Some time ago, I put together a post based on a customer question. She was looking at a display I had done in my shop that featured a new line of dinnerware that was interspersed with some linens and gourmet foods, and asked me where I got my inspiration. I remember giving the question some thought and writing about it the next day.
Today’s inspiration was not quite as difficult to define or insightful; it came from dusting ….. yep! dusting. This past Sunday, I was removing a week’s layer of dust off a cabinet in the living room, as the sun was hitting it just right, so as not to be ignored. Aside from the dust, I was noticing, as I glanced around the room, what a nice collection of pottery I have accumulated, some of it just pretty and other pieces, functional as well as attractive.
There is no shortage of great pottery in the Etsy marketplace so I thought I would I would highlight a few shops today that I think to be exceptional.
Bill Norton of Alethia Pottery is a functional potter by trade, and a self-proclaimed perfectionist. His pottery is hand-thrown, lead free, and non-toxic. Like myself, Bill is a retired educator who has found life after retirement! His pieces range from traditional to modern, and his self-formulated glazes are quite unique. I think his line is lovely – and well-priced. Definitely worth a look.
His wife and daughter have Etsy shops as well.
The line includes some “sets” such as this great individual chip and dip!
Naturally, I am unable to resist an adorable set of ”nested bowls”, especially when they are polka dot! Julie Knowles Pottery has just such a set, and a number of other unusual pieces, too. I thought her yarn bowl to be unique; if you knit, or know someone who does, you’ll want to take a look at her line.
Pretty Spring-like colors!
I don’t know which attracted me first about this little pitcher – the earthy coloring in the glaze or the sweet little shape. Whichever, the piece is from Meadowpoint, the Etsy shop of a couple from northeast CT. Richard fashions unique decorative tiles and Holly creates a varied line of pottery pieces, all dishwasher and microwave safe. Their shop is a lovely assemblage of handmade goodness. 
I even love the name of their shop!
The simple, clean lines of this stoneware mug by Heath Reed Pottery appealed to me, as does the “treasury jars” that are in his Etsy line of wares. The bulbous shape of the mug, narrowing at the top, seems like it would serve to keep the contents warm longer. As with the other potters, Heath’s glazes are lead-free and food safe.
Thouhgt I’d also pass along a few websites this week that are dedicated to design and/or decorating ….. where I often get good ideas for do-it-yourself projects, read about trends in the home and garden, drool over makeovers, take a break from the keyboard, and so on.
One of my favorites is Design*Sponge, a daily website dedicated to home and product design. The site is updated constantly throughout the day (with an average of 6-10 posts a day), and attracts a core group of devoted readers. One of the categories I enjoy most on the site is titled Made With Love - down to earth projects that are creative and interesting. There’s a great recipe section, too.
Apartment Therapy is another site I visit often – their byline is “saving the world one room at a time”. Great ideas for organizing and making good use of small spaces, great sourcing for unique products, too. Highlights a “daily find” that I love checking out. You’ll want to take a gander at this one, for sure.
Last for today, GetDecorating.com, a site with a wealth of photos for inpiration in any part of the home. If you’re redecorating, or thinking about redecorating (aren’t we always???) you’ll find ideas here, lots of them.
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