I get excited whenever I come across something as beautiful as these vintage sewing card albums. One of Frederich Froebel’s 20 educational toys (or gifts, as they were known), these sewing cards were made in 1902 by a certain Henry Childress. I can just imagine him concentrating on the colorful snowflake patterns, can’t you?

Simple handmade toys and crafts like this seem to belong to a bygone age. I guess that’s half their appeal. However, sewing, knitting, and weaving are enjoying a comeback, as we all know.  More and more children’s designers are looking to traditional crafts to give their products an original, modern twist. Reviving folk art can be just as inspiring as Henry’s sewing cards…

London Bus Knitted Stool
Available from Sally Nencini

London-based designer Sally Nencini is definitely one to watch out for in the kids’ furniture world. Her bespoke felted lambswool poufs, stools, and cushions are bright, colorfuml and eye-catching, often decorated with a fun British theme. Sally has also mastered the art of upholstery and makes beautiful, one-off hand-embroidered chairs and stools with her husband Peter.

Pleciak Storage Stool & Toy Chest
Available from Protein Design

Protein Design’s Pleciak storage stool and Pleciuga chest were both inspired by traditional Polish folk furniture. If you look closely, you can see that they are woven from  old newspapers and magazines. I love the vibrant, modern feel of the folk-patterned cushions, too.

Handmade Bohemian Child’s Chair
Available for $84 from Les Petits Bohèmes

I’ve mentioned this shop before. It’s a trendsetter, and if you want to know what the next big thing in Europe will be, this is the place to go. In a similar vein to Protein Design, Les Petits Bohèmes now sells a collection of colorful, hand-woven kids’ stools, chairs, and chests, all perfect for adding a modern touch of bohemian to your home.

Vintage Lloyd Loom Bucket Weave Chair
Available for $119 from Yabune on Etsy

If you like weaving and are a lover of all things black and white, this 60’s child’s chair by Lloyd Loom could be for you. Unfortunately, I’m afraid they only ship in the UK.

Pictured at top of post: Vintage Sewing Card Book (Froebel’s 12^th Gift), available for $50 from Hendeys on Etsy.