Uncle Goose and Language Blocks

Lena and Ole searched far and wide to find high quality toys made in the United States and Scandinavia.  One of our newest items is something parents, grandparents, and great grandparents will love for those special children in their lives.  These blocks (like the old-fashioned wood blocks some of us played with growing up) are high-quality and made in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  We have blocks in stock that can help your little ones start to learn a language (or more than one) at a time when it's easier to learn — when they are learning to speak.  The blocks have letters and pictures that correspond with the various languages including Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Chinese, and, of course,

English.  The blocks range in price from $36-$40 and are of the quality that will be handed down to the next generaation.

In addition, we have a smaller set of Nursery rhyme blocks available for $14.00 plus shipping

[

Danish Boy Dolls available at Lena and Ole’s in Woodville

                             

If you are love to collect dolls, you should consider this wonderful collection created by Danish designer, Birgitte Frigast.  Birgitte Frigast designs every face herself and, with the help of a doll sculptor, creates the final look. The personality and clothes of the pixie are also designed by Birgitte Frigast, down to the very last detail. There is nothing left to chance in the production process. Birgitte Frigast checks everything from the initial stages until the pixie is finished and has "come to life".

The porcelain, which the head, hands and feet are made of, is of a quality normally only used by the likes of Royal Copenhagen. The porcelain mould is only used 30 times, after which time it is discarded and replaced by a new one. This means that our pixies, angels and fairies always have 100% perfect features.  The faces are different, giving each doll a different personality.  After glazing the porcelain is fired three times to ensure colour-fastness and prevent fading.

The clothes, which are pretty much tailor-made. are fantastic with a lot of handiwork obvious in every single figure.   All of the figures come in a beautiful gift box which is not only attractive packaging but also provides the pixies with a good resting place if they are not to be displayed all year round.

We currently have a good selection of 28 cm. pixies and 22 cm. figures in stock at Lena and Ole's in Woodville, Wisconsin.  The first picture on the right is Uld Otto, returning with his wood from the forest.    The  The next  is Bedstefar (Grandpa) Rasmus.  He's a wonderful addition to keep Bedstemor (Grandma) Maren company — she's available in a rocking chair holding one of the baby pixies.   My favorite is Albert — he looks so much like Harry Potter (as a young boy) that he could be his Danish cousin — a great Christmas gift for the Harry Potter fans!We will feature some more of the boys and girls in a future blog.   These dolls are a fabulous gift that can be handed down over the generations.  they must be seen to be really appreciated. Many (except for newest) 28 cm. dolls are $69.96 plus shipping.  Most of the 22 cm. Pixies are $45.95 plus shipping except for newest dolls.

If you are interested in more information, just e-mail us or call 715-698-4111. 

Across The Fence, by Howard Sherpe, available at Lena & Ole’s Gifts

  Across the Fence by Howard Sherpe is now available for purchase at Lena and Ole's Gifts.  Please call 715-698-4111 or stop in to purchase.  The book if $14.95.  Howard writes "Across the Fence" as a weekly column in the "Woodville Leader" and many other newspapers around the midwest.  He writes about his experiences growing up on a dairy and tobacco farm near Westby, Wisconsin, the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, everyday life — past, present, and future. It will make a great gift for someone who grew up in a small town or on the farm or just appreciates vivid writing.  We also have his second book Across the Fence and Down Country Roads with more of his great stories.  If you are looking for a perfect gift for that hard-to-buy for dad or grandpa who was raised in the country, in a small town, or on a farm — this is the perfect gift.  We also have Howard's newest book:  Across the Fence and Back to the Country.  These last two books are only $15.00 and can be ordered by calling Lena at 715-698-4111.

Howard is the creator of the Lena & Ole figures seen at Lena & Ole's Gifts in Woodville.  Lena and Ole (renamed from their original names Julia & Oscar Hanson) were the grandparents of Julie Backus (owner of Lena & Ole's Gifts) and of Howard.   

Check out the Sigvat Design Jewelry at Lena and Ole’s Gift’s in Woodville, WI

Velkommen til SigvatDesigns!               

The jewelry artist's are Kim and Kris Lerohl. sisters and third generation Norwegian Americans. Their family roots are in Valdres, a region in Norway of diverse landscape that stretches from the deep, green forests of Vassfaret to the barren, exposed mountain plateaus of the Valdresflya to Filefjell. THe Lerohl roots, in fact, history and legend, can be traced back to the 1300’s and to Ridder Sigvat of Leirhol – Knight to the King of Norway and his representative in Valdres and Hallingdal from approximately 1295-1319. It is here, where variations of style, expression, and color flourish; and, where folklore and legends enter into history, that the impulse for SigvatDesigns began.

Modeled after images found throughout Scandinavia dating from the Viking era to the present, the sisters  have hand designed gifts for everyday use. Each image is artistically crafted and unique in its artistic expression.  

Above is the Northern knot necklace (on the left) available in either pewter or in Sterling on a 18" American pewter chain or on an 17" black Greek cord.  The ear rings on the left in the same design are hypoallergennic and feature a unique lever back.  These are two of our customer's favorite pieces of Sigvat jewelry found at Lena and Ole's Gifts at great prices. 

You can view more of their jewelry on their website at www.sigvat.com.  We carry many of their ear ring and necklace designs as well as the unique wine charms. 

Perfect clothes for the new Scandinavian Baby!

Here is Lil Ole in his "first Norwegian shirt" and his "lil Norske" hat available at Lena & Ole's Gifts.  The shirt is $11.99 and the hat is $6.99.  It is also available in other nationalities and designs.  Perfect gift for the new Scandinavian baby.

“Ole and Lena — A Stud and a Hot Dish” — a fun book available at Lena & Ole’s in Woodville

Well, you know how Lena always carefully checks her jokes before she shares them every week on her store flyer — "well, she says, ders dis new book dat is pretty good"  — it's called Ole & Lena — A Stud and a Hot Dish" — – probably da best gift for dat hard-to-buy for Scandinavian guy!!"  Just got in a new supply — only $6.95 plus shipping.  Call 715-698-4111 to order a big supply for Christmas (never too early to start shopping!!).

So here goes… sample joke:  "Ole and Sven were driving in a camper that was 13 feet high when they stopped at an underpass (Lena's always warning Ole about those underpasses on the way to Arizona every January).  Well Ole and Sven saw a sign that read, "low bridge.  No vehicles over 12 feet".  "Vat do you tink, Sven?" asked Ole.  "Vell, dere's no cops around, " Sven answered.  " I say ve hit da gas pedal and go for it". 

Caswell-Massey Perfumes & Lotions are in at Lena & Ole’s Gifts

   Lena has chosen America's original perfumers, Caswell-Massey.  These wonderful products have been produced continuously since 1752.  The store has stocked English Lavender, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, and Almond & Aloe.  Come in soon and sample these wonderful products.  Some great gift sets will be sure to please many on your "hard-to-buy for" list!  We have soaps, lotions, perfumes and more. . .

HOW TO ORDER MERCHANDISE FROM LENA & OLE’S GIFTS!

Interested in merchandise described in the Log — just e-mail or call Lena at 715-698-4111  You can order by check or credit card (Master Card & Visa only).  We charge actual postage with no sales tax for out-of-Wisconsin orders. 

We have lots of merchandise (or can get it for you) that isn't on-line — just call or e-mail your questions  Our prices are almost always better than most stores like ours.   No extra charge for gift wrapping — we can mail the gift right to the receiver.