Wares & Things: Diana Fayt Ceramics

It has been a long, long time since I've posted about gorgeous Wares & Things, and I thought it was about time we took a morning break from all that movie talk and talk stoneware. Handmade with love, of course, because that's what makes a ware so special! Recently, I stumbled across the Instagram of clayer Diana Fayt, and I immediately became obsessed with her designs. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, the designs etched in the clay to tell a visual story rooted in the beauty of nature.

My love of geometry is ignited looking at these creations. Diana even teaches her techniques at workshops all over the world, which is amazing, because her process is insanely intricate! Her little cups are adorable, I'm a bit desperate to have a collection of them. Oh, and did I mention? Recently, she's started to design pieces for Anthropologie.

Check out her shop, and definitely scour her Instagram to see all the things someone else is probably enjoying at this very moment. Lucky ducks.

(all images via Diana Fayt)

Wares & Things: Eggpicnic

It has been over two months since I posted a Wares & Things find, which means we're long overdue for some adorable, handmade pieces. Don't you think? Today's find is Eggpicnic, a fine art shop run by owner/artist Camila De Gregorio, which is located in Sydney, Australia (I swear, I keep coming across amazing artists Down Under, it might be time to plan a trip!)

The shop has original art of cartoon-ized people and animals (I'm obsessed with her "Bird" series!), as well as custom felt creations that look like her vision of wildlife. How perfect would that elephant or orangutan be in a nursery? I love the proportions--big head and skinny-stick legs--and of course, the button eyes.

And don't even get me started on how gorgeous the black cockatoo piece is below! I can imagine an animated movie in this style, it's just so lush and unique.

If I had to pick one thing, I would have to go with that orangutan. I mean, c'mon, that face! Which one is your favorite?



(all images via Eggpicnic -- this is not a sponsored post, just wares I found and love)

Wares & Things: Quill and Fox

It's been awhile since I've shared any Wares & Things, and after the holidays, there were so many items that really stuck in my head and I just had to share them. I found this shop via The Dainty Squid when she posted one of their cards, and once I popped over to the Etsy site, I was in love. Quill and Fox is a card and stationary shop hailing from Portland, Oregon, and their designs are right up my alley.

I'm terrible at sending cards, but I love to collect them. I have a whole collection of birthday, thank you, father's day, blank, you-name-it cards in my desk. I want to try to actually use them this year, and utilize my growing address book to keep in touch with dear friends that maybe don't live so close by. You know, be more than a proximity friend, and all that. ;)

The first item that caught my eye was that precious Dachshund card -- reminds me of my little Gretchen when she sits pretty for treats! Or for anything, really, she's always sittin' pretty, that one. The shop also has notepads, which I actually do use. All the freakin' time. In fact I have a stack of probably 15 notepads of various sorts littered throughout my apartment, because I never need an excuse to jot down a list of movies or books or grocery items or a party guest list that I would forget if I walked away for even a second.

Hopefully, I'll get back into the swing sharing wares and things of this nature. I try to support independent shops and artists whenever I can, and I think blogging is a great way to spread the love.

xx

Wares & Things: BLUEsky BLACKbird

I'm thisclose to a massive jewelry purge. You get to the point, like you do with your clothing, when you can stare at countless pieces of jewelry and still think you have nothing worth wearing. All collections evolve, and I'm finding that the older I get, the less I want to buy earrings in bulk 3-for-1, or shoddy rings on display at department store check out counters. It sounds like a cliche to cite 'quality over quantity' as an ebbing motivation, but there you go. It may just be a factor of growing up.

As a result, I've been on the hunt. Something different, something handmade. Something that wouldn't be quick to find itself broken or tarnished in the garbage bin. I stumbled across the BLUEsky BLACKbird shop on Etsy last week, and I'm completely taken with the hand-notched metal jewelry. There's also a lot of styles, which I like, because sometimes I feel like wearing a statement necklace, while other times I feel like popping on some basic delicate stud earrings.

And how cute is that ring? It's definitely time for some jewelry box revamping -- probably starting with those rustic gold hoop earrings. :)

Wares & Things: Fizzy Lime Creative

Some wares on this lovely Tuesday afternoon! Considering my new-found love for needle and thread, I'm not surprised these geometric lamp creations caught my eye. The lampshade and the pastel-dipped stand were made by Fizzy Lime Creative, based in Australia and run by Mel. I love the way the light glows through the embroidered yarn, and I can't help but think these would look amazing on a side table in someone's nursery.

Amazing how tastes change. I used to be against all and any pastels, but the older I get, the more drawn to them I am. Such happy colors. :)

{Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. My humble Wares & Things series is just to highlight lovely, handmade items from independent artists and retailers that have tickled my fancy. Hopefully they will tickle yours.}

Wares & Things: Out of Print

Yesterday, I briefly mentioned a must-visit stop in Little Tokyo, The Hob Nob—an adorable shop with a slew of clothing, bags and jewelry from independent vendors.

