It was the artistic display of hearts (yes- hearts!) outside the front shop door that first caught my attention when wandering around one of my favourite Alsace villages – Eguisheim, France.  A large dotted heart hanging above the simple rough wooden ladder leaned against the stone wall.   On the other side of the door were smaller delicate linen hearts gently swinging from an intricate wire dress making frame.  It was now time for www.DianesTravelHeart.com to do some in-depth research. 

Amour de Coeur

Stepping inside the recently opened shop called  “Esprit Lin” was a visual delight.   Hanging from the ceiling in one area were more beautiful linen fabric hearts adorned with lace, tiny bow and a miniature fabric “Carte Postale” (post card) sewn on the front and an occasional tassel.  Even the back of the heart had a hand stamped piece of fabric reading ” Esprit Lin, Eguisheim” which had been carefully stitched on.  As a traveler I was enchanted with the hearts embellished with a tiny fabric post card.

Esprit Lin’s store owner graciously holding up some of her creations.

Esprit Lin also has so much more than just these lovely hearts! Lots of wooden items and handmade linen clothing for children and adults can also be found.  It is a wonderful shop for buying something special for yourself and others.

Lots of love swaying on the old metal dress stand outside the front door.

When I asked the owner of this store if these hearts were locally made she exclaimed  “Oh Yes!! everything you see that is made out of linen has been made by me either by hand or with my sewing machine!” I especially love that it has been crafted right in the little Alsace village of Eguisheim that I was visiting.  As a former “crafter” I especially appreciate the time and effort it takes to make hand made items.

Having bought a few of the hearts, I left and as I wandered around kept thinking of more gift opportunities these would make and decided to go back to the store to buy a few more.  Walking in I realised there was no one else around, when suddenly the floor to ceiling flowered drapes parted and out sailed Lin with several pieces of heart shaped material in one hand and a needle and thread in the other!  She explained that behind these curtains was her little atelier where she sewed all the hearts and clothing.  Invited in to have a look I was fascinated with the wall-covered shelves stacked high with bolts of materials and lace. Hidden even further into this tiny darkened room sat her smiling husband on a small three legged stool!  I believe he had just brought her a sandwich so they could eat together.

When visiting Eguisheim, France please do stop in Esprit Lin and help spread the love by purchasing a few of these beautifully hand made presents and don’t forget to gift yourself as well!

A visit to this French village makes a great day trip from Basel, Switzerland. There is plenty of  wine tasting, dining, architectual admiring and shopping opportunities.

As you can see, one of Lin’s hearts has been added to my motivational collection hanging above my desk at home…. And I think that both “Lin’s Esprit” and “Diane’s Travel Heart” firmly believe one really can “follow your dreams”!

One must always have inspiration close by to be creative…..

Lessons Learned

• I knew I should have bought more of Lin’s hearts!! Always buy a few extra hearts – there will always be an unexpected opportunity to gift one of her pieces of love! The color of these lovely linen works of art will look great with any home decor! A wonderful reminder to anyone that they are loved.
• Any of Lin’s sewn items are the perfect present to bring home in a suitcase – very easy to pack!

Travel Tidbits

•  Esprit Lin – view the many photos of her handiwork on her FaceBook page!
• Esprit Lin Address: 2 rue de L’Hopital, 68420 Eguisheim, France
• Eguisheim is a trip worth taking – window boxes galore with flowers in the summer and Christmas decorations in the winter and lots more in-between!
• From Basel, Switzerland take a car or easy train to Colmar, France  & then local bus ride (or taxi located outside front of train station) directly to Eguisheim.