A bodice-shaped pitcher

There's something about Anne Black's "Ruth M" ceramic range that is really quite beautiful. It may be the combination of pastoral scenes - reminiscent of 17th century Dutch Delftware - with the quite angular forms popular in 21st century design, or quite simply the delicacy of the pieces as a whole, but whatever the cause the result is undeniably sophisticated and elegant. I'm hankering after this pitcher:  the clouds remind me of Japanese prints and I adore the fact it's shaped like a bodice!

New cushions from Ferm Living

They're at it again! Those hype people at Ferm Living have once again come out with some funky new cushion designs that just can't go unnoticed. Coming in both a blue and yellow version, the "Remix" is made of 100% silk, making it not just snappy to look at, but scandalously sophisticated in substance too!

Handmade and Handcrafted - It's "Made a Mano"

Remember my on-going search for kitchen tiles? Well the latest addition to my list of hot favourites is the fabulous handmade tile company Made A Mano. Producing pieces that are both hand-drawn and hand-printed, the company couldn't be better named and the range of tiles on offer is at once elegant and original.Definately my November heart-throb!

They have a number of stores in Denmark and Italy and a stockists elsewhere across Europe.

Get that kettle on! - Taking a look at tea-cosies

Ok, so at risk of betraying my British roots I'm devoting a whole post to tea-cosies. Keeping the teapot hot, cosies are also a wonderful source of inspiration for the creatively-inclined and more often than not incite original and outlandish designs.
I've hunted around to select a variety from the literally millions on offer. Admittedly, Donna Wilson's chocolate cake gets a star rating as does Paul Smith's take on a typical "Granny's front room" knitted design. Would love to hear of any other contenders for "best cosy of the year!"

Below are cosies by Argyle St, sold at Etsy. For the full range of colours take a look at the
Flock of Teacosy Blog.

Paul Smith's bobble hat affair:

This lovely embroidered design by Rie Elise Larsen:

British Janie Withers goes for something more simple:


Donna Wilson does it with a cherry on the top:

Dutch deisgners Tas-ka have found inspiration in gabled houses!

Wallpaper pick from Denmark

I have a penchant for bold wallpapers and my newest (current favourite?)find is that of the Danish company Ferm-living . They have some stunning designs varying very contemporary graphic themes to motifs drawn directly from the Scandinavian landscape (firs, feathers, wintry branches).
















The company also produce an exciting range of wall stickers and tea towels - a new site I'll be coming back to often!Prices are in Euros and you can buy on line. Enjoy!

Great Danes - lighting from Scandinavia

Well, I said I had more to say about Rie Elise Larsen and here it is : SHE. IS. GREAT. The lamp shades below have to be my pick from her collection but the quilted blankets (bottom photo) are gorgeous too. Truth: her designs are all fabulous so if you're looking for a tea-cosy, paper decoration or gift wrap, then her website a good place to go - they're all winners!

Christmas things - boxes, angels, gift wrap and eco trees

The Christmas decorations are now up in Paris launching the ritual hunt for original ideas for the festive season. I can't somehow stomach the glitz of too much tinsel so was relieved to discover these pretty hand-made angels, created by
Jurianne Matter . They're fun to put together and would look sweet on the Christmas tree, the table or on top of a few mince pies!

She also makes these lovely lanterns that are lit with night lights and would look pretty in a bay window or on the table. Keen to limit the ecological impact of her products, Jurianne uses FSC certified paper and printing inks derived from vegetable oils. Everything is made in Holland.


The other great find this week are these gift boxes made in Paris by Zoe de Lascases . Bought flat you just fold them up to make a neat cube to pop your prezzie in. Nifty! There are various designs and sizes available but all have the same up-beat look.

Dutch designers seem to feature quite often here at the Poppy Club because they design just some of the coolest things! The Kidsonroof team have come up with a paper Christmas tree that can be assembled at home and come complete with angels, decorations, candles and even a star on the top! Even better there are no needles to clean up and and it can be re-used again another time.

All the above are sold via their own websites as well as this lovely French site for children's things : Mes habits Cheris .

And finally, someone whose designs I just adore, Rie Elise Larsen from Denmark, has created gift wrap, garlands of doves and tree decorations that are just beautiful. More about her soon!

Earth fire and water

I'm getting quite into pottery at the moment spending Tuesday evenings up to my elbows in clay. Hunting around for awe-inspiring models and sources or unattainable inpsiration I came across the following potters who all do amazing things in terms of shape and colour.

My absolute favourite has to be Samantha Robinson , who tucked away in her studio down-under, produces these absolutely sublime pieces. I just melt at the delicacy of her work and the audacity of the mix of colours. Swoon...















In San Fransisco, Diana Fayt designs pieces of more earthy style, combining rough shapes with bold colours. I particularly like the stripey cup and saucer, which is sort of naive and yet cheeky. I also like the etched flowers on the vases - pretty!

And to finish, a Danish pair of potters

Meyerlavigne who play on our childhood associations of paper plates, or old-fashioned tea parties, to produce fine china of quite unique style and decoration. True originals.