Mother's Day Gift Ideas

With Mother's Day around the corner, we have special gifts just for Mom. Beautiful, useful, well-crafted- they're pieces that we hope she'll love.

Shop Gift Ideas: Marlene Huissoud Scarf / Sue Kang Tea Cups / Mute Object Earrings / Trois Petits Points Lockets / Cluse Watch / Ellen Truijen Wallet

Studio Visit: Sue's Pottery Studio

There's no doubt I have a weakness for ceramics! Whether it's visiting a ceramic studio in New York or Copenhagen, it gives me great joy to pick up our ceramics from the ceramicists themselves as well as learn about the craft. I couldn't be more excited to discover the beautiful work of a group of local potters right here in my own backyard. With over 50 years of combined experience in ceramics, Sue Kang and a collective of amazing ceramicists, including Kelly Kwon and Thomas Akarawa, have been quietly doing what they love under the radar. They design and craft beautiful table ware and sculptural vessels in the California bay area.  They recently started selling them and so happy to introduce their pieces to the world! Nestled in the woods in San Jose, they welcomed me to their cozy ceramic studio which impressively houses both a gas and electric kiln. 

Sue balances teaching pottery while running her beautiful cafe in Saratoga, Sue's Cafe and Gallery. I witnessed a sense of joy, camaraderie and community among these makers, as they create beautiful objects and gather together to share a delicious prepared meal by one of the potters. One of them also brought a box of lemons shared with everyone and was so grateful for my fresh lemons that day.

 

Sue instructing her student.

dark clay use for the tea strainer/ potter's wheel

 I'm in awe and an admirer of the craft,as they explained the different clays, glazes, cone firings and equipment. A cup may be a vessel with a simple use. But beyond the function, it's the sum of materials, the tactile and kinesthetic aspects of the craft, combined with the intuitive creative design and time. Plus throw in the science and magic of the kiln and of course, the passion and hard work of the potter making each piece unique. As I drink out of my favorite tumbler, I'm reminded of the love and care that goes into each piece.

Kelly Kwon with her ceramic pieces

Thomas Arakawa / stoneware and wood-fired vessels

As we catch a glimpse of the process and the studio, it has always been our hope that you share this journey with us to get to know the craft and the people behind the designs that we carry. I have a sincere appreciation for the individuals and the process of each piece that we showcase. We're delighted to support and introduce the beautiful work of these charming, kind and talented group of local makers.

Shop our new ceramics!

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Thank you so much Sue, Kelly and Thomas and all the potters at the studio for graciously welcoming me and teaching me about your craft. It's a pleasure and so inspiring to see your dedication and love of pottery through the years. So grateful to know all of you and learn about the process. Thank you!

The Gift Edit Part 3: Ana Lisa Hedstrom + Sculpture Space New York

We're delighted to present our latest holiday gift guide for some last minute shopping. Given our love of textiles and all things ceramics, we're proud to the present the gift picks from amazing artists working in these areas: Ana Lisa Hedstrom, Andrew Kennedy and Magda Dejose of Sculpture Space NYC. 

We love to showcase beautiful textiles from international as well as local artisans in Vuela Boutique, so we couldn't be more excited to feature the renowned textile artist and educator, Ana Lisa Hedstrom. Based in Northern Cal, she has made amazing contributions to the field of contemporary shibori textiles. Featuring her innovative use of colors and patterns, Ana Lisa’s signature shibori textiles are included in the collections of the Cooper Hewitt, The Museum of Art and Design, the De Young Museum, the Oakland Museum, and the Racine Museum. 

Her work has been exhibited and published inter-nationally along with receiving two NES grants and is a fellow of The American Craft Council. She has completed public art commissions for the Emeryville Ca. city hall and the American Embassy in Brunei.  She is committed to education in her craft, as she has taught and lectured at SF State University , CCA , and numerous international conferences and summer art programs.  Ana Lisa's picks feature her love of fabric and graphic patterns as well as her background in ceramics.

Ana Lisa Hedstrom / "Lexicon" Resist Dyed Silk

Osei Duro Aburi Dress and Arca Jacket / Micaela Greg Spectrum Scarf / Tina Marie Ceramics

"I have been a textile dyer for over 30 years…and I love color and pattern! Before I became a “textilian” I studied ceramics and still can’t resist collecting pottery everywhere I travel. It is so easy to travel to Vuela Boutique! I love Tina Marie’s matte blue/green glaze on her bowl and pitcher. So simple and satisfying. Of course, I perused all the textiles on the site and was struck with the strong geometric patterns on Micaela Grey’s Spectrum Scarf. I can’t wait to see what arrives for Spring!"-Ana Lisa Hedstrom

Ana Lisa's Work via

I had the pleasure of visiting Romy's studio located in Sculpture Space NYC this fall. We have such a weakness for ceramics and thrilled to feature the founders of this wonderful space in New York. 

