Gunhilds Silver and Papercut Wonders...

Every time we go to Minneapolis, I always make sure to visit the American Swedish Institute, housed in the historic Turnblad mansion, built in 1908. My wonderful Sister-in-law came with me this year! My Husbands Grandmother, Gunhild, was a prominent figure at the Institute in her lifetime, and left many lasting memories. Years ago, she began the tradition of installing Christmas Tables and Trees, one for each country in Scandinavia, in the beautiful rooms of the mansion. When she died, memorial money went into the purchase of silver cutlery for the Swedish room. It is vintage Gense Silver, in the Vassa pattern.

I was so excited to be allowed permission to take a photo of her silver (and only after trumpeting Gunhilds name, whom everyone knew!) that I didn't get a photo of the full table set for 12. I did manage to sneak a photo of this years tree, full of swedish flag garlands, and the beautiful chandelier in the middle of the room.

Much to my delight, the museum also had a Danish Papercutting Exhibit with wonderful work by Minnesota native Cynthia McKeen. Feeling brave with my camera, (I know Gunhild wouldn't have minded...) I took some photos to share with you. There was a special paper cutting of the Turnblad mansion that McKeen has designed for the 100th anniversary of the completion of the mansion in 2008. This four-layer standing piece depicts the outside of the mansion, whimsically surrounded by figures inspired by Swedish stories and culture. A tomte stands by the front gate, and trolls, birds, and even Santa Lucia can be seen floating above the castle.

I loved her original interpretation's of 'The Princess And The Pea', and 'The Rose Bush' beautifully displayed hanging by big open windows...

There was a marvelous display showing Cynthia's process, from initial drawings and scissor cuts, to multiple cuts with rubber-cushion dies.

My favorite part of the exhibit, by far, was the 'Christmas Table Setting' in the middle of the room, filled with Cynthia's papercut trees, like a winter wonderland come to life!!! The last photo, showing more papercut trees, is from the Danish Immigrant Museum where Cynthia recently had another exhibit. Now my fingers are itching to cut a winter wonderland of my own, I hope this post may have inspired you to do the same!!!
(Cynthia's papercut trees are available for purchase online HERE!)

Comments

[secretleaves]

This work is beautiful, Ulla. Do you know the artist who does papercut dioramas that rise up out of the pages of books? I think I may have actually found her on your blog. Can't remember the artist's name though. Does any of this ring a bell?

Sharon

[suzanne]

Thanks for stopping by sakurasnow and for your positive comments on my 'wintery dioramas'. When you mentioned you had done a post on Scandinavian papercut trees I rushed over straight away to have a look, and I'm so glad I did. They're really magnificent! Thank you for sharing all your great photos.

[A Fanciful Twist]

How wonderful! I just love traditions and museums, and table settings, trees, and chandeliers! Those ribbons, swoon! And the paper cuts! What a thrilling excursion! xxo

[ArtsyMama]

Gorgeous, Ulla. Love the Swedish Institute!
Kari

[Stacy~Creativemuse]

Who fabulous that you have an anscetor with clout! Hehehe What a great story!
Love the chandiler and tree!
Great die cuting too wonderful link! so Special!
WarmlyWarmly,
Stacy~Creativemuse
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5023227
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52895107@N00/

[Gunnel Svensson]

you have a wonderful blog! From a swedish lady :-)

[Darla]

The trip to the museum must have been a great delight for you. The table full of white trees is both simple (in color) and complex (in execution) isn't it?

Thanks for sharing the photos.

Darla

[cruststation]

Stunning photographs, beautiful setting and a fabulous papercutting exhibition, thank you for sharing with us.

[Denise Nelson]

The paper cutting are wonderful Ulla,
What a treat for you! And to see part of your
family history so special. The soft light and
the beautiful decorations look so , like Christmas.......Sounds like you had a wonderful trip Minnesota, wow thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures... Pinkie Denise

[Helen]

So nice to see these wonderful papercuttings. I guess these are difficult to make, but I love this hobby. It is so nice to sit together with the children making some before Christmas.

[Donna O.]

So much in this post, I had to read it twice. What a special day for you, with Gunhild peeking over your shoulder. It is all so beautiful.(I'm glad you were so gutsy!)
Now, those papercuttings- Oh, my!! Spectacular!! The photo of the Christmas tree with the 'fence' around it reminds me of a crown!
Do I feel a class coming our way??
D.
D.

[lunemalo]

Your blog is a wonderland...

[Christine LeFever]

Completely awesome!

Christine

[Casey]

What a beautiful, inspiring post! All those beautiful paper cuts--so enchanting! Thank you for sharing these lovely photographs with us! :)

[susanna]

These cutouts are incredible, Ulla. Wow! So beautiful! You know, I was thinking of you today as I walked through a Michaels craft store...

[Di Overton]

Wow what amazing photos and those table settings are wonderful. I need to go back for another eye full.

[Liisa]

Lovely photos! And a familiar flag to..the blue and yellow one: Sweden where I am. It´s wonderful to read about all the wonderful places and shops you go to! I wish I could join You! I´m amased of all the wonderful christmas decorations You have. In Sweden the christmas tree and all other decorations are in place on the morning of christmas eve (24´th) or at the most the day before! We do have advent though wich starts on the first sunday of four before christmas Eve. We light one candle at the time until all four are lit and it´s christmas! I will write and show pics on my blog so do come and visit!

[shashi]

Lovely inspiring pictures thanks for sharing them. Glad to know you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

[shashi]

Lovely inspiring pictures thanks for sharing them. Glad to know you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

[Lea]

Ulla, the pictures are wonderful. I love seeing M's grandmother's legacy and the paper cuttings are a faerie tale indeed!

[Mosaic Queen]

I've always wanted to try this paper cutting technique. Someday!
Those trees are just fabulous!!!