SOFFA 06 / FAIRY TALES, English edition

VOLUME | 06

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© Copyright SOFFA magazine | All rights reserved. www.soffamag.com | info@soffamag.com Cover photo: Lina Németh

CONTENT - VOLUME | 06

EDITORIAL ►

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DECOR | MINIATURES Little winter tales

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CHRISTMAS FEASTS Christmas raw balls

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Apple infused bourbon

FASHION Bream with herbs and rosemary Beyond the border of ordinary

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EDITORS’ CHOICE What to want for Christmas

WINTER SOLSTICE Natural creatures and plants

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DIY PROJECTS Wrapping papers and name tags

07 4 DIY bloggers to follow

TRENDS Eclectic mix

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TRAVEL Villach before Christmas

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HOME TOURS Smile makes better living

Respecting the tradition

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CREATIVE PEOPLE How to teach children to paint

STORYBOOKS Stories not only for children

Snow white

LIVING BY SOFFA Room for a princess

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AL L I WANT FO R C H R I S TM A S I S . . . text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Jana Bušková

The most beautiful festive season is here. We hope you will enjoy it and spend it accompanied by a fairytale issue of our SOFFA magazine. We love Christmas but we also believe that it is time we used this magical season for relaxation and doing not so traditional – maybe a little crazy – things. That is why we chose to veil this issue in fairytales. They represent a vital part of Christmas and in fairytales everything is possible!

Do you know what you want for Christmas? We have a suggestion: THE FIRST LIMITED PRINTED ISSUE OF SOFFA! This December SOFFA is having the first anniversary and so we decided to move a little further and issue a BEST OF 2014 issue which would contain the best of our previous issues as well as new original and exclusive content. You will get your very own issue into your mailbox if you pledge any amount in our Kickstarter campaign! You have time until 18th December. Many special prizes are awaiting you! Your pledge will ease the transformation from digital to printed version. Thank you for your support!

Before you get the printed version, however, you can browse through the fairytale issue. You will find delicious recipes, wrapping paper to download, our trip to the Alps. You will feel like in a fairytale when browsing through our burlesque photo shoot and when you will get introduced to the mysterious spirits of nature which will guide you through this issue of SOFFA! Have a very Merry Christmas!

Your SOFFA team

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D ECO R | M I N I AT UR ES Like in a Wonderland

L IT TL E W I N T ER TA L ES text: Janka Murínová and Adéla Kudrnová | styling: Janka Murínová photo: Lina Németh

WHILE CLEANING THE HOUSE IN PREPARATION FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON, DO YOU PLAN TO GO THROUGH ALL THE WARDROBES AND GET RID OF ALL THE SEEMINGLY USELESS THINGS? THINK ABOUT IT, DO THESE LITTLE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE COLLECTED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS NOT DESERVE BETTER ATTENTION AND CREATIVITY? WHAT IF YOU GAVE THEM ONE MORE CHANCE? Janka Murínová, our friend and stylist, loves miniature of all kinds – just like we do. There are never enough of rings, pencil sharpeners, decorations, pens, diaries, feathers and sticker notes. You do not have to be the same crazy collectors like we are to get inspired by Janka’s Christmas stories but her stories have a spirit and a soul and they also serve as a beautiful piece of decoration. For instance, would you ever think that a brooch in the shape of a hat looks like the planet Pluto? Or that the penguin earrings can become a symbol of Christmas? She has many surprises! ■

MY LITTLE WINTER TALE About Christmas in the Universe & Friendship without borders & and Love in the Interspace

Christmas balls Soap bubble and Moon, Butlers; chain balletdancer Dahlia Flower story ring, Artěl; sharpener own; gold brooch hat and button, both vintage

CHRISTMAS DINNER Today we serve the Christmas menu & surrounded by beloved guests & even we feel special

Christmas decorations Cucumber and Toadstool and White jug, all Butlers; creamy pink ring, Artěl; gold and green cup, junk shop Na Pavlači; plate, junk shop Kolbenova

IN THE WHITE LAND Welcome in the White Land & collect the snowflakes & walk among the diamonds

Wooden postcard moose, earrings Penguins and a set of mini crayons, all Artěl; Christmas decorations Vintermys and Särskild, both Ikea; decorative balls, Hornbach

SECRET AND PRECIOUS Lost in the deep forest & the trees caress you like feathers & the path can be found by the only One & leading directly into your heart

Porcelain deer, furry postcard, vintage pearl necklace, all Janka’s own; brooch bear paw, VŠUP exhibition in Milan

www.kulina.cz YOUR LIFE, YOUR TASTE

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Ecompact® systém pro vaření v páře 10.999,- Kč | www.kulina.cz/vareni-v-pare/

Neporézní Tvrdší než ocel, keramika odolná proti řezání a poškrábání

Neobsahuje nikl Ideální pro alergiky

Made in Germany

Internetový obchod se značkovým vybavením pro vaření a stolování

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CH R I S TM A S F EA S T S Three irresistible recipes

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CHR ISTM A S R AW B A L L S concept and text: Markéta Hlaváčková | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

MARKÉTA HLAVÁČKOVÁ MADE HER DREAM COME TRUE AND TOGETHER WITH HER FRIEND SHE OPENED AN ONLINE SWEET-SHOP WHERE YOU CAN ORDER HOMEMADE CAKES, CHRISTMAS SWEETS, JAMS AND MANY OTHER DELICIOUS TREATS! SHE PREPARED FOR US THIS SIMPLE RECIPE FOR TASTY RAW CHRISTMAS BALLS! TIME: 15 min.

SERVES: full plate INGREDIENTS: 2 cups of cashew nuts (soak in water overnight) 15 dates (soaked overnight) ½ cup coconut oil ½ teaspoons vanilla agave syrup (according you your liking) pinch of salt FOR COATING ground pistachios ground walnuts RAW cocoa

INSTRUCTIONS: Mix cashews, dates, coconut oil, salt, agave and blend together until fine.

Cool down (fridge or freezer for a short while) Form into small balls, cover in ground pistachios, cocoa and walnuts.

Store with a lid on in the fridge and consume soon.

TIP: If you like, add cinnamon, lemon/orange peel, grated RAW chocolate, poppy, spices etc. in the dough.

For more information go to: Marketinacukrarna.cz ■ Apron MÜkitchen, Kulina Robot KitchenAid, KitchenAid Concept Store

A PPL E INF U SE D B O U R B O N W I T H C LOV E text, styling and photo: Julia Gartland

APPLES ARE A FREQUENT PART OF OUR MENU ESPECIALLY IN THE COLD MONTHS OF THE YEAR. THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS OF PREPARING THEM: IN FACT, THERE ARE SO MANY THAT YOU WILL NEVER GET FED UP WITH APPLES. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF APPLES (APART FROM MAKING APPLE PIES), TRY THIS SIMPLE DELICIOUS RECIPE FOR BOURBON BROUGHT TO YOU BY JULIE GARTLAND. IT WILL HELP YOU USE YOUR WINTER STOCK OF APPLES AND YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE IT! MAKING IT WILL TAKE YOU ONLY 5 MINUTES. TIME: 5 min. + 3 - 7 days to soak

INSTRUCTIONS: Pour the entire bottle of bourbon into a big jar.

SERVES: 1 big bottle of bourbon

Clean the apples from the seeds, cut into pieces (shape does not matter) and add into the jar with bourbon.

INGREDIENTS: 700 ml bottle of bourbon (Julie recommends Bulleit or Four Roses Small Batch) 5 - 6 apples (combine sweet and sour apples) 1 teaspoon of whole cloves

Add cloves, cover with lid and leave for 3 – 7 days. Then decant and the bourbon is ready to be served.

