Ceramics & their imposters

I've been enamoured by all the new age ceramicists who are working their magic to produce beautiful wares for both the home and the body.

Bridget Bodenham is one such potter, based in country Victoria who has been popping up with her delightful vases, vessels, rings and even spoons in the most spectacular style.

Check out her recent stall in Sydney at the Finders Keepers Markets....bearing in mind she needs to transport this stunning set up interstate:

photos courtesy of Bridget Bodenham

Having bought one of these grey, blue and gold, 3 x legged planters above,  it was little wonder the Vessels below caught my eye. There is an uncanny resemblance while being absolute polar opposite in terms of their making!

These photos are taken by Lisa Tilse who has fashioned some very high end looking pieces as an IKEA Hack, using a $1.99 vase, some material and curtain rings! I absolutely love the finished product. 

Should you wish to make something similar, you can find Lisa's step by step instructions over on her blog.

photos courtesy of We are Scout

Clever pieces whichever way you look at it. 

Sx

Holiday finds...

Holidaying provides the perfect opportunity to uncover new "finds".

Whiling away hours in boutiques & markets rather than the shopping malls of usual life,  is for me, the perfect therapy. Coupled with family time at the beach too of course!

Shared below are just some of the plentiful hand-crafted discoveries I made over our recent summer break.

Design House Love Hate offer Australian hand crafted jewellery, ceramic wares, clothing, & leather goods. Shapes & colour palletts inspired by the designers surroundings, these sweet pieces are as unique in their designs as they are in their manufacturing process.

Earrings & Porcelain Necklace AUD$65, Linear Brass Necklace AUD $49.

photos by Love Hate


It seems every market has someone peddling Turkish Towels.

I blogged about them back in 2012 here and am still very much an advocate, using mine on high rotation this summer; but I haven't seen colour ways like those on offer by Knotty.

Brights or pastels, in colour blocked styles, wide stripes and some stunning designs for your home, these beach towels are a refreshing take on the Turkish towel.

Prices start from AUD$39

photos by Knotty

Well documented is my love for all things sparkly; so it would come as no surprise that the combination of both in these gorgeous ceramic wares made from Birdy & Clementine appealed to me!

Robyn is the lady behind Birdy & Clementine and in her own words:  "I create modern feminine ceramics: practical pretty tableware and porcelain jewellery with a touch of bling". Robyn will be bringing her range to the next Finders Keepers Markets in Sydney. Yay!

Photos by Birdy and Clementine

Summer and florals = smiley face. Mrs Darcy from Santa Monica, California has a most comprehensive range of homewares, kimonos & accessories.

Made from original artworks, Kimonos start at AUD$79 and this stunning round cushion is AUD$99. A perfect pressie, the clutches are AUD$49.95.

Photos by Mrs Darcy

So much goodness to souvenir - it pays to pack an extra suitcase when holidaying.  

Sx

Birthday Bonanza

After all these years singing the praises of giving and receiving a hand made gift, it seems my nearest and dearest jumped on board for my recent Birthday.

Hand made, irresistible treasures in the form of earrings, pyjamas, and homewares were gifted to me. So how could I not share them with you?

I love Pyjamas. I wear a long pair every night of every week of every year, with either a tank or long sleeve top depending on the season. I can't sleep in anything else.

So imagine my delight to receive a beautifully gift wrapped pair of organic and fair trade PJ Bottoms from The Goodnight Society via my Super Couz Andi?

A local company - Brisbane based - The Goodnight Society not only produce funky PJ's for men and women, they have partnered with The Heartfelt Project to provide employment opportunities for women in South Africa. Sweet little felt & heart magnets made by women through The Heartfelt Project are included in each order which in turn provides jobs and a brighter future for these women of  Makapanstad, South Africa.

Prices for long pjs start from AUD$34.95.

If you haven't seen the totally on trend, lightweight clay pots handcrafted by Design Twins then you've been living under a rock. They are everywhere. On every blog, in every mag and are popping up in my Instagram feed on a very regular basis! 

Having coveted their pots and their concrete cups, I was waiting for our renno to finish before making the big purchase. No need to wait though as I'll be receiving my very own pot soon as a b'day gift thanks to my Mum! All pots are made to order, I can't wait for it to arrive. I know exactly where it's going to go!  Starting at AUD$140 for the small, there are too many styles and colours to mention. Here are a few of my favourite:

Colourful earrings from this wee piggy are fun for all ages. Made with love in South Australia, these small studs start at AUD$10 and were given to me from our country cousins along with a delightful  fluro dipped dish.  Score!

All in all a rather successful wrap to another successful year. A special thank you to my friends and family for all the birthday loot. Love it! 

Sx