Arts and Crafts In Vienna, Austria – 10 Surprising Beauties
Vienna is a powerful and impressive city. Covered in history, I was impressed by the scope of everything, and the details were stunning. Even in the early spring I appreciated the expansive gardens and immaculate topiaries.
I enjoyed the combination of historical handworks and modern cultural exhibitions. Come along and admire the skill and surprises of Vienna, Austria.
Gorgeous Hand Embroidery
Not only is the detail immaculate, but the thread is equally impressive. I enjoyed hunting for little surprises like this as I walked the streets. You can see the French Knots at the base of the column; they are a surprising element that I really appreciated.
Small Fabric Shops
There were not many little shops like this one, but I sure spotted some lovely material. Something that seems common in European cities is that there isn’t always established hours open, but there is a sign on the door with a number of who to contact if you want to go shopping.
For how big the city and buildings actually are, it’s still got a small feeling in places; especially because the shops are downstairs but the residencies are on the top.
No Straight Lines In Nature
The Hundertwasserhaus is owned by the city of Vienna. They rent it out just like any other apartment building. The designer, Friedrichsreich Hundertwasser, believed that there were no straight lines in nature which is greatly reflected in this structure.
Because it is a residence you can’t tour it, but there is an extensive gift shop/cafe opposite of it that is built in the same style. Even the stairs have a curvature that surprises you.
I Spotted a Gnome!
This sweet window display contained crochet, traditional costumes, and a few little gnomes. How cute!
Bunnies!
Aren’t these bunny bags so sweet? They are a simple design, but done so well. I love that the floppy ears just barely cover the eyes. A pattern for this bag would fit well into my Easter Basket post, don’t you think?
Handcraft – Wound Thread
I was first drawn to this display because of the obvious creativity, but as I looked more closely I discovered that the flowers are created using wire and wound thread. I often try to picture the people who made some of this old art. I’m amazed at what was created before the technology and available resources of our time.
Spanish Riding School of Vienna
Lipizzaner horses are breathtaking! I got to watch two morning workout sessions at the Spanish Riding School. Pictured above is the winter school where I was up close and personal to the spectacular capabilities and talents of the famous horses and riders.
Did you know that the classical tradition of training the Lipizzaners is strictly oral?! It was truly a treat.
Kahlenberg
There are a few old wells in Vienna; they are surrounded by a metal cage of sorts for safety. This one, in Kahlenberg is the only one I spotted with anything on it. It’s interesting for all the color and I think a locked-up quilt would be super cool.
Kahlenberg Mountain offers a beautiful view of the Danube Valley, and it’s particularly remarkable at night. It reminded me of Las Vegas from a distance because you can see landmarks, the city proper, and you can identify the definite boundary.
Calycanthaceae
Yes, I love flowers; and in the starkness of winter I love to find signs of life and beauty. In German, this is called Chinesische Winterblute, or Chinese Winter Flower. I love it, and I think it would make beautiful inspiration for a quilt!
Window Displays
Here is another lovely display of old hand craft. Even wonder why we don’t embellish our pictures like this anymore? Perhaps it can come back into popularity.
We can certainly learn a lot from historical hand craft. I love to be surprised and impressed with the precision and creativity of others.
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