What caught my eye (and really, the whole reason I walked into the store) was their display of literary t-shirts. These shirts are made by Out of Print, a clothing and accessories retailer that specializes in prints that showcase the covers of, you guessed it, out of print and original editions of classic novels. I went into the store and immediately tore through the rack, because every shirt was better than the next! I seriously wanted every single one!

The quality of the shirts is so soft, and their women's tees come in a variety of v-, crop, or scoop neck styles. The best part? For every item sold, Out of Print donates one book to a community in need through Books for Africa! How amazing is that?

Since I had to limit myself with the spending coming out of Hob Nob, I walked away with only one literary t-shirt score: A Clockwork Orange!

I'm wearing it as I type this, and so it's no surprise that the moment I got home, I did a search for more Out of Print shirts that I could put on my wish list. My favorite book of all time is Frankenstein, and considering Halloween is coming up, of course I was drawn to the "horror" novel covers, of which they had plenty!

(1) Dracula by Bram Stoker, (2) Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, (3) The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, (4) A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

I love that you can search by title. Are any of your favorite books on there?

* Note: this post was not sponsored, just as none of my posts are sponsored. I simply love sharing fun wares (and wears) with all of you! :)

Wares & Things: Confetti Riot

Look at these lovely hand stamped tea towels from Confetti Riot (found via The Dainty Squid).

My sister has a theory that there is one thing you can't have too many of: tea towels. More specifically, in the kitchen, ready and available wherever you turn. And the difference between tea towels and dish towels, in this day and age, is negligible. Sure, tea towels may not be as absorbent, but they're certainly more beautiful and delicate—all while taking up less space in the towel drawer.

These, in particular, have the most adorable block stamped patterns. The artist and maker, Kathryn, puts them on everything, from the tea towels to pillows to pursues. Her shop is based in Oklahoma, and I'm kinda sorta loving her Instagram right now.

Considering the state of my current dingy dish towels, it might be time for an upgrade. Which pattern is your favorite? I can't decide between the cactus or the rising sun!

Chunky Throws, It Must Be Autumn

 

What do you think of when you think of Fall?

This first day of autumn has me dreaming about big, soft, chunky throw blankets. The kind that you have to swim out of when you're nestled under one with your honey on the couch. A chill has descended on my office, so the above creations instantly triggered those "daytime nap" impulses.

From top to bottom: (1) Erin Blacks Designs, (2) Camp Kitschy Knits, (3) Lily and Peabody, and (4) Milo & Mitzy.

Considering the going rate for these blankets, it makes me want to take up crocheting again, just to make one for myself (even though it's been... so long, I can't even remember the last time I picked up a hook). But Erin Blacks Designs has the most beautiful DIY patterns; very tempting...

I hope the temps are cooling down where you are, because I'm as ready as anyone for this Fall season.

Shades of White and Gray

This past Monday evening was spent with my best girlfriend, Shannon, lounging on the bright pinky-purple sleeper sofa in my office/guest room, catching up on episodes of "True Blood" and "The Killing". As I struggled to get comfortable, sprawling out to make full use of the chaise, I realized what was missing: pillows.

Lots and lots of fun, cozy, necessary pillows.

The couch is quite the color. Bright and unapologetic -- everything I could hope for in a sofa. So that got me thinking about incorporating some grays and whites for contrast. Today, I found a handful of fun pillows at Urban Outfitters that I think fit the bill, not to mention they would add a soft and plush texture. It's shocking how hard it is to find cute pillows on a budget! When did pillow covers become a thing only for the upper echelon?! If only I were better at estate and thrift shopping.

But that doesn't stop me from fantasizing of a couch gilded in pillows of gray and white.

{pictured: the rise and fall cat pillow, cable-knit pillow, rounded pintuck pillow, waterfall ruffle pillow, texture diamond pillow via Urban Outfitters}

Wares & Things: Light and Ladder

hanging ceramic planters | Light and Ladder

I don't know how many of you live with cats. But if you do, you'll certainly empathize with the dangers of placing potted plants on tables or counters. If the plants don't get eaten (that's our kitty, Hobbes' thing), it's only a matter of time before the pot gets scoot scoot scooted right off the edge of the bookshelf (Bartleby's M.O.)

So when I saw something about home accessories & design company Light and Ladder (via Elephantine) and their use of air plants and succulents in hanging wall planters, I immediately perked up. Handmade ceramics and metal, with organic leather or rope detailing, add a completely different look to a bare white wall. (I actually can't stop imaging the bright white planters against a vibrant burnt orange or turquoise accent wall -- mmm... like a Moroccan oasis.)

Owner and designer Farrah Sit is based in Brooklyn, and her studio has grown to include works by other local craftspeople. I may have spent all morning looking at her Etsy shop and eyeing that hive planter (pictured on the top-right). She also designs other home wares and one-of-a-kind exhibit pieces that are unbelievable (don't even get me started on her forged silver flatware!)

Given our cats' proclivities for destroying houseplants, these ceramic planters seems like a brilliant solution to keep the surfaces clear -- and add some unique decor to a bare wall or corner.

