Dreams Of Norway

...an amalgamation of different elements from Norway

Dreams of Norway consists of designer duo Nina Einarsen and Iselin Strømsvåg. Iselin was born in Kristiansand, Norway in 1981. She studied social anthropology in Throndheim, where she and Nina met, and later moved to Oslo to study clothing design at ESMOD. Nina was born in Melhus, Norway in 1967. She studied interior design, and has been working within product design, and visual arts, among other things. She now studies art therapy part time in Denmark. Together, they create unique jewellery in materials such as silver, stone, Swarovski crystals, feathers, wood, horn, and leather. Each piece is handmade so no two are alike. Dreams of Norway balance their design between the rough and the fine, the masculine and the feminine, the soft and hard, inspired by the contrast filled and varied Norwegian nature. "We are first and foremost inspired by the norwegian nature, which is full of contrast- the woods, the mountains, the fjords, the beaches, and the fields. It is wild, and calming at the same time, an endless source of inspiration, and always a little bit mysterious. Often we create a collection in a special environment, like in a cabin in the mountains, or by the sea in south of Norway. Or we may travel in other parts of the world, but we always have the Norwegian backdrop with us. We are very influenced by the environment that we are working in at that moment. Also, we inspire each other a great deal. We are two very different individuals, but at the same time we have so much in common, and consider ourselves 'sisters of the soul'. This way we have a very dynamic design-process, where we go back and forth until we reach the best of both of our worlds."

Nothing inspires me like…
The nature, and in particular the Norwegian nature. Combined with a vivid, fairy tale prone, and somewhat dark fantasy, the Norwegian woods, the mountains, the fjords, waterfalls, and seashore, become an endless source of inspiration. We love to create small 'stories' with a specific mood to inspire the collections.

I hope…
That all of our dear jewellery pieces that are made with love, are being well taken care of, all around the world. They are not always so easy to let go of. And I hope that we can continue doing this for the rest of our lives. Nina and I are making Dreams of Norway jewellery pieces at the retirement home.

Cultural influences…
As a trained social anthropologist I think I am influenced by a mesh of cultures from all corners of the world. Also, we are influenced by the traditional Norwegian folk tales, as well as the typical Scandinavian minimalistic style.

I got where I am...
By having a big head, believing I could do anything, a lot of hard work, and not giving up, combined with a chance encounter with a soulmate - Nina. I can safely say neither of us would be where we are today without each other.

Fashion can sometimes...
Be really boring. Or really confusing. Or sometimes all-consuming. Sometimes it is everything. And sometimes it is not enough.

I scream when...
I am on a deadline or rather several deadlines, and everything goes wrong at once, and I can't even make the easiest parts without screwing it up, and it is three o’clock in the morning.

Did you know...
That our very first collection was made in a small red cabin or rather outside in the old, misty woods, in the mountains in the middle of Norway, in spring 2006. And, that it was made in gold which we have never used again, by the way.

Creativity comes from...
Restlessness and boredom, curiosity, playfulness, joy of life, passion.

If I could...
I would pick up all my tools, my boyfriend, and my closest friends, buy a large house in a warm place, with warm sea and sandy beaches, and move. We would swim each morning, grow vegetables, have a hen or two and peacocks in the garden, make jewellery outside, all year round, and paint.

Love is...
The most important part of life. Love of a partner, friend, or family. A Swedish songwriter says it just the way I feel it: 'to be loved is great, but to love is eaven greater'.

I suck...
At giving up control. I am an absolute control freak. Which sometimes is a good thing, but maybe not always so easy to deal with for a business partner.

My goal...
Is to make eco-friendly products and to contribute to a larger focus on sustainability and the whole background of a product from salaries, to work environment in the production facilities.

I get bored easily...
When I don’t feel challenged. But then again, that’s when I get creative!

I like making...
Things! I like the creation process, and seeing the result. And I like to make new things that I haven’t tried before. I do not like making the same thing twice.

My future is...
Unknown, and that is what I love. It’s very exciting! Life is funny that way!

I wouldn't want...
To give up my dreams. Ever.

DREAMS OF NORWAY on NJAL