TIP: Serve either straight, on ice or with a splash of ginger lemonade! ■

THE ADVANTAGE OF THIS RECIPE IS THAT IT TASTES GREAT AND LOOKS FANCY. POUR THE BOURBON INTO A TRANSPARENT JAR OR A JUG AND ENJOY THE LOOK OF IT!

B R E AM W ITH H ER B S A N D POTATO ES text, styling and photo: Bára Perglová

WE BELIEVE THAT FISH SIMPLY BELONGS ON THE CZECH FESTIVE TABLE BUT WE LOVE THAT WE CAN EAT IT IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR. TRY OUR SIMPLE RECIPE FOR BAKED FISH. BREAM IS EASY TO COOK AND DELICIOUS! TIME: 15 min. for preparation + 45 min. for baking SERVES: 1 portion INGREDIENTS: 1 sea bream 300 g potatoes 100 ml water 1 lemon 2 shallots olive oil handful of chopped fennel stalks 4 sprigs of parsley 2 sprigs of rosemary 4 basil leaves 10 pieces of whole pepper sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 200°C. Sprinkle the bottom of a baking dish with olive oil and spread ¾ of lemon (in slices) on the bottom. Do the same with ¾ of chopped fennel stalks and with two finely chopped shallots.

Rub the skin of the sea bream with olive oil (use hands). Inside the bream put parsley, basil and several rosemary leaves. Place two lemon slices on the top of the fish. We recommend that you tie the fish in order to keep the herbs inside and to prevent it from crumbling apart.

Lay the fish on the baking tray, sprinkle with fennel, salt and water.

Leave to bake for approximately 45 minutes until it is properly done (check the thickest parts).

While the fish is baking, wash the potatoes and cut them into slices (3 mm thick). ►

EVEN A FISH DISH CAN TURN INTO A STYLISH EXPERIENCE. FOOD WHICH LOOKS GOOD WILL MAKE YOUR GUEST EXCITED!

Spread them onto a greased baking try and sprinkle with salt, pepper and rosemary leaves.

Place the tray with potatoes in the oven (approximately after 20 minutes from the moment you started baking the fish) and bake them until golden and crispy around the edges.

TIP: Bream tastes delicious when accompanied with semi-dry white wine. â–

WIN A SET OF TWO CONCRETE BOWLS OR A SET OF TWO VASES BY GRAVELLI! Email us to info@soffamag.com, subject: Gravelli, the correct answer to the question: On what day does a regular Sirena Party in Gravelli and Innex showroom take place?

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FA S H I O N Burlesque costumes

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this page and next page: COSTUME I’VE BEEN KISSED BEFORE Zuzana Kubíčková

BE YO ND THE B O R DER O F O R DI N A RY model: Miss Cool Cat | costume design: Zuzana Kubíčková make-up and hair styling: Marcela Hanke and Miss Cool Cat | styling: Miss Cool Cat, Zuzana Kubíčková, Alžběta Jungrová | special effects: Pavel Policar a Dominik Janda text: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: Alžběta Jungrová

DO YOU WANT TO RELAX AND UNLEASH YOUR IMAGINATION? YOU SHALL MANAGE TO DO SO THANKS TO OUR PHOTO SHOOT WHICH PRESENTS BURLESQUE COSTUMES DESIGNED BY THREE SPECIAL LADIES: ZUZANA KUBÍČKOVÁ, ALŽBĚTA JUNGROVÁ AND TERÉZIA MIA ALIAS MISS COOL CAT. JOIN THEM AND ENJOY! Our manageress Terézia is a really productive woman. Apart from working for SOFFA she also devotes her time and passion to the burlesque genre and uses a pseudonym Miss Cool Cat. She has been cooperating with Zuzana Kubíčková, a fashion designer, for two years. Now they decided to present their costumes in a photo shoot and invited Alžbětu Jungrová, a photograph, to assist them.

Alžběta likes burlesque and she was already familiar with Terézia’s costumes so she did not hesitate for a moment. “I love Tim Burton and Zuzana’s costumes remind me of his stories,” says Alžběta. “We want people to have fun and so we created something undirected that would reject all the general clichés and would borderline with tackiness and weirdness.”

The costumes were photographed in two series on two places. Alžběta has had long prepared the park in Lysá nad Labem as a planned location for a photo shoot of Zuzana Kubíčková‘s costumes; however, only now for this particular photo shoot it was just the perfect place. “If Tim Burton ever makes any of his scenes in the Czech Republic, it will definitely be here,” laughs Alžběta. On the other hand the area of Poldi in ►

this page: COSTUME UNHOLY WOMAN Zuzana Kubíčková

left: COSTUME ARISTOCAT Zuzana Kubíčková

this page: COSTUME UNHOLY WOMAN Zuzana Kubíčková

this page: UNDERWEAR AGENT PROVOCATEUR Agent Provocateur

right: COSTUME TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Zuzana Kubíčková

Kladno was chosen for a dark series, a kind of allegory and an opposite to the costumes: it was mainly underwear that was photographed here.

“The principle of burlesque is to surprise and that is what we wanted for our photo shoot,” says Terézia. “That is exactly what I enjoy about burlesque costumes so much!” adds Zuzana. Zuzana had always wanted to design theatre costumes and through the cooperation with Terézia he dreams came true. The costumes start to be created with an idea with which Terézia comes: it is usually inspired by music; based on that Zuzana and Terézia start developing the design of the costume. It is important to keep thinking about everything: including choreography and technical details.

“In the case of burlesque it is important to think about easy undressing of the costume as well.” Often I need to think about very untraditional solutions. It is not a pure traditional tailoring but more of an “artistic concocting” which combines sewing with gluing etc.” says Zuzana.

“We would like people to use their imagination and not to be worried to cross the borders of ordinary or to be emotionally imprisoned. That is what makes life so interesting.”

COSTUMES I’VE BEEN KISSED BEFORE The first costume which Zuzana Kubíčková designed for Miss Cool Cat in 2012. It is a classic burlesque costume inspired by the tradition of 1920s and 1930s, namely by the Hollywood star Rita Hayworth. The veil falling loosely in between the legs of a dancer is a typical feature of the dancers’ costumes from 1920s. There are also other burlesque features – silk gown and nightgown, feathers, beads, pearls and glitter. ►

UNHOLY WOMAN Terézia wanted a dress reflecting various catholic artefacts and so this almost theatrical costume made of cut and resewn H&M dress was born.

Zuzana decorated it with lace applications. At the start of the story there is a Sicilian widow covered in black lace; throughout the show, which tells a story of biblical enlightenment, she turns into a sinful woman in floral dress. The tacky dress conceals an astringent corset and red mini underwear which is revealed at the very end of the show.

ARISTOCAT This classical costume is inspired by the era of 1930s. Long dress with a smart undressing mechanism can be taken off with only one movement.

They conceal underwear with beads and jewellery which, at the first sight, looks like a necklace. Surprise is the main ingredient of burlesque!

AGENT PROVOCATEUR Zuzana and Terézia plan to remake and decorate the Agent Provocateur underwear so that it would suit the burlesque purpose.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO This is the most decorated and artful costume: it is supposed to represent a hot and sexy atmosphere of the Caribbean. It was inspired by Carmen Miranda, a South American dancer of the 1950s. Although it was made in hand it was ready in only two weeks. During the show Terézia takes off the mask, the head decoration and the skirt so at the end she is only dressed in golden ropes representing jungle.

IMPROVISED COSTUME The great cooperation of Zuzana, Alžběta and Terézia during the photo shoot was demonstrated by a momentous improvisation: the result was a costume created in just one minute. Zuzana skilfully wrapped the fivemetre long tulle around Terézia! ■

left: COSTUME UNHOLY WOMAN Zuzana Kubíčková

this page: IMPROVISED COSTUME Zuzana Kubíčková

this page: IMPROVISED COSTUME Zuzana Kubíčková

SO F FA T EA M T I PS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION? OUR TEAM HAS PREPARED SEVERAL TIPS FOR YOU. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THEM. JUST CLICK ON THE IMAGES!

