortunately, in no time, it broke. By Sofia Scratton | Photos: Lillagunga
Stenfors returned to the shops to look for a practical wooden swing with longer durability, but the wooden swings he knew from his own childhood were just not available anymore. He went home empty-handed and decided to build his own swing, using a piece of wood and the rope that was left from the broken plastic swing. That is how the idea of Lillagunga (meaning ‘little swing’) was born. Lillagunga launched in 2013 with their classic wooden swing and a vision of bringing reinvented wooden activity toys to the market. The Classic swing is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and has a patented mechanism for adjusting the height of the seat. Since its launch, Lillagunga has developed a collection of high-quality, beautifully
designed products for all the family, which has since been shipped to happy customers all over the world: swings for adults, children and toddlers, as well as gymnastic rings and a rocking horse. All the products are made in Finland and made to last. “Our products will be used by our customers’ children and maybe even their
grandchildren,” says Stenfors, explaining that the company’s mission is to encourage children to be more physically active, something he believes is increasingly important at a time when children are spending so much time on gadgets. Lillagunga’s wooden swing and other toys can be purchased from the web shop as well as listed retailers. Web: www.lillagunga.com Facebook: Lillagunga Instagam: @lillagunga
Classic and colourful with a twist Seven years ago, Mikaela Willers moved her shop from the Swedish capital to a historical estate next to the lake Siljan. With a larger creative as well as physical space, Mikaela Willers Ceramics developed into a well-visited experience revolving around the art and craftmanship of ceramics. By Hanna Stjernström | Photos: Mikaela Willers
“It is all about the ceramics and putting it into a beautiful environment,” Mikaela Willers says, when asked about what the move to Vikarbyn in Dalarna meant for her company with the same name. Today, Blombergsgården in Vikarbyn is the home of Mikaela Willers Ceramics, and this is also where the primary workshop is located. “I have received a great deal of support here,” Willers says. “Here, I got the opportunity to grow.” Inspired by a historical environment, nature and architecture, Willers continues to create new products that embody the brand’s characteristics. “I focus on classical products with a modern twist,” she says, and adds: “The products are made in a variety of 74 | Issue 118 | November 2018
colours that all harmonise with each other and are inspired by our present time.” With a workshop and shop, Blombergsgården remains the heart of the company. In the near future, Willers and her husband plan to develop the business. With ceramics
as a foundation, the plan is to also open a crêperie and an art gallery that make use of the inspiring surroundings. But despite the exciting expansion ahead, Willers is keen to make sure that she has time to create when inspiration strikes. “I want to make products that are functional but also bring joy to people when they use them.” Web: www.mikaelawillers.se Facebook: mikaelawillersceramics Instagram: @mikaelawillers.se