Written by Yanka

Written by Yanka's husband and site manager RF

​Cottagecore is a popular aesthetic that celebrates a simple, rural life. It's all about connecting with nature, enjoying the beauty of the countryside, and appreciating the simple things in life.

If you have a cottagecore lover in your life, you may be wondering what to get them for their next birthday or holiday. Here are a few ideas for cottagecore gifts that they are sure to love:

​Hand-knit or crocheted items. Handmade items are always appreciated, and cottagecore lovers are sure to love hand-knit or crocheted items such as sweaters, hats, scarves, and blankets. I have made many such items and you can find these handmade products in my shop here .
​
Natural products. Cottagecore lovers appreciate the simple things in life, and they are often drawn to natural products. Some great gift ideas include organic soaps, bath bombs, lotions, and candles. You can also give them a gift certificate to a local farm or farmers market where they can buy fresh produce and other natural products.

Flowers and plants. Cottagecore lovers love nature, so flowers and plants are always a great gift idea. You can give them a bouquet of fresh flowers, a potted plant, or even a gift certificate to a local nursery.

​Vintage, antique or vintage style items. Cottagecore lovers often have a love for vintage and antique items. You can find unique vintage and antique gifts online or at local thrift stores and flea markets and also check out my Hand Embroidery and Bead Embroidery sections. Although my items are contemporary (well, I made them all), many of them fit nicely into the vintage style definition.

​Cottagecore-themed books and movies. If the cottagecore lover in your life enjoys reading or watching movies, you can give them a cottagecore-themed book or movie. There are many great cottagecore books and movies available, such as "Little Women," "Pride and Prejudice," and "The Secret Garden."
​
If you're looking for a truly unique and special gift, you can create a cottagecore gift basket. Fill the basket with a variety of cottagecore-themed items, such as handmade items, natural products, flowers and plants, vintage or antique items, and cottagecore-themed books and movies.

Here are a few tips for creating a cottagecore gift basket:

Choose a basket that is made from natural materials, such as wicker or wood.
Line the basket with a piece of fabric or a doily.
Take a look at my COTTAGECORE GIFTS COLLECTION.
Fill the basket with a variety of cottagecore-themed items. You can include a mix of handmade items, natural products, flowers and plants, vintage or antique items, and cottagecore-themed books and movies.
Wrap the basket with a ribbon or a piece of string.
Add a handwritten note to the basket.
No matter what you choose, the cottagecore lover in your life is sure to appreciate the thought and effort you put into their gift.

​I just finished wood burning this plywood tissue box and I really like how it turned out. It features four different Celtic Dogs designs including the one I burned on the inside. The box is covered with glossy water-based varnish and it should serve you for a long time.
Whether you're a lover of Celtic art, a collector of unique pieces, or someone seeking to infuse your space with character, this tissue box holds a special place. It's ready to journey to its new home, shipped with care and consideration via Eco Post with a reliable tracking option.
Click on the picture to buy it for a very modest price of $80 with free shipping.

Pyrography (wood burning) is the art of using a heated tool to create intricate designs on various surfaces, primarily wood. This technique involves controlled burning to achieve detailed patterns, resulting in a unique visual effect. Throughout history, pyrography has been employed to decorate objects, convey symbolism, and even communicate cultural narratives.

In the context of Celtic art, dogs were often featured in designs due to their significance in Celtic mythology and society. These depictions represented loyalty, protection, and kinship. For instance, the "Celtic hound" motif is known for its elongated, graceful form, reflecting the Celts' reverence for these animals.

Exploring the historical repertoire of Celtic dog designs reveals a variety of stylized representations, from intricate knotwork patterns to fluid, curvilinear renditions. These designs were utilized in various artifacts, such as jewelry, manuscripts, and woodwork.

I am happy to present you my Celtic creation and I'd like to know your opinion on it.

