The Best Nordic Crafts Inspired By Marimekko Designs
Explore a curated collection of DIY Scandinavian and Nordic crafts featuring Marimekko's vibrant patterns. This guide offers easy-to-follow tutorials for creating stylish and elegant decor, perfect for adding a touch of Nordic charm to your home all year round.
Updated June 2024
Many people incorrectly assume that Finland is part of Scandinavia. Finland is a Nordic country but not a Scandinavian one. Although Finland borders Sweden and Norway, the language is very different, while the climate and cultures are similar.
However, the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark are also Nordic.
A Fabulous Collection Of Marimekko Crafts & DIY's
Marimekko
If you didn't already know, Marimekko is a Finnish textile, homewares, fashion, and design company that has existed since the 1950s. The company is famed for its simple, bold, and colourful designs.
It is also one of my favourite design companies; some might even say I'm obsessed. The most famous Marimekko print design is the Unikko poppy. This iconic print is featured on many of the company's products and comes in many different colourways.
Even though the Unikko poppy is over 50 years old (1964), it hasn't dated. The bold flower design is just as popular today as it has always been.
Every time I walk into a Scandinavian interiors store, I can't help but walk out with a pack of Marimekko paper napkins. My collection of Marimekko paper napkins is quite extensive, especially the Unikko ones.
These Marimekko paper napkins aren't just to make my dining table look pretty. I also use them for crafting and DIY.
Unfortunately, I have never been to Helsinki, Finland (the home of Marimekko). I would love to visit one day. Having fallen in love with the other major Nordic cities (Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen), I know I would love Helsinki.
There are no longer any Marimekko stores in the UK so I think this is a valid reason for a city break to Helsinki.
Plus, Finland is the home of the Moomins, so it is a must-visit.
The Nordic & Scandinavian Crafts
Marimekko Poppy Flower Pillows
DIY flower pillows inspired by the Marimekko Unikko poppy design. The free pattern can be either hand or machine stitch. Choose your own colourway.
Easy Upcycled Marimekko Decorative Tin Can Planters
Upcycle some old tin cans into colourful Marimekko planters. They will really brighten up your garden even on the dullest of days.
How To Make A Scandinavian Flower Doodle Decoration
These flowers are very quick and fun to make and would make a lovely gift.
Super Easy to Make Cute Norwegian Christmas Gnomes
These gnomes are very popular Christmas decoration in Nordic homes. This is a very simple and affordable Nordic craft. The gnomes can be made in a variety of sizes by using logs of different thicknesses and lengths.
How to Make a Unique Marimekko Bench
Another Nordic craft for the garden with this upcycled bench. Again using the iconic Marimekko Unikko poppy print.
An Upcycled Scandinavian Woven Hearts Garland
These woven hearts are a classic decoration in any Nordic home. They are made from upcycled denim and felted wool sweaters.
How To Make Scandinavian Embroidered Hearts Decorations
This is a really simple and affordable craft to make cute embroidered hearts for Valentine's day. Includes a tutorial on how to display them in a cool way on your mantle using sticks and branches.
Easy Marimekko Decoupage on Wood Bowls
A Nordic craft for the dining table with these upcycled wooden bowls with Marimekko Unikko paper napkins.
How to Make Marimekko Wallpapered Stairs
A dramatic Nordic-inspired DIY with these upcycled Marimekko stairs. The make smile every time I open the front door.
Unique Marimekko Christmas Wall Art Made From A Table Top
Even though this is a Nordic Christmas decoration, I love it so much it stays up all year round.
DIY Marimekko Shoes
Take some plain white trainers and give them a Nordic makeover with these Marimekko shoes.
How to Make Gorgeous Nordic Christmas Decorations
Another fun Nordic craft for Christmas. A wood slice hanging with a Nordic tree pattern.
How To Make A Simple Marimekko Easter Egg Wreath
Nordic crafts aren't just for Christmas but Easter too with this wreath.
Unique Easter Egg Decorating With Marimekko Decoupage
Another Marimekko craft with these stylish decorative eggs.
Easy DIY Giant Paper Mache Cactus
A fun decor item for the home with this giant Marimekko paper mache cactus.
Wallpaper Lampshades to Match your Decor.
Upcycle some lampshades with wallpaper to add a bit of Nordic style.
How To Make A Stylish Scandinavian Christmas Tree
For those of you whom the Christmas tree is all about the ornaments, this is a great tree to show them off.
A Simple Cute Scandi Felt Christmas Craft For Your Home
A fun unique Christmas decoration for your mantle. A cute Scandi forest made from repurposed sweater felt.
The Best Pom-Pom Crafts
These pom pom flowers are based on the icon Marimekko Unikko poppy design.
How To Make Cool Marimekko Plastic Bottle Planters
Not only do these herb planters look great with their Marimekko designs but they are also self-draining. This helps the herbs last longer.
Painted Acorn Christmas Decoration
These super cute painted acorns definitely have a nordic feel about them.
How To Make A Decoupage Baubles Decoration
A fun way to use Marimekko paper napkins, making a decoupage baubles flower decoration.
Another famous Nordic company is IKEA so if you are looking for more Nordic crafts you may want to check out my IKEA hacks. Or my collection of Mid Century Modern Orla Kiely crafts and DIYs.
What a fun and colorful assortment of projects! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Thank you, I like colourful bright decor.
I would love to visit your home, Claire. You have the most deliciously, unique ideas around. They're all so fun and "happy". There's a better Afrikaans word for it - LEKKER. Love your crafts and I so wish they sold Marimekko here in S Africa. I think I'd be a little obsessed too.
Aww, thank you, Michelle. I do love a bit of colour and pattern to brighten things up in the home. I don't know why but Marimekko prints just make me smile that is why I love them so much. If you ever happen to be in Bedford your welcome to pop in.
I have never heard of Marimekko before but I love the design!
Thank you, they are iconic.
How fascinating! I hadn’t heard of Marimekko. I can certainly see why it is one of your favorites!
Thank you, Michelle. I've loved their designs for years so bright and happy.