BOHO VINTAGE CONCEPT STORE

JONZAC BIOCOSMETICS

Do you like original fashion which does not yield to mass mainstreams? Visit BOHO, our favourite shop in Prague, and create your own style and identity!

Jonzac is a French pharmaceutical bio-quality cosmetic. It contains thermal water without synthetic additives. Available from Countrylife.cz

FRAME HOUSES SALON AND YEARBOOK

WIN STYLISH PHOTO FOLDER!

The 10th year of the Frame Houses Salon will take place 11th – 14th February 2015 and will present 46 projects, all presented in the Frame Houses Yearbook of 2014.

Email us at info@soffamag.com, subject: Photo folder and tell us which picture from this issue you liked the most and win a handmade folder by Nataliie Salii!

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E D I TO R S ‘ C H O I C E What to want for Christmas

W INT E R MO UN TA I N EQ UI PM EN T text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: companies’ archives

ARE YOU GOING SKIING? SNOWBOARDING? RIDING SLEIGH? YOU CAN DO ALL THAT IN A BIG STYLE! ALL YOU NEED IS THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES! THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, HOWEVER, IS TO STAY WARM!

RUCKSACK N Fjäll

KNITTED JACQUARD HAT Lindex VINTAGE NORDIC WOOL SWEATER Etsy | RobinCottage

BECHEROVKA 0,1L Becherovka.cz

SIRCH SLED Ookidoo

BOOKS NEJLEPŠÍ ČESKÉ BÁS

RUSSIAN DO

BAMBOO SNOWSHOES CANADA 5 Vseprooutdoor.cz

SKIS NAHORY 167 Nahory

NO 21. LARGE lräven

SNĚ 2014 Host

PATTERN KNITTED MITTENS Indiska

TÁTOVY SLZY John Updike | Kosmas

OLL GEL HAND WARMERS Accessorize

LADY KYLA PARKA Fjällräven

O U R WA N T ED PR ES EN T S text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: companies’ archives

EVERY MEMBER OF OUR TEAM IS DIFFERENT – JUST LIKE YOU ARE ALL INDIVIDUALS. WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER A SELECTION OF OUR DREAM WISHES AND WE HOPE THEY MIGHT INSPIRE YOU IN YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGS!

BOOK HODINKY PRIM 1954 – 1994 Host Historie a první kompletní katalog legendární české značky Snad v každé české domácnosti se dodnes najdou alespoň jedny

P

poznání jejich pozoruhodné historie?

Kniha s bohatou obrazovou přílohou (obsahuje více než 1100 fotografií) podrobně mapuje vývoj a výrobu náramkových hodinek Prim v období ohraničeném rokem 1954, ve kterém byly vyrobeny první prototypy, a rokem 1994, kdy byly do sériové

Cena 890 Kč

výroby zařazeny poslední modely

ISBN 978-80-7491-263-4

P

Hodinky Prim

náramkové hodinky Prim, proč si tedy nevyměřit trochu času i pro

využívající strojky vlastní výroby.

Autor, profesně spjatý s vývojem, výrobou i porevolučním vzkříšením

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ikonických modelů Spartak, Prim Orlík, Prim Diplomat, Prim Sport a především jako vůbec první kompletně

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tohoto legendárního českého produktu, prozkoumal úctyhodné množství archivních pramenů a různorodé dokumentace. Zevrubně popsal vznik

zpracoval katalog hodinek Prim.

host

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Libor Hovorka

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Publikace odpovídá vysokým nárokům kladeným na odborné monografie, a pro sběratele a kurátory sbírek tak bude

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kvalitním průvodcem po historickém sortimentu firmy Elton. Na své si ale určitě přijdou i všichni ostatní milovníci této značky a kvalitní české průmyslové produkce a designu.

Libor Hovorka

Hodinky Prim

1954—1994

NEW YETI Škoda BOOK OK - OMIN KÄSIN Riikka Kantinkoski, Susanna Vento | Adlibris

MILK CAN Modranska

SHOES MARK Tiger od Sweden

PLATE TAIKA Iittala SHIRT SANTIDONNA Aloha From Deer

SILVER RING KULIČKY Věra Nováková PRINT METSÄNSIELU Sanna Annukka

WALLPAPER A BASH OR DO Elli Popp

PYTLUS MAXIMUS AND MINIMUS Freshlabels

opera UVÁDÍME V NÁRODNÍM DIVADLE

HÁBA

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NOVÁ ZEMĚ POUZE JEDINÉ UVEDENÍ: 12. PROSINCE 2014 DIRIGENT: PETR KOFROŇ REŽIE: MIROSLAV BAMBUŠEK

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W I N T ER S O L S T I C E Natural creatures and magical plants

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T HEY A R E H ER E, THE Y ALWAY S H AV E B EEN concept: Květinové lahůdkářství | styling: Květinové lahůdkářství and SOFFA photo: Lina Németh

BLACK MONILIA ROTTING (MONILIA FRUCTIGENA) CONSUMES APPLES IN THE SYMBOL OF ETERNITY

„THE LIGHT GIVES BIRTH TO THE SHADOW, MEMORY AND STRENGTH OF THE FOREST... ” Artemisia ludoviciana / the smoke drives evil spirits away

„AND GRASS FEELS YOUR STEPS...”

Evernia prunastri / healing wrap of lichen

„RESTING IN MOSS YOU WILL BE...

YOUR EYES THE BRACKEN AND THE TREE, MOIST, YOU BREATH...“ Hierochloe odorata / the smoke summons good spirits

„YOU WEAR PIECES OF HIM IN DEAD WEATHER...”

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DI Y PRO J EC T S Be creative not only over Christmas

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WR AP P ING PA PER S A N D N A M E TAG S text: SOFFA | design: Lenka Hlaváčová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

HAVE YOU GOTTEN ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ALREADY AND YET YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO WRAP THEM? WE HAVE PREPARED A SET OF TWO WRAPPING PAPERS AND NAME TAGS FOR YOU! DIFFICULTY: very easy TIME: 15 min.

WHAT YOU NEED: white papers ribbon for decoration tape printer scissors

We know that a nicely wrapped present represents twice as much joy. Lenka has designed the wrapping papers in two patterns so that you could combine them freely. Furthermore, the patterns are in neutral colours so you can use them over the entire year! All you need to do is to download the PDF from our website and print it out. The papers are available in the A2 format.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE. INSTRUCTIONS: Download the PDF with papers and name tags from our website. Print in A2 format. Now all you need to do is to wrap the presents and lay them out under the Christmas tree!

TIP: Try to combine the papers and decorate them with various colourful ribbons. Even presents can be colourful! ■ Bagpack Kanken, www.fjallraven-shop.cz

DECORATE YOUR PRESENTS WITH PLANTS. WE USED ROSEHIP BUT YOU CAN ALSO TRY OTHER DECORATIVE FLOWERS!

4 D IY BLO G G ER S TO F O L LOW text: SOFFA | styling and photo: bloggers’ archives

WE KNOW YOU LOVE CREATIVE AND DIY PROJECTS – THAT IS WHY WE CHOSE FOUR OF OUR FAVOURITE BLOGGERS WHOSE IDEAS YOU ARE GOING TO ADORE! ALMOST MAKES PERFECT | www.almostmakesperfect.com Molly has both great ideas and sense of humour! Her page is full of DIYs, recipes and templates to download. We fell in love with an alternative Christmas tree!

MADE BY JOEL | madebyjoel.com Do you need DIY for children? If yes, the page of Made By Joel are exactly for you! These inspiring projects of all kinds will definitely capture the attention of your children. Right now for Christmas, you can make a paper Bethlehem according to Joel’s instructions!