Since 2011 Andrew Kennedy and Magda Dejose have worked collaboratively on a variety of projects and founded Sculpture Space NYC in 2014.  The facility is a ceramics and sculpture center designed to foster creativity, concept and collaboration for artists and designers.  Sculpture Space NYC was designed and built by Andrew Kennedy. He studied painting at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, worked as an assistant at Richard Artschwager Studio and has been showing his work in New York and abroad. Magda Dejose is an American artist (born in Brazil) living and working in New York City. She has shown her artwork in Japan, Brazil, USA, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, and China. Andrew and Magda's have curated gift ideas highlighting the range of home wares we offer from ceramics to wooden objects.

 

Yoko Ozawa tea pot I Silvia Song wooden bowl I Tina Marie pourer I Romy Northover cups

Scuplture Space NYC provides space, equipment, advanced education, and opportunities for studio members to expand and develop their work. SSNYC's aesthetic is based on the principle that any element in the studio, as furniture, objects, and room’s layout, should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose.

Sculpture Space NYC

And for other gift ideas, please check out our Holiday Gift Guide Series: Part 1 and Part 2

Photos of textiles and studio space courtesy of artists. 

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Thank you so much Ana Lisa, Andrew and Magda for participating in our holiday gift guide! We're happy and humbled to share your stories of passion and contribution to your craft and the community. And of course, we really appreciate your help in curating gifts from our shop this holiday season! 

New Ceramics: Romy Northover and Shino Takeda

We're delighted to restock the beautiful ceramics this fall from two of our favorite New-York based ceramicist: Romy Northover and Shino Takeda. I had a chance to visit their studios this fall and picked up these beautiful pieces for Vuela. The ceramic bowls, cups, plate or pots are beautifully crafted with pretty colors just in time for all the festivities and gift giving this holiday season.

Shop Romy Northover and Shino Takeda Ceramics

Summer Edit: Vuela Goods with Photography by Lydia & Emlie

We're so thrilled to present these amazing images of our fave pieces from our shop this season. These amazing photos are taken by the talented Minneapolis-based sisters Lydia and Emilie. They love to capture beauty, emotion and life through the lenses. And yes indeed! They've beautifully captured our essential goods for use in life whether at home or out and about.

Shop Vuela goods: Trollhagen & Co Creamer / Studio Joo Bowl / The Things We Keep Kitchen Towel / Bohemia Design Hammam Towel / First Rite Dani Tank

Styling and photography: Lydia & Emilie

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is around the corner and we have pretty finds for your special lady. Just in time for Mother's Day, enjoy 15% OFF all orders with code: LUVSPRING . Whether it's jewelry, home goods or accessories, here are some of our fresh picks for moms:

Shop Vuela:

Bookhou Tote and storage box / Naoko Ogawa Necklace / Tarin Thomas Earrings / Kuppers & Wuytens Bag / Ma Poesie Scarf / Studio Joo ceramic vessel

Designer Interview Part 1: Jacqueline Klassen

Behind the beautiful products we showcase is a story of craft and inspiration. Getting to know the individuals and sharing our designers' stories are some of my favorite things about running our shop.

Given my strong affinity for all things ceramics, I couldn't be more excited to present our heartfelt and insightful interview with the lovely and inspiring lady, Vancouver-based ceramicist Jacqueline Klassen. Featuring her distinctive sculptural forms, playful patterns and textures, her collection of ceramics is a true objet d'art while functional at heart.

Your pieces have such distinctive forms, tactile quality and playfulness to them, how would you describe your design approach and creative process-from design, inspiration and the formation of your collection?
My design process is relatively unfussy and unplanned. Sometimes it starts with me sketching out an idea, but more often than not it’s something that begins when I sit down at the wheel. I’m thinking about new shapes and forms constantly, and so long as I have a vague idea of what I’m hoping to achieve at the beginning of the day, I’m able to hash out these ideas in a totally organic, experimental way when I’m at the studio. Once I have a piece I find to be aesthetically pleasing, I have to test out it’s functionality. After I get those kinks ironed out, I put it out into the world and see how it’s received.

My pieces are predominantly inspired by architecture and design elements (the interplay between colours, textures, and forms). However, I’m also greatly inspired by the relationship between natural and unnatural environments - that’s something that has stemmed from living in a buzzing city surrounded by mountains and sea.

