Creative Collaborations.

So you may remember Shanna Murray from my gushing post last year? She is such a beautiful illustrator.

Well, get excited, because she has teamed up with two of my other favourite brands, Pigeon Toe Ceramics and woodturners n bakers Herriott Grace and produced some super-smashing stuff.

Creative collaborations on crack. Everything will sell out. If you get them before me, there will be consequences.

Elephant Ceramics.

With Sydney's Samantha Robinson and Portland's Pigeon Toe Ceramics already so deeply loved in my wee heart I wasn't sure there was much space for another ceramicist to nestle in...but, oh how I was wrong.

Drumrooooooll please...introducing Elephant Ceramics.

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.  The (clearly divine) designer Michele Michael is really doing amazing things with texture and colour and shape...I want all of it.

Can one just create a life gift registry?  My little finger is going to be hovering over the mouse the second her next range is up for sale online.

(photos by Philip Ficks, thanks to my dear designer friend Chellis for introducing me!)

Samantha Robinson.

I have long been a fan of Aussie ceramicist Samantha Robinson's work. Isn't it just magical? Unique, colourful, tactile.

Samantha has attracted much attention including that of US indie megastore, Anthropologie. And, excitingly, she has recently opened a store in Double Bay which is now on the top of my list for my next Sydney visit.

I remember discovering her stall at Sydney's Paddington Markets many years ago...such a glorious stumble.

Oh, Paloma!

Paloma's Nest is a revered veteran in the magical land of Etsy. Founder Caroline Colom Vasquez is always quoted in the countless 'rise of online shopping' articles that have appeared everywhere from the local paper you wrap your flowers in to the New York Times.

And, it's not hard to see why - her gorgeous ceramics range offers so many beautiful gifts including the trademarked ringbearer bowls that are hugely popular for marriage days!

I gave my absolutely-perfect-for-each-other friends Chelsea and Craig the 'I carry your heart' bowl you see above for their engagement.

And, my little 'good egg' smiles happily at me often from the Anthropologie ceramic egg crate in which it rests.

Too special. Too special.

Ceramic crush.

For a short time, oh alright already, a REALLY long time - ok - still to this day, I feel like I'm missing out because I haven't yet been to Portland, Oregon.

And, for some reason, more than half the time when I find a new stationary label or a new artist or a new fashion star, they seem to come from Portland.

So, imagine my *gasp* surprise when my latest ceramics crush (believe me there are many) was based in, yep, Portland.

Pigeon Toe Ceramics lives by the mantra 'heirlooms for the modern home' and it sums up their aesthetic perfectly. Beautiful, clean and unique lines with a modern yet classic twist.

I love this beautiful water carafe that I keep beside my bed for a midnight gulp.

And these quirky 'cheaters chopsticks' would make a gorgeous gift.

Can my nearest and dearest please take note that I really do love this folded dinnerware...smiles.