Hungarian Souvenir: Felt Applique Pillows

I try really hard to shop smart on vacations, to buy GOOD souvenirs – things I will use daily and treasure.  Last year, I had very little space to bring home Hungarian souvenirs so I bought (what I thought were) a few small treasures.  But the results were mixed… I bought:

• A few handmade cotton blouses (they shrunk even in cold water and now don’t fit me)
• Pretty felt coin purse (I use it all the time)
• Handmade bracelet (doesn’t go with anything)
• Gorgeous horn hair comb

The hair comb, which I bought from a Hungarian artisan who handcrafted each piece, was going to be the shining star of my Hungarian souvenirs.  I do a lot of messy updos, so I thought I’d be a perfect candidate for this comb, but I never have the time to fuss with it.  If I do, I end up feeling silly and pry it back out of my hair.

Some Hungarian Souvenirs I Have Loved:

• Embroidery supplies (I stocked up once I got into embroidery)
• Hungarian embroidery (it’s stunning, but choose colors that work with your decor/taste so it is used and enjoyed)
• Paprika (if you’re allowed to bring it into your country – DO)
• Enamel jewelry (we found a little gallery and bought a few pieces)
• Enamel artwork (below)

I spent a lot of time going to local craft fairs and Christmas markets during this last trip, and finding that type of art/craft ended up being much more exciting than some of the more touristy options.  So if you have a chance to connect with makers, I really recommend it!

Other Good Souvenir Ideas:

Picking up on that idea, the watercolor from Paris is still much loved.

The tray in our bathroom is also from Paris and it is not only a daily reminder of our trip but also an item we were going to buy anyway.

I think one trick to buying good souvenirs is to buy something I would have wanted to buy at home – something on the “need-ish want” list.  I also think art is the way to go, something handcrafted and special that you can’t buy at home…

Hungarian Felt Applique Pillows:

On my most recent four month research trip, my Mom had a good idea: investing in something really “Hungarian” that will make a nice design statement at home.  She bought four of these gorgeous, hand cut felt wool pillow covers (done in a traditional Hungarian style).  They were $50 each in our currency.  Plus they packed flat for shipping!  This is a dying craft and looks so amazing in real life because of the intricate detail and texture.  The set (all the same cream on cream) will look fabulous on a sofa, across a bed, or split up across two armchairs.  Drool.

The place where we bought them had a custom option, but I went back three times during their business hours to place an order and they were closed each time!  And then I ran out of time to order because they needed six weeks.  I regret not being able to get my own custom pillows, but luckily my Mom shared two of hers with me!

She had bought all of the cream on cream they had, otherwise I might have just bought some of my own as well.  I was torn between these options:

I’m not sure why I didn’t consider cream on black?  That would have looked amazing with my silhouette wall, because I ended up displaying these pillows in my home office.

I’m so grateful Mom shared with me!  You can find this style of wool applique pillow online from time to time, but it’s much more expensive.