International studio (36.1908/1909(1909))

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young weaver is fascinated by tantalizing giimpses
of the ioveiiness her new art may produce. All
things seem possible, and although she soon dis-
covers they are not ali convenient, yet she plans her
pretty decorations with a determination to deveiop
only her best imaginings, and to give time and care
to the hneness of their hnish.
Mrs. Anna Ernberg, a Swedish weaver, has
lateiy opened a school for the teaching of this beau-
tiful art in Brooklyn, N. Y. Her skill in adapting
the work to her pupils and leading them gradually
from the simplest weaving of cloth toward the de-
signing and executing of elaborate pictures is dem-
onstrated in the rapid advancement of the learners,
and the fascination the art has for them. Mrs.
Ernberg prepares her own designs, sometimes
adapting the old-country patterns, but putting her
own individuality into each piece. Some of her
weavings have been seen at the exhibitions of the
National Society of Craftsmen, and some may be
seen at the rooms of that society on East Nine-
teenth Street, New York. Her weaving, although
of all sorts, both fine and heavy, is specially useful
for decorative purposes. In her striking patterns
and many friezes and pictures appears the national
love of bright-colored adornment. In Sweden every
family occasion or holiday brings out the house-
wife's store of beautiful weavings, which are used to
dress the house for the festivity.
Mrs. Ernberg has many pictures of peasant life,
designed with an adherence to truth and much
sprightliness and action, and executed with careful
hnish. Each carries a motto along the front and

sides of the picture, which seems to tell its story,
however, without this explanation. Here is a little
schoolboy lost in the woods. His books are clasped
in his arms, his round, frightened eyes, and the tall
trees closing about him, speaking forcibly of the
tiny man's plight. There are several pieces show-
ing the typical dances of the country people. The
young men and maidens, with their prancing feet
and dying braids, are evidently having a lively
romp. The boys clasp their companions tightly
and the girls are swung high in the measure of the
dance. Some of these pictures are of peasant chil-
dren playing games. Here are stout little boys all
in a row, each holding a posy, which he is bent on
presenting to his favorite in the row of little girls on
the opposite side, while the old fiddler in the middle
marks the time with his bow. One piece has tiny
hillmen, or gnomes, disporting themselves in the
forest, and still another is a scene of village life, with
ladies andgentlemenalightingfromcarriages, enter
ing the doors of their houses or walking the streets.
Heavy curtains and rugs and hlmy draperies
woven by Mrs. Ernberg have skilful combinations
of color, and an evenness of finish which adds much
to the charm of the work. Her colored yarns, both
linen and wool, are imported from Sweden, as no
such permanent and rich colors can be bought here.
These imported yarns do not fade or rub off, the
tints only softening a little with age. Samples of
the desired colors are sent over, and are always per-
fectly matched.
Mrs. Ernberg has perfected a small loom for the
use of her pupils.


SWEDISH PEASANT DANCE

WOVEN BY MRS. ANNA ERNBERG

CVIII