Skogen

 The story behind the pattern "Skogen"

Two-thirds of Sweden is covered by forest, and throughout the centuries, forests and humans have lived in close harmony. For hundreds of years, the forest has been one of our most important natural resources, used for firewood, construction timber, craft materials, and fencing wood.

Birch bark was especially important for roofing and was also used for making a wide range of household items and tools. From the forest also came tar and charcoal, with charcoal becoming a key resource for Sweden's iron production and export. In the 19th century, with the expansion of the sawmill industry, the forest also gained industrial value.

According to old folklore, the forest is inhabited by many beings. The forest spirit lures wanderers astray and seduces them with its magic. Trolls, sometimes described as giants. Fairies, who can be seen dancing in meadows, open fields, and mossy grounds at sunrise and dusk. All of them are part of the forest's mystique. Then there is the raven, one of the most mythical birds, known for its wisdom – a bird said to see and hear everything.

Designer Åse Öjbro, founder of Öjbro Vantfabrik, creates with wearable art as her foundation. She previously worked as an artist, painting for many years before choosing to express herself through functional products. She has created this illustrative pattern featuring the king of the forest in a clearing framed by dense spruce forest.

- I love our Right of Public Access, this wonderful opportunity that allows all of us to be out in the forest and experience its scents and sounds. Stepping into the forest feels magical; it brings balance and perspective to my life. For me, the forest is a kind of balm for the soul. As a child, I read many fairy tales about forest beings. When I first saw John Bauer's wonderful illustrations, I fell instantly in love. Through this pattern, I want to honor the Swedish Right of Public Access, and in my interpretation I placed the king of the forest, the moose, together with the mythical raven at the center of the design.