​Medieval art and illumination offer a captivating glimpse into the past, where talented artists expressed their creativity through intricate drawings and vibrant colors. Within these beautifully crafted manuscripts, one can find a fascinating array of peculiar creatures that sparked the imagination of both the artists and the people of that time.

These manuscripts, known as illuminated manuscripts, were meticulously created by skilled artists called illuminators. They painstakingly handwrote texts and adorned them with elaborate illustrations and decorative designs. These precious works of art were often commissioned by wealthy patrons or religious institutions.

​Among the enchanting imagery found in illuminated manuscripts are the depictions of peculiar creatures. These fantastical beings played a significant role in medieval art and symbolism. Artists drew inspiration from mythology, folklore, and religious beliefs to create these extraordinary creatures.

For example, the griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, symbolized strength and nobility. Artists skillfully depicted the griffin with intricate details, showcasing its majestic presence.

​Another captivating creature frequently encountered in medieval illuminations is the unicorn. This legendary creature, resembling a horse with a single horn on its forehead, was associated with purity and enchantment. Artists rendered the unicorn with grace and elegance, capturing the imagination of viewers.

Dragons, with their fierce appearance and mythical attributes, held a prominent place in medieval art. These majestic creatures embodied power and represented both good and evil. Artists portrayed dragons with scales, wings, and fiery breath, showcasing their awe-inspiring presence.

​Beyond these mythical creatures, illuminated manuscripts also depicted scenes from daily life during medieval times. Artists captured the essence of castles, knights, villages, and lively markets, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions and customs of the era.

Medieval art and illumination were deeply rooted in religious beliefs and cultural practices. Artists often incorporated symbolism and allegory into their works, aiming to convey moral or spiritual messages. These manuscripts were not only sources of knowledge but also reflections of the beliefs and values of the medieval society.

By exploring the world of medieval art and illumination, we gain insight into the creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination of those who lived centuries ago. These peculiar creatures and rich traditions continue to inspire and captivate audiences today, connecting us to a fascinating era of human history.

Let's step into a world where celestial symbolism intertwines with medieval artistry, as Yanka presents a mesmerizing diptych artwork. This masterpiece portrays the essence of Day or Sun through the majestic form of a Lion, while Night or Moon takes shape in the enigmatic mythological creature Sea Wolf.
Drawing inspiration from mythologies across different nations, Yanka's diptych artwork embodies the universal symbols of Day and Night. The Lion, representing the Sun and the radiant Day, has been revered in numerous cultures for its regal nature and association with strength and vitality. From the ancient Egyptian deity Sekhmet to the Greek mythological figure Hercules, the lion has held a significant place in myth and legend, symbolizing power and nobility. It's a reminder of the power we hold within ourselves.
In contrast, the Sea Wolf, an intriguing mythological creature embodying the Moon and the enchanting Night, weaves its way into folklore from various cultures. From Norse mythology's Fenrir, the monstrous wolf, to the Japanese legends of the Tsukuyomi, the moon god associated with the wolf, the creature has represented mystery, intuition, and the transformative nature of the night. But don't look it up in Medieval Bestiaries. It was created by Yanka herself by adding the element of the sea, deeply related to Moon by means of the tide, to a more conventional image of a wolf in the best traditions of Medieval Arts.
​
Complementing the profound symbolism and Medieval style, both artworks are delicately framed in antique-looking frames. These frames add a touch of elegance and authenticity, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the diptych. The gold-plated frame, cradling the majestic lion, exudes regality and grandeur, while the silver-plated frame embracing the Sea Wolf imparts an air of mystery and moonlit elegance. These antique frames provide the perfect finishing touch, showcasing Yanka's attention to detail and commitment to creating an immersive artistic experience.

Yanka's diptych artwork is a magnificent fusion of celestial symbolism and medieval artistry, crafted with love and passion. It speaks to the depths of our souls, inviting us to explore the spiritual connections that transcend time and culture. With each stroke, Yanka transports us to a realm where spirituality and medieval art become one.