PAPER & STITCH | www.papernstitchblog.com The blog of Brittni Mehlhoff is an endless source of inspiration. You will find easy, great and effective ideas about how to make (not only) your home better. We specifically love the idea of decorated gift bags.

HONESTLYWTF | honestlywtf.com Erica and Lauren, the stylists and designers, devote their blog both to fashion and interior decorations. Their DIYs are priceless. Try to decorate vintage plates and other sorts of dishes! ■

ALMOST MAKES PERFECT

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MADE BY JOEL

PAPER & STITCH

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HONESTLYWTF

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T R EN DS We know what is trendy

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ECL EC T I C M I X text and styling: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: companies‘ archives

FORGET ABOUT BORING UNHOMELY INTERIORS! LET YOURSELF ENJOY COLOURS, WARM TEXTILES AND MERRY MOTIVES! COMBINE WHAT SEEMS TO BE IMPOSSIBLE TO COMBINE! DO NOT WORRY, NOTHING CAN BE WRONG BECAUSE THE ECLECTIC STYLE IS HOT!

MARBLE WALL CLOCK Menu

CANDLEHOLDER ILSE Georg Jensen

DALA HORSE Amazon

CUSHION SPRING 2015 H&M Home

POSTER UNTITLED (RED, ORANGE) Mark Rothko | Fondation Beyeler Shop

TABLE GINGER Loop & Co

LINEN CUSHION COVER H&M Home

CARPET KARADŽA Orientalni-koberce.cz

There are various beautiful interiors on the website of Alvhem Mäkleri, a Swedish real estate agency. photo: Alvhem Mäkleri och Interiör

SN OW W H I T E text and styling: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: companies‘ archives

DO YOU LIKE WHITE? CHRISTMAS IS THE RIGHT SEASON TO ENJOY IT MORE THAN EVER! DO NOT LET YOURSELF TO BE PUT OFF BY THE FACT IT IS NOT REALLY A PRACTICAL COLOUR AND SURROUND YOURSELF BY IT. WHITE IS THE CURE!

BOWL PANATHENAI design Daniel Piršč | Křehký

SWEEPER & FUNNEL Menu

LAMP PLISÉ Lampshado

FRONTS ILLUSION FOR IKEA BESTÅ AND LEGS TRESTLE Superfront

BASKETS Bloomingville

POLKA DOT T-THIRT Zara mini

BASKET GRID LAUNDRY Ferm Living

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T R AV EL Villach and surroundings

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V IL L ACH BEF O R E C H R I S TM A S text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

WE HAD LONG WANTED TO GIVE YOU A SET OF PHOTOS FROM SNOWY WHITE MOUNTAINS AND SO WE WERE EXCITED WHEN OUR READER NATALIJA TSCHELEJ-KREIBICH INVITED US FOR A VISIT TO VILLACH. WE WERE THERE THE LAST NOVEMBER WEEKEND AND NOW WE PRESENT YOU WITH THE SUMMARY OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOU NOT TO MISS OUT ON! If you are looking for an idea where to go in winter or specifically during the time before Christmas, you will definitely enjoy the Austrian city of Villach. The city that is sometimes called Bělák (meaning “the white one”; it is derived from Slovene Beljak). It is the second biggest city of the federal country of Carinthia (Kärnten) and it is surrounded by the Gailtal Alps and Karawanken. It is located approximately half an hour from the border between Italy and Slovenia and thus represents an important intersection for the region. The centre of the city is located on the confluence of two rivers – Drau and Gail. The position of the city is ideal for both summer and winter holidays!

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN VILLACH AND ITS SURROUNDINGS: We were in Villach at the start of winter in order to enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere of the city. The local Christmas Market is famous for its ►

LEFT AND NEXT PAGE: While we were ascending the 2.166m high Dobrač mountain we could see various beautiful views. Dobrač above Villach is one of the main peaks of the Gailtal Alps. On the way towards the peak there are numerous landings and vistas which designs nicely fit in the scenery.

grandeur and rich program. One of the most famous things is, for example, the march of devils – the so-called Karmpuslauf – which has been the tradition since 11th century.

Nevertheless, Villach is mainly popular for thermal spa. You can enjoy the luxurious wellness and relaxation in the modern spa complex KärntenTherme Warmbad-Villach which was opened in 2012. However, rather than swimming inside we preferred to bathe in the unique outdoor thermal Maibachl pond located in the middle of a forest. The water in the pond was soothingly warm (29°C)!

We really did enjoy ourselves in Austria! After the afternoon trip to Dobrač, the peak above Villach, our host Natalija Tschelej-Kreibich showed us her cosmetic salon Rast! Natural Beauty and gave us a beautiful face massage. Nevertheless, nature was what we really came here for – mountains, lakes and forests. At the time of our journey the valleys were covered in smog so we finally saw the majestic peaks of the Alps when we were ascending Dobrač. It is a half-a-day hike and it is definitely worth doing.

From Villach by car you can get directly under the mountain and from the ►

RIGHT: Faker See lake is one of the main attractions of the region. In summer it is ideal for swimming and boat trips. Usually the mountain peaks rising above the lake are clearly visible.

During our weekend there however, they were covered by smog and we had to climb a little higher.

NEXT PAGE: Villach is mainly known for the local spa and springs. Apart from a modern complex of spa KärntenTherme Warmbad-Villach you can also enjoy a unique experience of swimming in the Maibachl thermal pond. Who would not like to warm the frozen body up in this cold season? Lina and Lenka definitely enjoyed it.

parking there are two paths leading to the peak. On the top you will be awaited by a well-deserved rest in a cosy chalet.

No matter if you come to Villach in winter or in summer, make sure you will go for a walk around one of the lakes: Ossiacher See, Faaker See, Silbersee, Vassacher See etc. We stayed close to the Faker See Lake so we explored its surroundings.

It is worth going across the border to Italy and Slovenia. It is interesting that it is such a short distance and yet the mountains look different.

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK: The local Carinthia products are definitely worth mentioning: speck, sausages, lamb and Gailtal cheese. When exploring the Christmas Market you should have a cup of mulled wine or a punch and if you do a hike to the top of Dobrač, you should try the traditional wurst with cabbage!

WHAT AND WHERE TO BUY: The Christmas Market offers a vast range of traditional Austrian Christmas souvenirs and treats. You can even buy a folk costume there. We did not shop much but what we wanted to experience was the local Saturday flea ►

LEFT: Natalija Tschelej-Kreibich, our host, owns a cosmetic salon called Rast! Natural Beauty in the centre of Villach. After our day trip to Dobrač we treated ourselves to an amazing face massage and some other procedures. We surely recommend this to everyone.

NEXT PAGE: Villach is ideal to see in the pre-Christmas season. The city is famous for its Christmas Market. See the program of the market at www.villacheradvent.at. Prepare yourself for numerous delicacies, ice rink and the city full of devils.

market. The locals will tell you where it takes place and then you will be able to admire the treasures brought to light from the Austrian attics!

WHERE TO STAY: You can stay directly in Villach or in the close surroundings (see the accommodation possibilities at www.region-villach.at). We stayed in the Schönruh hotel at the bank of the Faaker See Lake in nearby Drobollach.

The homelike atmosphere of this hotel is a real cure for one’s nerves.

HOW TO GET HERE: The easies is to travel by car. From Prague there are two options. You can drive through the South of Bohemia across Linz and Salzburg, or you can take a little longer, yet more comfortable, direction through Munich. We drove through Munich and the journey took us 7.5 hours. Do not forget that in Austria you need to pay the toll.

THE MUST-SEES: If you like to ski, make sure you pack them with you and explore the slopes of one of the sport centres: Gerlitzen and Ländereck.

