Every now and then I’ll be browsing the internet and inadvertently follow a link that will take me off into the vast, undiscovered world of Etsy. Once I get sucked in, that’s it, I practically need to call for a rescue mission to help me get back out again. I’m embarrassed to even admit it but this week alone I have spent three whole nights lost in the Etsy Labyrinth. But the good thing is that I have not returned empty handed, oh no! I have emerged with a nice long list of Etsy Sellers to add to my favourites list. Last time I was lost in Etsy-land I discovered some wonderful little shops selling home accessories and you can read that post here. Knowing just how hard it is to navigate Etsy and hunt down the best of the best I thought you might like to see what I found this time. I had my eye firmly focused on ceramics and I am very happy to report that amongst my favourite finds from Etsy are some real gems.
I think this Etsy shop was one of my favourites. As you should all know by now I’m a big fan of typography and words so obviously the lovely products by mbartstudios caught my eye. A small family business run by Mary and Cory, mbartstudios believes in the beauty of handmade and keeping it simple. Each ceramic piece that is created is one of a kind and the intention is to create pieces for the modern home that inspire. Well as far as I’m concerned job done!! I had a really hard time choosing just a few to feature here as there were so many lovely little pieces to choose from. I’ll definitely be popping back here more often.
Nelle Design also made it onto my list of favourites. These designs are a lot more understated I would say but cute nonetheless. Those little espresso cups with bicycles on really stood out for me and being a massive cheese fan (it is rivaled only by bread and chocolate as my favourite foods ever) I could really do with those lovely little cheese labels. How fancy would they look on a cheese board and what a great excuse to have cheese after every meal…well if the French can why can’t we?
I adore the colour pallette of these gorgeous little pieces from One and Many. Established by Ya’ara Landau Katz, an Israeli industrial designer with a passion for ceramics, One and Many is an industrial design studio specializing in ceramic design. It is obvious to see that there is a strong focus on elements of aesthetics and usability in this product range and I would have a hard time choosing which of little gems to bring into my home.
Next up on the list is Paulova Ceramics, a studio run by Paula Lopez-Otero from Portland, Oregon in the US. Paula is inspired by the functional and simple beauty of Scandinavian design, and her timeless pieces for the home reflect this. Each piece is handmade by Paula herself and incorporating clean lines with a contrast of textures. The salt and pepper bowls first caught me eye but I also love the little ceramic his and hers cups.
Pigeon Toe Ceramics also made the grade and I’m not sure why I like this shop more, whether it is because of the beautiful pieces that are produced or for the lovely approach that is taken. I could try to summarise this but it is so touching I think I’ll just let you read what is written.
Because your purchase should be an heirloom, not a hassle. Because objects are an essential part of your personal history. Because memories should be created, not collected. Because life is too short to be surrounded by anything less than beautiful. Because stories are handed down, not mass-produced. Because design should be timeless and craft should be authentic. Because your objects tell a narrative. Your narrative.
Based out of Melbourne, Australia, Urban Cartel was founded in early 2011 by Craig Pearce who has a background in Visual Arts (B.A. Ceramic Design) & hospitality management. Combining these two strengths resulted in Urban Cartel and the production of this absolutely delightful handmade porcelain tableware. With an emphasis on clean lines & functional design each piece is created with the urban dweller in mind, so all products are dishwasher, microwave and food safe. I fell for the wonderfully calm and serene pastel colour palette and those cute little cloud dishes made me smile.
Founded by Crystal Van Wyk, who graduated from Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2006, Vitreous Wares is again based in Portland, Oregon, in the States. The shop features a selection of unique gifts including tiered fruit bowls, matte glaze stoneware plates, bright colorful pottery bowls, coasters, cups, and wall art. Interestingly, the goods are all made in a kiln that fires with 100% renewable energy and the pieces are all made either with slabs of clay or slip cast from molds that Crystal makes, as she never uses a potter’s wheel.
And last but not least, I think this fabulous little shop is an extremely strong contender for top dog in the ceramic stakes. Vitrified Studio, again based in Portland, Orgeon (is there something I don’t know about here?) is run by Shelley who makes all the products by hand in her small home-based studio at the bottom of her garden. Each piece found in her Etsy shop is unique, considered, and made only using her hands, a few simple tools and the pottery wheel. I absolutely adore all these little pieces from Vitrified Studio and Shelley’s approach is inspirational too.
It’s important to me to bring handmade functional pieces back into our lives. To me, handmade is more than just designing something, it’s making it with my own two hands.
So there you have it…my round up of some of my favourite Etsy shops who produce great ceramic pieces. What do you think? Which one of these is your favourite? I’d love to hear your thoughts so please do leave a comment or tweet me @StaceyJSheppard I always love hearing your feedback!
Disclosure: The links featured in this post are Etsy affiliate links