I have such a weakness for ceramics. How did you get into ceramics?
I took a 6 week beginner course shortly after finishing my degree. I was burnt out and desperately wanted a change of pace before continuing on with more schooling. My infatuation was instant, and I found myself spending every spare minute I had in the studio. I ended up choosing ceramics over the art history program I had been accepted into, and I’m so glad I did. I had no idea that this would grow into what it has in such a short amount of time.
 

How has your design changed or evolved?
My process and my aesthetic has evolved significantly over the past couple years, and I want to continue to allow that to happen as I learn and grow. In terms of process, when I first started I was completely consumed by an end result, which didn’t really allow me much space to experiment and make mistakes. I’ve since become a lot more willing to enjoy the journey and the process that comes along with making a piece. In achieving this, the work I create feels so much more personal. Aesthetically, I’m starting to veer away from colours, and instead focus on bold shapes and forms, and textures.

Behind each piece is an intricate process.  So much of the process involves the combination of art, skill, time, hard work (mixing that glaze!), science and magic in the kiln? How does it feel to open the kiln and see the final pieces?
As you’d expect, it’s incredibly rewarding. There are so many steps in the process, and so many opportunities for things to go wrong along the way, so opening up the kiln and seeing a finished piece IN ONE PIECE is a massive relief. Of course, there are also days when I’ve been experimenting with glazes and I open up the kiln to see that my vision has gone terribly wrong. I try not to ever get too attached to pieces, otherwise I’d be breaking my heart on a bi-weekly basis.

I know it’s so hard to choose, but what are some of your favorite ceramic pieces to make?
I love making teapots. They require the most time and effort out of anything I make, but they are by far the most rewarding. Playing around with various spouts, handles, bodies, and lids to create something that is both aesthetically pleasing AND functional will always be my favourite challenge.

I really enjoyed collaborating with you! What's next for your collection or any new projects?
I have a bunch of collaborations in the works that I’m super excited about. I'm currently working on an exclusive teapot for Sight Unseen that will be available in their online store. In between projects I’m slowly working away on a dinnerware collection, and re-launching my website.

Running a business requires a lot of time and passion for what you do- on your down time, what are your other interests, passions or activities that you enjoy?
My favourite thing to do with my down time is to cook and bake. There is nothing better than pouring myself a glass of wine, turning on some good music, and setting to work in the kitchen. I’m also big into beach combing, reading, and cuddling cats.

Any irks and quirks you'd like to share?
I hate doing the dishes, and I’m incredibly forgetful. I also make a bad ass New York Sour.

What is your personal style or aesthetic? What are some of your favorite pieces and items you collect for you or your home?
I always try to invest in pieces that have a timelessness about them, both for my home and for my wardrobe. For my home, I love old pieces that look like they’ve lived long, full, and exciting lives. Most of my favourite pieces have been found at thrift stores and flea markets. One of my favourite pieces is a hanging lamp from an old ship. My boyfriend and I found it at a street market in Anacortes, WA this past summer. The light itself is attached to a metal pulley and the entire thing hangs from a metal hook. It’s intense. And so, so beautiful.

Any advice for someone who wants to explore and plunge into the world of craft and design?
Sign up for some classes, practice, practice, practice, and always keep your chin up. If you love what you’re doing, nothing else matters.

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Whether the conceptual design of a product starts with paper and pencil or actual construction, it is wonderful to learn not only the craft and creative process, but also the individual's journey in becoming a designer/maker. From taking the leap into the world of craft, it is a continuous process of research, learning, and skill building combined with the love for the craft. Thank you so much Jacqueline for share your inspiring story with us!It is a pleasure to get to know you and you know we'll have to visit your city soon. So grateful!And of course for the wanderlust in you, we will be sharing Jacqueline's travel tips for Vancouver in Part 2. 

Shop Jacqueline Klassen's ceramics


Studio and personal photos courtesy of Jacqueline Klassen

Ceramic Love: Romy Northover Ceramics

There's no hiding it!I have such a weakness for all thing ceramics. And we're so proud to add the modern stunning ceramics by Brooklyn-based ceramicist Romy Northover. Her line of ceramics Studio No. has been a favorite with simple shapes and beautiful textures and glazes.  We collaborated with her this season to craft some functional ceramics- a spoon rest for your hardworking kitchen tools. Loving the pieces she's created for our shop! Whether vases or little mugs, her functional ceramics are great additions to your home essentials and make wonderful holiday gifts this season.