You should definitely pay a visit to the spa in Bad Bleiberg – a town close to Villach. It is well known for its thermal springs.

Many thanks to Natalia Tschelej-Kreibich and the Schönruh hotel! For more information: www.region-villach.at, www.villach.at ■

PREVIOUS PAGE: From the Schönruh hotel where we stayed we had a stunning view to the Faaker See Lake. It is amazing to have a breakfast or your afternoon tea with such a view.

RIGHT: We love flea markets and so we did not want to miss out on the local Saturday one. Apart from traditional decorations we found a great carpet and beautiful china set!

WE STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES ON OUR WAY TO THE TOP OF DOBRAČ.

THE PEAKS OF THE ALPS WERE MAJESTICALLY RISING ABOVE THE SMOG IN THE VALLEYS – SOME OF THEM COVERED WITH SNOW,

VILLACH IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY A THIRTY MINUTES RIDE FROM THE BORDER BETWEEN ITALY AND SLOVENIA. BEFORE THE SUN SET WE WENT TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE ITALIAN MOUNTAIN RANGE!

A WALK THROUGH THE WINTER FOREST IS SOOTHING – BE IT IN THE ALPS OR ANYWHERE ELSE!

ICEBERG VALLEYS ARE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ITALIAN-AUSTRIAN BORDER. THE POWER OF NATURE IS FASCINATING!

THE EVERGREEN TREES REPRESENT THE WINTER LIFE OF SNOWY PANORAMA OF THE LOCAL MOUNTAINS.

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LOOKING BACK AT DESIGNBLOK! YOU COULD SEE US IN OUR SOFFA SHOWROOM AT THE OCTOBER DESIGNBLOK, AS WELL AS WITHIN THE BLOGGERS‘ WORKSHOP AND DESIGN TALK. THANK YOU FOR PAYING US A VISIT AND KEEPING US COMPANY!

we thank for support: BALAKRYL, BUTLERS, IKEA, LG, ZUZANA KUBÍČKOVÁ

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H O M E TO U R S Original interiors

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SM IL E M AK ES B ET T ER L I V I N G text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: Rice | photo: Joachim Wichmann & John Bendtsen

CHARLOTTE HEDEMAN-GUENAIAU, THE FOUNDER AND THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF A DANISH COMPANY CALLED RICE LET US IN HER HOUSE. GET READY FOR A SPLASH OF BRIGHT COLOURS AND PATTERNS WHICH WILL SURELY MAKE YOU SMILE! Charlotte Hedeman-Gueaniau, the founder and the creative director of RICE lives in Odense, Denmark. She lives with her husband Philip, who is French, and with their two children: Max and Selma, and with two Labrador Retrievers Rosa and Luna. Their house is ideal for our Christmas issue for it is full of almost unbelievable colours and pieces of furniture it will almost make you feel like in a fairytale movie. We asked Charlotte to tell us more about her house and also about her job.

YOU ARE THE FOUNDER OF RICE. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT IT? Our goal in Rice is to make the world a little merrier and brighter. We care about colours, functionality and fun. Our motto is “Live, Love, Laugh”.

I founded Rice in 1999: it was my dream to make everyday life happier. ►

LIVING ROOM: The love for colours is obvious in the entire house of Charlotte Hedeman-Gueniau. Get inspired with the unusual combinations of patterns in her living room.

DINING ROOM: The spacious dining room was furnished with a sole goal: to make everyone feel comfortable here. The walls are decorated with Porcelain wallpapers by the Studio Ditte. In the corner there is a vintage armchair. The lamp above the dining table, the stag’s head and the candlestick shaped as a flamingo on the dining table are all by Rice.

Before that we lived in Paris for 15 years and we travelled a lot and had no time for anything. When I got pregnant we moved to Denmark where I started working on a calmer lifestyle.

ARE YOU A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER? DID YOU STUDY IT? OR HOW DID YOU GET TO DESIGNING INTERIORS AND WRITING ABOUT IT? No, I am not a designer. I call myself a “product developer”. I have a taste for discovering new things and also a good imagination. I was also born with a good taste for colours. I love writing and I have just published my fifth book. My first three books were cook books, the last two are about living and working with colours.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOUSE? Our house is huge and all white on the outside. It looks a little bit like a church and because there is a real church in our street, sometimes it happens that there is a group of people heading to a church on our doorstep.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PARTICULAR HOUSE? We really liked it. It is close to the little river and two minutes away from the centre.

HOW DID YOU FURNISH YOUR HOUSE? Completely in the style of Rice – that is with regard to colours, wit and functionality. I like to combine old inherited furniture with new accessories and modern pieces of furniture. ► KITCHEN: The white background of the kitchen is great for colourful chairs, pots and kitchen accessories by Rice. Even cooking can become an artistic experience! The little lamps in the kitchen used instead of one traditional central light.

WHAT DOES THE WORD ‘HOME‘ MEAN TO YOU? Home is a feeling of being welcomed and loved. A place where I feel relaxed and myself.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? Everywhere – I am easily inspired. I like to travel, to go out, to check new concepts; food inspires me and so does nature and random combination of colours, music, films etc.

COULD YOU GIVE OUR READERS AN ADVICE CONCERNING INTERIOR FURNISHING? Surround yourself with things that suit your lifestyle. If you like big dinners, get a big dining room with large table. Do not do things just because it is expected of you or because other people do it!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? I believe that the style of my living is practical and happy. Christmas is the time I let my imagination flow free when it comes to decoration. Otherwise for the rest of the year I prefer that kind of style that is much simpler even if still very colourful. ►

DINING ROOM II: Wooden floor and white walls give Charlotte the opportunity to change and redesign the interior according to her mood and seasonal trends. The colourful dishes look the best on a white table.

BEDROOM: The chest of drawers in the Luis XVI style is a memory of Charlotte’s grandmother. Next to it there is a funny Mirobilite lamp by Tsé-Tsé. At first unthinkable combination of these two pieces suddenly gives a very fresh impressio! The bedrooms in the house are also full of colours and funny accessories by Rice: such as lamps or throws.

WHAT IS YOUR ATTITUDE TO COLOURS? We have a lot of colours in the house but we also have a lot of white because it is a perfect and calming foundation. For me our house is colourful enough but I can imagine that for some people it would be a little too much. Colours make me happy, black drags me down.

DO YOU PLAN ANY CHANGES IN THE HOUSE? I love to change colours on the walls or to put new wallpapers. I really like to move houses as well but we will surely stay in this one for some time.

DO YOU FOLLOW THE INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS? Not really, that is why I do not walk along the fashionable black and white Nordic style: I believe in colours.

WE LIKE YOUR BOOK CALLED HAPPY HOME – EVERYDAY MAGIC FOR A COLORFUL HOME. ARE YOU WORKING ON YOUR NEXT BOOK? I have just submitted a book called Happy Home Outside which is full of tips on life outdoor, recipes and DIYs. HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS? DO YOU PREPARE YOURSELF IN A SPECIFIC WAY? I love Christmas when many people of various generations and nationalities get together. We always decorate the entire house – I am always excited and looking forward to it. It all only lasts until the Boxing Day when I start planning the decoration for spring. We also have a special tradition. We celebrate the winter solstice on 21st December as the return of light by eating seafood and drinking champagne! ■

HALLWAY: Yellow colour is omnipresent and is even here. It is one of Charlotte’s favourite colours.

Yellow door must fill everyone with optimism upon the very entrance in the flat.

TOWAR D S PR I N T ED S O F FA text: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: Alžběta Jungrová and Lina Németh

IF YOU READ SOFFA REGULARLY, YOU PROBABLY KNOW THAT WE KEEP TRYING NEW THINGS AND MOVE FORWARDS. THIS MONTH IS SOFFA’S FIRST BIRTHDAY AND SO WE DECIDED TO TREAT BOTH OURSELVES AND OUR READERS – TO PREPARE THE VERY FIRST LIMITED PRINTED EDITION OF BEST OF 2014 SOFFA ISSUE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE IT IS A BIG AND DIFFICULT STEP, WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL HELP IN OUR KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN!