​So, take a leap into the magical world of Yanka's art. Let the symbolism ignite your imagination and touch your spirit. Embrace the charm of the medieval era and allow yourself to be captivated by the profound stories whispered by her diptych artwork. It's an experience that will leave you feeling inspired, enchanted, and connected to something greater.

Yanka started to draw again!!!!

I am happy to share with you that Yanka has recently started drawing and painting again and has even learned a new technique called 'grattage'. Grattage is the process of creating texture and patterns by scraping or scratching the surface of a painting using various tools such as sandpaper, wire brushes, or even the edge of a coin or a toothpick.

Many famous artists throughout history have employed grattage in their works. Max Ernst, a surrealist painter, used it to create abstract textures and shapes, while Joan Miró used it to add texture to his paintings and create interesting patterns.

Yanka always loved Medieval art and she finds it deeply inspiring. She decided to use grattage to create would-be woodblock prints and produced a series of colorful fantasy artworks inspired by Medieval animal art. The use of grattage in her paintings enhances their texture and provides an added layer of depth, which brings her Medieval animal art to life.

These three artworks are already framed and ready to ship. They are sold together as a tryptich, and you can buy them here or in our RubyLane shops (choose your option below).

More art is coming soon! Yanka doesn't like to show her unfinished projects, but I can tell you that there  will be another Medieval dyptich 'Night and Day' featuring fantasy animals, a couple of whimsical cats and much more. So wait for it or write in the comments if you want to see it now.

Many things happened since my last blog post. First of all, we moved. We left the apartment we rented for some 15 years and moved to another town where life should be less expensive. It was a rather traumatic experience for us and for our two dogs and three cats too.

Life wasn't easy ever since, but when was it easy? Nonetheless, my wife Yanka kept pushing forward, creating more and more beautiful things and learning new skills on the way.
We opened a shop on RubyLane site and had some nice sales there in the beginning. People really loved Yanka's bead embroidered necklaces, so she kept working with beads, and created many cute beaded brooches in brick stitch or peyote technique.
Here are few of my favorites:

Click on the pictures to see more of them.

 But what about Barbie, and dresses, and crochet? Yes, it's the biggest news and the whole new product line for Yanka and for our online store. She love little things, miniatures, scaled models, and she makes them so cute, so beautiful, so detailed! The pictures ain't half as good as the little dresses themselves. Here's my best pictures so far, but if you click the button here

then youi'll see them all, and if you wanna see more just tell us!

Click each picture to enlarge it.
So' if you are a Barbie collector or know someone who collects, and loves, and plays with these dolls, Yanka offers an opportunity to enrich their wardrobe and make them truly special!
​SHE ALSO ACCEPTS CUSTOM ORDERS!

Few last months were hard on us, we both fell sick with some nasty flu, one of the little kitties that we took in before the winter cold fell sick too after sterilization, and were other troubles too, so I didn't even send the newsletter to our subscribers, because there was no news.
But Yanka kept working through all these hard times, looking for inspiration in books and ancient art, and first she created this ​MEDIEVAL LION KEEPSAKE BOX.

Click on the link or the picture to see more of it. I know that I'm a lousy photographer, but this little box really 'wanted to shine' and let me take pictures of it from every possible side and angle.

The second product is a new hoop art that I called 'Silent walk through fall forest in Japan', but we decided to shorten it and call this embroidery 'JAPANESE FOREST'.

When I look at it I feel joy and calmness, this bright, colorful embroidered painting looks almost three dimentional, and it makes me want to go for a nice, relaxed walk (if only in my dreams, we live in a big, busy and noisy city, so this embroidery hoop art is more like a window into another reality for me).
I think many of you can relate to my words above. We live in a hectic world, and we all need beauty in our life, the more the better.
​Click on the link above or on the picture to see more images of this hoop art and to buy it.

Don't forget to tell you what do you think of Yanka's new products in the comments!