Jette Frölich

Paper cutter

Defining the spirit of Christmas

Jette's light metal designs are cultural symbols of the winter festive season
Her creations are made to be enhanced by candlelight
She has been working as a maker since 1966

Jette Frölich is a self-taught decorative metal artist, and since 1966 her delicate designs have shaped how Christmas looks. Jette is predominantly known for her branch decorations, but she also make decorative porcelain plates and cups as well as elaborate table decorations. Her intricate yet candid designs are inspired by the German masters of architecture and Arabic minaret ornamentation, yet the clean lines of Jette's work have had global appeal over the years. She still finds the creative process and release as invigorating as ever. Many of her designs are considered classics, but Jette keeps producing new pieces that fit in with her legacy, while also being fit for contemporary homes.

Interview

What is your relationship to Christmas?: Our house's atmosphere was not all happiness throughout the year, but this changed during December each year. Peace descended on our home, our spirits were elevated, and everyone rejoiced and showed charity. I seek to capture this profound expression of joy and love in my work.
How do you find inspiration for your designs when you travel?: Architecture from the Jugendstil and the Weiner Werkstätte inspire me as well as clean lines that I see when I travel. I draw and cut non-stop for three weeks until I suddenly see something novel. That is when I believe in myself and know how to finish the piece.
How do you keep your creative fire burning over such a long career?: I cannot live without creating, but I still find the process hard. I do not know where my strength comes from. But the feeling of release, when a piece is finished, is an indescribable high.
When you look at your entire body of work, what are you most proud of?: My piece Helligtrekonger (The Three Ḱings) kickstarted my career. It was featured in the influential magazine Bo Bedre, and on display in my exclusive Christmas shows when I lived in Teheran. Every nationality bought my pieces there, cementing my belief that I should start my own company.

Jette Frölich is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1967