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Kickstarter is an internet page based on direct co-financing of creative projects by small donors. By pledging you choose the future of our limited SOFFA issue BEST OF 2014. By pledging you ensure that you would get your very own SOFFA issue in your own mailbox!

We started SOFFA as an online magazine and that will not change.

Publishing a limited edition in January/February 2015 would, however, be a dream come true! Our dream about the printed issue. The limited edition will contain the best of the entire year plus exclusive content.

Your support at Kickstarter will make it possible for us to publish this limited edition but also to continue with what we do and keep improving SOFFA. Your support will allow us to: ∞ cooperate with the best designers, photographers and stylists ∞ create new content for future digital and printed issues ∞ cover the costs of a magazine redaction We like to give prizes and so we have prepared various rewards, which we hope you will like. Apart from the printed issue of BEST OF 2014 you can choose an original poster, DIY or invitation to a SOFFA party! ■

CHECK OUT THE REWARDS ON OUR KICKSTARTER PROFILE AND YOU WILL NOT MISS OUT ON OUR PRINTED SOFFA SAMPLE!

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R E SP ECTIN G T H E T R A DI T I O N text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

DO YOU LONG A COTTAGE WITH AN ANCIENT SPIRIT BUT WOULD MEET ALL THE CRITERIA OF COMFORTABLE MODERN LIVING? GET INSPIRED BY THE ŠTURM’S HOUSE IN TUPADLA IN THE KLATOVY REGION. THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A FORMER TIMBERED HOUSE WITH A BARN GAVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A LOVELY PLACE FOR THE LEISURE OF THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Mr Karel Šturm and his wife live in Prague. They wanted a weekend cottage where they and their entire (children and grand-children) family could go and relax during weekends. Mrs Šturm comes from the village in the region of Klatovy and so when they were looking for a summer house, they naturally started in this area.

They found a village house which is dated back to the year 1860 and which was horribly rundown. It had a small stable and a barn. The Šturms decided to interconnect all the parts and turn them into residential areas.

A difficult reconstruction ended with a success and the current building almost meets the criteria of a low-energy building. ► EXTERIOR: The part of the house where a barn used to be provides the biggest living area. Where previously the gate used to be, there are now big windows with wooden shutters. The house is only a seasonal residence and so the shutters serve one main purpose: securing the house for winter against burglars.

OPENSPACE: The Šturms listened to the architectures’ advice and had all the beams, the ceiling and all the walls of the former barn painted white. This made the space open up a little more.

CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE? We bought it six years ago and spent two years reconstructing it. Originally it was a timbered house. Timbered houses in this area have a long tradition, they used to have the walls covered with clay and painted with lime which is something that we wanted to preserve.

WHAT WAS THE RECONSTRUCTION LIKE? We asked the architectonic atelier ov-a of Jiří Opočenský and Štěpán Valouch to cooperate with us. They created a design supervised the building process. Originally it was only the timbered part of the cottage that was designated for living. It was restored and elevated so that it would match the height of the barn. We turned the barn into a residential area. We also turned the former straw storage area into a gallery and the former cowshed into an entrance and sanitary facilities. We were enchanted by the possibility of an open roof construction and so the architects designed a spacious living room, which was even more enhanced by the white paint. ►

KITCHEN: The original brick wood was painted white. Now it beautifully contrasts with the modern, yet simple, kitchen from IKEA. The huge dining table was made by Petr Kotál from Nemětice who is Mrs Šturm’s cousin: now the entire family can sit at one table. Mr Šturm once saved a glass chandelier, which was meant to be thrown away, from a flat in Prague. Now the chandelier hangs above the dining table and looks gorgeous!

BARN: The main dominating feature of the residential area, which was created where the former barn used to be, is a metal staircase made by D+M in Nýrsko. The stove is another jewel which could not make the Šturms happier!

Carpet, Stockist; plaid and grey cushion, Gant

HOW DID YOU FURNISH THE HOUSE? We wanted to preserve the original rural look but also to give it a modern overlap. We chose the minimalistic attitude to colours. White paint, black metal staircase and oak massive floor do not need anything else anyway!

The wooden pieces of furniture such as the dining table were made by my wife’s cousin. Our kitchen is IKEA and of course we have here old pieces from an antique shop.

WOULD YOU GIVE OUR READERS AN ADVICE CONCERNING RECONSTRUCTION OF SIMILAR OBJECTS? I belive that you can combine old and new without destroying the old. It is much better way than tearing down old houses in order to build new, unified ones. Proper reconstruction is always worth it and pays off.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST IN THE HOUSE? I love the open space of the living room where the ceiling is 8 metres high and the view from the gallery over this space.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATION TO ART AND DESIGN? We like design; it is a means of relaxation. ■

GALLERY: The area of the gallery above the staircase is filled with daylight thanks to a glass skylight.

A narrow hall leads to two children’s room and a bathroom. The original look of the newly reconstructed space is preserved by old furniture – rocking chair, high chair and a painting of Virgin Mary.

COTTAGE: An old tiled stove was preserved in the original timbered part of the house. The glass desk and the cabinet are original. The beds are newly made from old wood.

Christmas tree, plaid and tablecloth, both Butlers; plate and cup, Gant

ANCIENT GLASS, POTS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES HELP TO CREATE COSY AND RURAL ATMOSPHERE.

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CR EAT I V E PEO PL E Dagmara Tragorovรก

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HOW TO T E ACH C H I L DR EN TO PA I N T text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Bára Perglová

WHEN THINKING ABOUT WHOM TO INTRODUCE TO YOU IN THIS ISSUE, DAGMARA TRAGOROVÁ, A SLOVAKIAN ARTIST, WAS AN IMMEDIATE CHOICE. NOT ONLY BECAUSE HER ILLUSTRATIONS AND DRAWINGS POSSESS THE FAIRYTALE ATMOSPHERE BUT ALSO BECAUSE ONE OF HER LAST PROJECTS IS DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH CHRISTMAS! Dagmara, an artist called by everyone Dada, loves art and children. She linked these two big passions in her new project called Ushush / Art made by kids in which she creates interior drawings in cooperation with children. The goal of the project is the presentation of spontaneous creativity of children within a graphically united design. The crucial part is the communication between Dada and the children which creates the foundation for original children illustration on various places such as children’s bedrooms, celebration venues etc.). We asked Dada to introduce her project and to take us into one of the finished interiors – a hallway decorated by children with Christmas letters to Baby Jesus. ► LEFT: The joy from a well performed job is priceless! Dada and little painter are admiring their masterpiece which is finally finished: they have decorated the hallway with the letters for the Baby Jesus (Czech version of Santa Claus). As you can see the youngest ones in this house love predominantly animals!

NEXT PAGE: Dada works on several places – at home, in her workshop and outside with the children.

Her Prague flat at Letna is full of crayons, colours, drawings and sketches. It is the ideal place for young future artists who come to Dada’s flat for their drawing lessons!

YOU COME FROM SLOVAKIA, WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO PRAGUE? Originally I am from Prievidza. I studies commercial creation and marketing communication in Nitra. However, after my first year I went to study marketing communication to Zlín and that is how I got to the Czech Republic.

I moved to Prague after my studies.

