Welcome to the blog
Here I share stories, reflections and personal insights connected to Danish paper hearts, Scandinavian craft and the quiet beauty of our cultural traditions.
You will also find small glimpses of Copenhagen, travel moments and behind-the-scenes notes from my creative life with Ugly Duckli.
If you are new here, you can start by
getting to know me
.
When We Weave Hearts, We Weave In and Out of Each Other’s Lives
THOUGHTS FROM UGLY DUCKLI I have often wondered why the Danish woven paper heart means so much to me. Perhaps it is not only the heart. Perhaps it is the weaving itself. “When we weave hearts, we weave in and out of each other’s lives.” THE STRIPS A heart is created...
My Copenhagen Talk Is Now Live on Viator – A Milestone Worth Sharing
Every once in a while, something happens that feels like a quiet but important shift.My talk “Copenhagen Talk – A Life of Vision and Courage” is now officially approved and live on Viator, the world’s largest platform for curated experiences. This means that my...
What’s up with all those woven hearts hanging everywhere in Denmark?
What Are Woven Hearts in Denmark? If you are walking around Copenhagen at Christmas, you may notice something rather lovely: red and white woven paper hearts hanging in windows, on doors and, most importantly, on Christmas trees. In Danish they are called flettede...
Why Danish Paper Hearts Mean More Than Christmas
Why Danish Paper Hearts Mean More Than Christmas When people outside Denmark see our woven paper hearts, they often see something slightly different from what we Danes see. For us, flettede julehjerter belong naturally to Christmas. We hang them on the tree, make them...
Craft Your Own Handmade Souvenir in Copenhagen
A Danish memory to take home Create Your Own Handmade Souvenir in Copenhagen Some souvenirs remind you where you have been. Others remind you of something you experienced. In Copenhagen, you can create your own traditional Danish woven paper heart and take home...
The Most Romantic Hidden Experiences in Copenhagen
Copenhagen · Frederiksberg · Danish hygge Romantic Experiences in Copenhagen Looking for something romantic to do in Copenhagen that feels a little more personal? Start with cake, leave some room for wandering, and perhaps make something together that you can take...
Christmas in Copenhagen
When the days grow shorter, Copenhagen starts to glow. There are lights in the streets, Christmas markets begin to open, and cafés start serving gløgg and æbleskiver. At home, many Danes bring out boxes of decorations that have been used year after year. And somewhere...
Welcome to Copenhagen – a City of Colors, Stories and Hygge
Copenhagen is one of those cities that feels both grand and personal at the same time. From world-class architecture to quiet bike rides along the harbour, this city has a way of making you feel at home – even if it’s your first time here. We at Ugly Duckli are proud...
Things to Do in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen
Fredensborg Palace – part of a romantic experience in Copenhagen with a heart-weaving workshop.
🧡 The Most Secret Romantic Experience in Copenhagen From a royal proposal to a private heart-weaving workshop – this love story has it all. When a woven heart becomes part of life’s most magical moments One of the most touching stories we've ever experienced at Ugly...
TEDxFrederiksberg – A Pause with Gratitude and Direction
By Rikke V. Stoltz, Curator, Director & License Holder, TEDxFrederiksberg A pause from TEDx – but never from ideas, people or purpose Since 2018, I’ve had the great honour of holding the license for TEDxFrederiksberg – one of the most ambitious TEDx events in...
Copenhagen Christmas Markets 2026
Photo: © Rolands Varsbergs / VisitDenmark When winter arrives, Copenhagen fills with lights, Christmas stalls, warm drinks and the smell of roasted almonds. Some of the Christmas markets are large and central. Others are smaller, local and a little more tucked away. I...
Lucia in Kayak parade Copenhagen
Lucia Kayak Parade Copenhagen 2026 Every 13 December, something rather wonderful happens on the canals of Copenhagen. Kayaks decorated with lights move through the dark December city while paddlers sing Lucia songs. People gather along the canals and on the bridges to...
🧊☀️ Swim in Copenhagen Harbour – All Year Round Like the Danes
Harbour swimming in Copenhagen is a true local tradition — not just a summer trend, but something Danes enjoy all year round. Yes, even in winter. Copenhagen is one of the few cities in the world where the harbour is clean enough to swim in every day of the year. And...
How to Fold a Paper Heart – Free Danish Christmas Craft Guide
Want to learn how to fold a paper heart? Here’s a free step-by-step guide to this beautiful and cozy holiday craft – perfect for both kids and adults. ❤️ A Danish Christmas tradition with heart Folding paper hearts is a much-loved Danish Christmas tradition – full of...
Rikke V Stoltz
Founder of Ugly Duckli
Passionate about Danish traditions, beautiful materials, and joyful experiences.
I created Ugly Duckli to bring handmade magic into everyday life.
Want to get in touch or collaborate? Feel free to contact me!