“Into the Woods We Go” – A Woodlands Adventure-
You have probably seen many cute forest animals in fabric prints, fashion and children’s decor. These little creatures likely fall into the “Woodlands” style category. Think of the trendy fox that was quite popular recently. (By the way, the fox is currently being replaced by the trending Llama!)
Let’s start with a few Woodlands style items to give you a bigger picture of this fun option. It’s not all about cute furry forest animals…..
I’m quite a woodsy girl – a little natural with a sprinkle of tough and a dash of an adventurer. Put me out in the woods in my happy place with a plaid shirt, jeans, some boots, and a funky pair of earrings and I’m all set 😉 Here is an example of my favourite woodland earrings and have just been made available this fall – Hawk Eye gemstone swinging with attitude on brass chain and sterling silver ear wires, because I’m all about the earrings.
But we still need to complete our tour of the Woodlands adventure. What about “plaid”. Thank goodness plaid is still on trend. I have been wearing plaid shirts since my University days and I am not ready to give it up.
Woodlands in much more than plaid and cute forest animals. It is about rustic finishing with a cozy feel. Think Canadian lumberjack, little cabin in the back woods, native Canadian back country living.
These fun finds are from some great handmade Canadian companies listed on Etsy.
- The Cottage Basin – Alberta
- Country Stitched – Manitoba
- The Urban Hedge Hog – Ontario
The Cottage Basin from Redwood Meadows, Alberta is full of rustic wooden decor with custom woodsy signage & serving trays. This piece is perfect to serve warm cocoa by the backyard fire. Everything in this picture screams “woodlands” and country living. I know personally that Tanya also uses reclaimed wood to design items in her home.
Country Stitched is also a Canadian company from Morris, Manitoba. Ashley lives on a 26 acre parcel of land with a hobby farm in rural Manitoba where she works and creates. I would love this blanket for myself. “Adventure awaits” – it’s so true for any location. Now just image sitting by your warm fire in the winter with your little munchkin snuggled up beside you with this cozy blanket.
woodlands minky blanket red/black
The Urban Hedge Hog, run by a family team in Guelph, Ontario is a handmade fun and stylish kids item shop. Miriam, an elementary school music teacher along with Cheryl, a retired grandmother having fun creating, have produced this mountain mobile and are putting the wonder of the world into little peoples minds at an early age. Creating a love of nature and opportunities to see the world are some of the best gifts a parent can offer, other than love and snuggles of course!
- Willow and Mahogany
- Willow and Mahogany
By now, you should be getting a good feel for what Woodlands is. We need to add some plaid into this picture now.
This beautiful red plaid tartan blanket scarf is what I need. Nicole of Willow And Mahogany in Whitehouse, Ohio is the designer of this super cozy soft cotton piece. A walking through the woods we go in this beauty!
Anything to keep you warm, yet still stylish, in the woods and give you a lumberjack feel in a trending era is a great thing.
- The Cottage Basin
- Stone Willow
- Country Stitched
Need a cuppa? or maybe a cuppa holder? The Cottage Basin
Send a message of love to your sweet heart? Heart Bracelet
More warm cozy blankets in monotone? (monotone is also super trendy) Minky blanket in monotone
Woodlands are about an enchanted forest or a fantasy forest. Something that Snow White or Little Red Riding Hood would have sauntered through. Picture a woodlands scenery of pine cones, wreathes, antlers, fir trees, birch bark and walnuts. Full of flora and fauna such as deer, moose, owls, fox, rabbit, perhaps even Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
- Country Stitched
- Stone Willow
- Balaviti Designs
Woodlands for sweet girls: Minky blanket for girls
Bears to remind you that nature is protective and full of wonder: bear earrings
Keeping their precious little heads warm: beanie
This adorable beanie is made by Melanie in Calgary, Alberta. Her shop called Balaviti Designs offers functional clothing and accessories for children using bright, bold and cheerful colours. I just love the choice of fabric on this hat! Wishing I still had a little one to put this on:)
Well, I think this about sums up my version of Woodlands. It’s a childhood memory, a lifestyle and a nurturing innocent upbringing.
The links to the above shops, including my own, are listed below. I hope you enjoy poking around their online storefronts for the many wonderful handmade and local products offered.
The Cottage Basin: The Cottage Basin
Country Stitched: Country Stitched
The Urban Hedgehog: The Urban Hedgehog
Willow And Mahogany: Willow And Mahogany
Balaviti Designs: Balaviti Designs
Stone Willow: Stone Willow
Have a wonderful day full of adventure!
Nicole