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

New Arrivals: Shino Takeda Ceramics

 

 We're thrilled to present the new collection of pretty ceramics from one of our favorite ceramic artists Shino Takeda. Featuring pretty ocean blues and pastels, we have a range of functional ceramics from hanging planters,tea cups to adorable spoons that Shino made for our shop. And we have a set of little dishes this season that are perfect for tapas, spices or sauces. And check out our studio visit with her last summer to learn about this amazing craft and process!

Holiday Gift Ideas: Home Essentials

I can't believe Christmas is around the corner. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is definitely all around us. Whether something for the cook, hostess, or design enthusiast, these lovely pieces for the home make great gifts for your loved ones. Or maybe even keep a piece for yourself!

Studiopatro Devour Tea Towel / Syuro Brass Can / Oji Masanori Eclipse Bottle Opener/ Cotton & Flax Golden Wool Felt Coasters/Shino Takeda ceramics

Studio Visit: Shino Takeda

Shino Takeda and her new creations

Must have a fan-it's been one hot summer in NYC!

the kilns-where the magic happens!

the vats-such hardwork mixing the glaze

clay and color samples for glaze

finished products

adorable spoons-new pieces available in our shop

bowl and hanging vase

salt spoon and dish/tea cup

As far as functional objet d'art, I love ceramics and have been in awe with the process of making them. The fact that they've been around for thousands of years, I sometimes dream of being on some archeaological dig finding an ancient Mesopotamian vessel.  So when I was in New York City last month, I couldn't miss the chance to visit the studio of one of our favorite ceramicists,Shino Takeda.And it only reinforced my admiration for the skill, hard work, effort, and time that goes into creating such beautiful objects. I love learning about the process since it's an adventure of discovery in itself-from using the hand built technique, initial bisque firing, the waiting time for drying, mixing the glaze (which I admit seems like a great arm workout), glazing (oh the colors!), more wait time to dry, filling the kilns, firing again (where nature and science come alive!), and voila! Nature takes hold and the piece comes to life, which may not always be what is expected or planned for. But hey I think that's what makes pottery really special.

It was such a pleasure to not only learn about the process but to meet the person behind the pieces. I'm honored to get to know such a talented maker such as Shino. She's warm, down-to-earth and cheerful. I enjoyed chatting with her over our yummy Japanese lunch like long time friends just catchin' up. She grew up in Kyushu Island and was exposed to ceramics and art at an early age. Trained as ballet dancer (amazing!), she transitioned into the world of ceramics initially as a hobby.  Shino is now involved in a joint venture called Katakana with fellow ceramicist Romy Northover. It's a design/lifestlye collaboration presenting home wares and supper clubs.   

I truly enjoyed getting a wonderful glimpse of Shino's life as a ceramicist. The process is the perfect blend of the potter's hands and skill as well as science with an element of surprise.  Just like life, it's about the journey of discovery and exploration!

Thank you so much Shino for graciously sharing your story and studio with us!

Ceramic Arrivals: OUI Candles & Shino Takeda

 

  

Whether you're in the mood for monochromatic black and white or pretty pastel colors, new ceramics have arrived in our shop.We're happy to present the lovely speckled ceramic candles from OUI, a line of soy candles created by Angela Hodgkinson using safe and sustainable materials. We've also restocked Shino Takeda's pretty ceramics like her ever popular ceramic hanging vase.

It's Springtime!

Happy first day of Spring!Feeling more like summer here but just wanted to share some of my favorite images of blooming flowers. Love all the colors! Enjoy little arrangement of flowers or succulents showcased in a hanging plant holder like one of Shino Takeda's hanging vase or Cold Picnic's hanging terrarium.

New Arrivals: Hanging Plant Holders

It may be the middle of winter for some us and springtime can't come soon enough, but we can still enjoy some colorful blooms now.  These lovely hanging creations are great options to showcase and hang little flower arrangements and succulents. They're perfect near a window!

1) Little Hanging Ceramic Vase by Shino Takeda 2) Hanging Terrarium by Cold Picnic