WE INTRODUCE YOU AS AN ARTIST BUT WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY DO? When I moved to Prague I started to earn my living mainly by graphic designing. It has been four years since I have become a freelancer in illustration and graphics. I work on various projects such as an independent Slovakian label Retart (it is a project introducing contemporary visual artist and their work through functional products). I also work on my edition Edita in which I transform old photographs, the so-called cabinet cards, and give them their own story. I would really like to make time for my own books; for example, I am now working on a folding book about panda bears for children. Generally, I enjoy illustrating more than graphics and that is probably also the reason why I decided to found the Ushush/ Art made by children project.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE USHUSH PROJECT? I have been thinking about the idea of it for a long time. I used to paint a lot with children outside and in deserted houses. In 2012 I was asked by a friend to make an illustration for his son’s bedroom. At that moment I ► LEFT: Dada and Jakub Skokan, her boyfriend and photograph, live surrounded by art. Apart from their own pieces they also display the paintings and pictures made by their friends (for instance, the picture on the far right is by Lukáš Parolek).

NEXT PAGE: Apart from the Ushush / Art made by kids project Dada also devotes her time to graphic and illustrating profession. She can tailor a specific visual concept of a brand.

DECORATING OF THE HALLWAY REQUIRES PROPER PREPARATION. THE CHILDREN DID NOT UNDERESTIMATE IT AND SKETCHED THEIR LETTERS WITH A GREAT CARE. THEN THESE WERE TRANSFERRED ONTO THE WALL AND THE MASTERPIECE WAS DONE!

realised that in the case of drawings for children it has to be different. It is important that the child takes part in the creative process and enjoys it. It is the only way the illustration will represent a legacy for both the children and the parents as well. And that is what is truly beautiful!

After that the first realisations within the Ushush project started to be born. The most important for me is the respect to the given space and the creative potential of the child. My role is only to give the children the necessary impulse and motivation and to lead them in the different phases of the process so that the work could be successfully finished.

Children need freedom but naturally, each child is different.

WHAT DOES THE CREATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE? Children, or rather their parents, address me with a more or less specific idea. After that it is important to meet with them and clarify the expectation and view the interior designated for the illustration. The rest is about the communication with children. I start with drawings and sketches and slowly lead them towards the theme of the illustration. Then we continue across colours towards the realisation itself. For example, a canvas painting can be thusly done in only three days.

SO HOW MUCH DO YOU INTERFERE WITH THE ILLUSTRATION? Mostly I can influence the colours and thus the interior as well. It is mainly up to me which colours I give to the children. â–ş

RIGHT AND NEXT PAGE: Children’s drawings do not have to all colourful and still they can be cute: the grey decoration of the hallway is a sufficient proof. In addition to the paint Dada designed mailboxes from a light wood. Each of the five children living in the house has gotten their own. Apart from posting the letters to Baby Jesus, the children can send letters to each other and play postmen throughout the entire year!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT THIS KIND OF CREATION? It is very inspiring. Children are genuine and spontaneous. I can instantly tell what they like and what they dislike. It is a refreshing kind of communication and very different from the one with adults. Spontaneity and informality are the foundation for success.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT? Within the project I have just started to organise creative workshops for children. You can get to know more about them on the Facebook page: Galerie umění pro děti (Gallery of Art for Children). Apart from that I also started to organise my own little art school where I paint and draw with children for six months and the result of their work is a book.

HOW MANY PROJECTS WITHIN THE USHUSH PROJECT ARE THERE? About 13 – ranging from children’s bedrooms, canvas paintings made as a present for someone, decorating venues to the mentioned hallway.

IT IS THE HALLWAY DECORATED WITHIN THE USHUSH PROJECT IS WHAT INTERESTS US. COULD YOUTELL US MORE ABOUT IT? The owners of a Prague villa with five flats asked me to design a concept of a three floor staircase. I cooperated with architects on the design of the entrance door: mainly concerning the technical solutions but the main decoration of the interior was given in the hands of the children living in the house. My only influence was the colour scheme – I gave the children grey and white. Due to the fact that the hallway was being realised before Christmas, the children decided to turn the first floor mezzanine into a gallery of letters addressed to Baby Jesus. And because all the children in the house unanimously love animals, the favourite motive of the gallery is a cat :). I added little details from spruce plywood and designed five mailboxes: one for each child, and wooden letters.

For more info go to www.facebook.com/ushush.cz ■

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S TO RY B O O K S There is no Christmas without them!

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STO R IE S NOT O N LY F O R C H I L DR EN text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

IT WOULD BE NO CHRISTMAS WITHOUT FAIRYTALES AND SO WE PRESENT YOU WITH A SELECTION OF THOSE WE WOULD WISH FOR OURSELVES! AMONG THE SELECTED TITLES YOU WILL FIND NOT ONLY THE NEWEST BOOKS FOR OUR LITTLE ONES BUT ALSO THE CLASSICS WHICH HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME AND WILL NEVER GROW OLD. OVER THIS CHRISTMAS TRY TO MAKE SOME TIME FOR AT LEAST ONE FAIRYTALE! GHOST STORIES Jason Hook The Ivy Press in English

Even fairytales can be scary sometimes! With the Ghost Stories image book you can create over 1000 combinations of horror stories featuring various ghosts and poltergeists. The book contains a guide to the biggest ghosts in the history of literature.

GELATOLOGY Studio Fludd Edition lidu in English

The Gelatology Micro/Macro image booklet by the Studio Fludd is a true visual feast. It is an artistic experiment concerning visual and conceptual analogies between ice cream and geology. Doesn’t it sound heavenly?

SLUSH MOUNTAIN Bjørn Rune Lie Baobab in Czech

Do you like to go to the mountains? Do you like skiing? If your answer is yes you will fall in love with this picture book by Bjørn Rune Lie, a young Norwegian author. This humorous book full of winter joy and happiness is an ideal companion! ►

GENDARMES’ STORIES FOR ADULTS Michal Dlouhý Pragonline in Czech

Do you like detective stories? If yes, you will fall in love in this book. It contains stories based on real events from the era between 1850 and 1945. The gendarmes’ profession brings up the concept of the eternal struggle between good and evil: after all, that is exactly what fairytales are about!

LEGO ARCHITECTURE - THE VISUAL GUIDE Philip Wilkinson Dorling Kindersley in English

Will your children find a box of LEGO under the Christmas tree this year? Why not to join them and built something yourself as well?

The book LEGO Architecture / the Visual Guide can be your source of inspiration; it contains the world’s famous buildings built from this popular construction toy! It is an ideal gift for the lovers of LEGO and architecture!

CZECH FAIRYTALES Karel Jaromír Erben, Božena Němcová Vitalis in English

Would you like to get to know more about the Czech culture and literature? Get started with fairytales. The selection Czech Fairytales represents the best collected by Božena Němcová and Karel Jaromír Erben in the 19th century.

The stories such as those of the Firebird and the Princess with the Golden Star should appear on your Christmas to-do list! ►

KYTICE (A BOUQUET OF FOLK LEGENDS) Karel Jaromír Erben Fragment in Czech

To have this Czech classic at home is simply a must! The collection of ballads inspired by Czech folk legends and representing Romanticism will charm you with its dramatic and rich plot.

DANINGWELL RIDGE Jindřich Janíček Edition lidu in English

This book by Jindřich Janíček, a young student of the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, was awarded one of the Art Books Wanted awards in 2014. It is an illustrated comic book telling a story from a little town in the Wild West where an unpredictable event stirs the flow of the local life.

TREE HOUSES. FAIRY TALE CASTLES IN THE AIR Philip Jodidio Taschen e-kniha for iPad, in English

This book was created specifically for iPad. It is an interactive gallery of 49 tree houses (including houses, coffee shops and hotels) from all around the world with a fairytale commentary. ■

BECO ME O U R PA R T N ER www.soffamag.com terezia@soffamag.com | +420 775 555 035

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WE LIKE TO COOPERATE AND PARTICIPATE IN INTERESTING PROJECTS! EVEN YOU OR YOUR COMPANY CAN BE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE, MAKE YOURSELF SEEN ON OUR WEB. DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US. WE WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

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L I V I N G BY S O F FA The children’s room makeover

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LENKA DESIGNED THE ROOM SO THAT LITTLE JULIE WOULD HAVE ENOUGH SPACE FOR PLAYING IN THE CENTRE OF IT. THE CARPET IS PERFECTLY PRACTICAL FOR SITTING ON THE FLOOR!

