I'm feeling VERY creative lately, I think it's due to the friends I've made here in Germany (and in other countries nearby) and being around so many ladies who are so into all things handmade, it's absolutely inspiring. All of my friends are making something by hand and I find it very motivating too. I really love life in northern Germany, it's not perfect in any country but I'm satisfied with what I have and the things I've been exposed to. Wonderful!

Another thing that has been fueling my creativity lately is the access that I have to so many different cultures, I don't even have to leave Germany for this but when I do it feels almost surreal to hop over the border to another country because I'm American and when we leave our state we are still in America (unless we go up to Canada or down to Mexico of course). It's so different on this side of the pond and I'm enjoying it immensely. I was at the train station the other day and nearly fainted when I saw a train boarding for Moscow. As in Russia. That is one train I cannot take in New Hampshire! :) I traveled up to Stockholm last year for under $100 round trip and felt so appreciative of that opportunity as I'd wanted to see Sweden for most of my life. I love America but I am really having fun with this experience!

Speaking of travel and Stockholm in particular, I always think of Skona Hem magazine and their glorious monthly spreads, they feature mostly Scandinavian homes that are very impressive and I wonder how they never seem to run out of gorgeous pads to feature given that Scandinavia is not that large. But they continue to publish beautiful places... here are a few to inspire you today.

Psst: Skona Hem has a blog so you can keep up with what's going on in the world of Swedish design.

(images from skona hem)