Wares & Things: Paperiaarre

notebooks, guestbooks & journals | Paperiaarre

I have kept a journal, online or otherwise, since well before high school. Back before I had a blog, I had a LiveJournal (remember those days?), and before my LJ, I had my notebook. Handwritten words that recounted all of the melodrama my teenage brain could muster.

Now, I only write in my journal about once a month, but I still find it incredibly cathartic -- a necessary break from writing something intended for other peoples' eyes, and a way to jot down important happenings that usually just go by in a flash. My current linen bound journal that I purchased back in January 2011 is nearing its last blank page, and I'm in the market for something just as beautiful.

Hence my new favorite shop. Paperiaarre contains stunning handmade books, notebooks, guestbooks (for weddings!), and a handful of other paper & mixed media creations.

Kaija is the shop's owner, and she lives and works in Jyvaskyla, Finland, describing herself as a "master bookbinder" - which just sounds like such a romantic classification and skill. The name of her shop translates in Finnish to "a paper treasure," which just adds to the beauty. I love that most of her journal pages don't have lines, my personal preference. The detailing of lace or gold paper is lovely and delicate. 

I just might consider getting one sometime soon. What about you? Do you still write in an old journal? Or are you securely rooted in online blogging?

Wares & Things: Coriumi Handmade

handbags, pouches & coin purses | Coriumi Handmade

My twin sister, Stacy, recently got married, and I was lucky enough to be the Maid of Honor. It was by far the most breathtaking wedding I've ever attended, and I was honored to stand up alongside she and her fiancee [now husband].

The morning of the wedding, prior to the ceremony, Stacy gave myself and her other bridesmaids (my dear friends Cassie and Jessie) a handbag, full of "must have" essentials for the evening. Lipstick, lipbalm, mints, kleenex, etc. But what caught my eye was not the contents of the bag, but the bag itself.

Ever the brilliant shopper, Stacy had discovered an incredible shop online that specialized in handmade, screenprinted bags. So I felt compelled to feature them on my blog today. Coriumi Handmade is based in Lithuania, of all places, and the bag I received was a waxed linen, with leather base. They all have amazing geometric prints or metal detailing, and the colors are so vibrant, it makes it nearly impossible to decide on a style.

There are certainly some leather screenprinted bags available in her shop now that I am just drooling over. Who couldn't use a unique and gorgeous handbag for a day out and about? Perfect gift for a girlfriend - or yourself!

Wares & Things: Suite One Studio

serving platters & cheese boards | Suite One Studio

My new obsession is serving platters. When John and I threw our first AFI movie night, I was in a scramble day-of when I realized I didn't have anything to put anything on! In my previous studio/does-this-really-constitute-a-kitchen? kitchen, I never had room for any items larger than my 12" skillet. ONE skillet.

Thus began my scavenger hunt. I dropped a handful of dollars for some Target ones, in a pinch. [They actually have an amazing Nate Berkus designed tray that I bought a friend for her birthday]. But I really wanted to see what else was out there; something a bit more unique.

That's when I stumbled upon Suite One Studio. Owner Lindsay Emery makes all kinds of ceramics for dining, entertaining, and decorating -- she even has a sweet and delicate blog that I'm just loving right now.

Check out just a few of the amazing, handmade platters she has for sale in her shop. Which one is your favorite?

Wares & Things: Cotton & Flax

trivet, coasters, tea towel, pillows from Cotton & Flax

My sister has told me repeatedly that I need to get a good set of felt or fabric coasters.  My current ones, while beautiful, are glass and do nothing to keep pooling water from spilling onto our wood coffee table.

When did I become someone who cared about water rings?  Is that just a sign of adulthood?

In an effort to find something fun and unique, I scoured the net and came upon Cotton & Flax, an independent textile shop.   Not only did I find gorgeous geometric-patterned felt coasters, but a handful of other housewares that would be perfect for my living area and kitchen!  Considering these are all handmade items, they are pretty affordable!

And, much to my surprise and delight, it turns out that "owner, maker & designer" Erin Dollar runs her home studio right here in Los Angeles!  It's always an added bonus when you come across artists and creators that also happen to be local.

Her coasters are also available at Mignon Kitchen (along with a discounted price tag), which features a fun collection of goods for your kitchen & pantry from a variety of independent makers.

Aren't they just perfect?

Wares & Things: Unurth Ceramics

Stoneware pots from Unurth Ceramics

My next project is to incorporate some living plant life into our space -- herbs & succulents, to be specific. And I just came upon these gorgeous stoneware pots by Unurth Ceramics.

Run by Jenn Romero and based a hop, skip, & a jump outside of Los Angeles in Thousand Oaks, these might be exactly what I need to add handmade beauty to my kitchen and balcony.  I love how perfectly imperfect each of her pieces are.

They can be purchased from her shop, or from my new favorite destination for handmade, independent wares & things, ScoutMob.com Shoppe.  I know I have my eye on at least two of these.

Which one is your favorite?