RO O M FO R A PR I N C ES S text: Adéla Kudrnová | design and styling: Lenka Hlaváčová realisation: Antonín Cífka | photo: Lina Németh

MARCELA HANKE, A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND OUR FRIEND, HAS A LITTLE DAUGHTER JULIE. WHEN THEY MOVED IN A NEW FLAT SOME TIME AGO, MARCELA MADE FOR HER DAUGHTER A PROVISIONAL BEDROOM WITH THE PLAN TO INVEST MORE IN THE FURNISHING OF THE ROOM IN THE FUTURE. NOW, WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, SHE ASKED US TO HELP TO TRANFORM THE ROOM. HAVE A LOOK AT THE RESULT OF LENKA’S DESIGN! Marcela and Julia let us do what we considered the best. The only things they specifically wished for were: sufficient storage, sealing of the door to the kitchen and covering of the other door, swing, cosmetic corner, settee or a seating area. ►

COLOUR PALETTE

LEFT: The new dispositional solution of the room ensures enough light for working on the desk, feeling of safety in the bed and a lot of space for playing!

THE ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE AMONG JULIE’S NEW TOYS IS WASHI STRAPS – YOU CAN ATTACH ANYTHING!

THE PROBLEMS OF THE ORIGINAL ROOM: The old room was unsuitable for a little lady for several reasons: ∞ lack of storage room for clothes and toys; it was necessary to provide more space for the Julia’s and her Mum’s stuff ∞ missing worktop ∞ dim lights ∞ not enough variable area for playing ∞ disturbing effects and light coming through the glass door OUR SOLUTION: Firstly, it was important to agree on the budget. The entire makeover was supposed to range between 15.000 and 20.000 CZK (approximately 540 – 720 EUR) and that was the foundation for Lenka’s design. Simultaneously, Marcela wanted the room to ‘grow‘ with Julie without requiring any further big expenditure. Here are our solutions: ∞ We solved the lack of storage by changing the disposition of the room.

We created a little dressing room with storage area on the wall and with the possibility of serving as a storage area for bigger toys. We separated the dressing room with a curtain which corresponds with the curtains.

Thus the room looks a lot more organised. We created leach and variable storage areas in the dressing room which can be additionally complemented in the future. We installed old kitchen wall sticks and thus created an area for storing scarves and belts. ∞ We kept the practical and quality pieces of furniture from the original room – the bed and the wardrobe. We painted the wardrobe white and replaced the back part. ► LEFT: The new room allowed enough space for a dream swing and a cosmetic corner! If needed the swing can be ‘folded‘ to the ceiling so it is not in the way!

THE NEW ROOM GIVES PLENTY OF SPACE TO CREATIVE GAMES: BE IT COSMETIC CORNER, BOARD WALL OR A NOTICE-BOARD ON THE DOOR.

∞ We added a desk with adjustable. height and a chair. When Julie wants to play, she can sit down to a low chest of drawers. ∞ We changed the main chandelier, added a new bed lamp, a lamp next to the desk and a little lamp in the dressing room. ∞ A new area for playing was created between the desk and the bed. The toys can be stored under the bed or in the chest of drawers. Areas where Julie can play are provided by swing and drawing board by the door. ∞ The seating area was provided by adjusting the area around the bed.

Now it is possible to comfortable lean and the bed, when covered by a throw, serves as a settee for visitors. The bed is possible to extend to a double bed which, in case it is needed, fits in. ∞ The problem with disturbing light coming through the glass door was solved by replacing the door with drawing board. ∞ We chose neutral colours and limited the ‘child‘ colours only for accessories. When Julie grows up and will want to give it a grown-up look, it will be easier and cheaper. Julie’s favourite colour – pink – was complemented by Lenka’s blue on curtains and other accessories, which makes the room look more balanced. ∞ The decoration was easily and cheaply provided by handmade clouds, washi straps etc.: thus the decoration can be frequently changed! ■

RIGHT: By moving the wardrobe further in the space we created a small practical dressing room which we also separated by a curtain. Apart from clothes in the wardrobe (which we unified by white paint) there is enough room for bigger toys such bounces and bicycles.

BEFORE

EQUIPMENT WE USED: IKEA: hanging seat Ekorre, mirror Kolja, lamps Snöig, rug IKEA PS 2014, Tornliden tabletop, table legs Olov, clothes bar Mulig, hangers and hooks Grundtal, chest of drawers Nordli, curtain wire Dignitet, paper boxes Pingla, a lamp shade Jära, cord set Sekond, quilt cover and pillowcases Stenklöver, shelf Ekby Osten, brackets Ekby Stödis, turquoise pillow and pillow with a squirrel STOCKIST: Pantone baby chair SPACE4KIDS: crochet round rug, crocheted poof, suitcase Lištička, magnetic animals, rattle Hedgehog, cushions Holly and Blue Owl BOCONCEPT: grey cushion OYOY: leather pencil cup LÁTKY MRÁZ: fabrics for curtains and curtain for the locker room HORNBACH: a new back panel for the wardrobe, a panel on the door, metal brackets, installation material BALAKRYL: white and black paint

7 TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A DREAM ROOM FOR CHILDREN: When planning the room, first agree with your child what they would want from it. Balance your child’s wishes with your budget!

When transforming the room you do not have to necessarily get rid of everything. Decide which pieces of furniture are good to keep. Sometimes it only needs a new paint!

In the case of a room for a child colours are crucial. Think about how long your child will be happy with a room painted all pink or blue. Choose the colour scheme with regards to the fact that your child will be growing.

Therefore, we recommend white background because toys are already so colourful that they will give the room a cosy look.

Plan the disposition with lots of storage areas (for toys and clothes) and with an area designated for playing. After all, playing is what a child’s room is all about!

Cosiness and homeliness can be achieved by textiles and decorations.

For textiles choose simple patterns which would go together. The result will be cute and funny. You do not have to spend too much money on decorations. The best decorations are handmade paper pieces, washi straps, drawing boards etc.

Do not forget about a sufficiently big worktop. It is important that your child has their own desk where they will get used to concentrate on playing, drawing and other activities. This habit will be useful not only for school but also later for work!

Do not underestimate lighting. Your child should have enough light by the desk. It is also important to cover the windows to ensure good sleep.

E D ITO R I A L S TA F F www.soffamag.com

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ADÉLA KUDRNOVÁ editor in chief

LINA NÉMETH photographer

adela@soffamag.com

info@soffamag.com

LENKA HLAVÁČOVÁ art director | designer

ANTONÍN CÍFKA production manager

lenka@soffamag.com

antonin@soffamag.com

KATEŘINA KREJČÍ english translation

MARTINA SULKOVÁ social media

TERÉZIA BĚLČÁKOVÁ marketing & PR terezia@soffamag.com | +420 775 555 035

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CO N T R I B UTO R S JULIA GARTLAND www.juliagartland.com MARKÉTA HLAVÁČKOVÁ www.marketinacukrarna.cz ALŽBĚTA JUNGROVÁ twitter.com/AlzbetaJungrova KVĚTINOVÉ LAHŮDKÁŘSTVÍ www.wegrowflowers.cz

ZUZANA KUBÍČKOVÁ cargocollective.com/zuzanakubickova JANKA MURÍNOVÁ murja@email.cz BÁRA PERGLOVÁ baraperglova.com RICE www.rice.dk

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