Objects of Lust: Anna Sykora Ceramics

The minute I saw these, I fell hard. I mean, yum.

Handcrafted by Berlin ceramist Anna Sykora from Limoges porcelain, each piece is covered in a fine layer of earth-based terra sigillata clay that Sykora mixes herself before being inscribed with a delicate pattern and fired at ultra-high temperature.

Available in a variety of colors and patterns, the bowls are 40 to 44 euros (about $56 to $62), the vases are 198 euros ($278), and the platters are 120 to 190 euros ($169 to $267) from Craft2Eu.

See more of Sykora's work here.

Cool Stuff: Oceania Vases

Simply lovely handmade ceramic vases from The HomePort.

They're normally $24 to $28 each, or $76 for the set of three, but they're 25 percent off (or $16 to $57) between now and May 15. Check 'em out right here.

Cool Stuff: Stain Cups

British designer Bethan Laura Wood's clever Stain Cups are designed to become more beautiful with each use. Wood treats the inside of each porcelain teacup so that, over time, certain areas pick up more stain than others. "The more the cups are used, the more the pattern is revealed," she explains.

The cups are £35 (about $50) each. Contact Wood directly to order, and check out more of the young designer's innovative wares right here.

(Via CribCandy.)

Mark Your Calendar: Whitney Smith Sample Sale

If you're in the Bay Area this weekend, be sure to stop by ceramic artist Whitney Smith's Spring Sample Sale on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Smith is making space in her studio by clearing out not-quite-perfect items -- which are 10 to 70 percent off regular retail -- prototypes, older pieces, and even some brand-new designs (her organic-modern Lichen Collection, for instance, is a particular fave of mine). The studio is located at 539 Athol Ave. at Cleveland in Oakland.

And if you're not in the area, don't despair -- Smith will be filling the "Sale" section of her Etsy shop with bargains starting on Sunday, March 29.

See more of Smith's gorgeous handmade ceramics right here.

Etsy Find of the Day: Poodlebreath Wall Sculpture

Wonderfully weird wall sculptures (which can also be pressed into service as unusual jewelry holders) from Vancouver, British Columbia-based Etsy seller Poodlebreath. Above: Little Helping Hands Wall Sculpture in White, $90

Little Helping Hands Wall Sculpture in Blue, $90

White Sinking Fairy Tale Wall Sculpture, $85

Blue Sinking Fairy Tale Wall Sculpture, $85

See all of Poodlebreath's Etsy offerings right here.

Cool Stuff: Forest Silhouette Lamps

Crafted from unglazed porcelain and illuminated by low-wattage bulbs, these Forest Silhouette Lamps cast a soft, almost ghostly glow that highlights the subtle tree designs etched inside.

They're $118 each at RianRae.

Cool Stuff: Coffee and Tea Time at Eden and Eden

What's your poison? Mine is coffee, big time -- but maybe you're more of a tea person.

Whatever bevvy gets you through the day, you'll savor it all the more in one of these lovely handmade porcelain beakers from Swedish ceramist Karin Eriksson. The vessels are subtly printed with the names of various java and tea blends, and made to fit perfectly in your hand. They're $42 to $52 each, depending on size, at San Francisco's Eden and Eden.

Tea time would be even more special with a few extra accouterments hand-selected by the shop's British proprietress, Rachel Eden. Above: Brown Betty Teapot with Handknit Wool Cosy, $70

Lasercut Felt Coasters from Donna Wilson, $38 for four


Donna Wilson Lasercut Felt Doily, $38

Check out the rest of Eden and Eden's British-flavored housewares right here.

Etsy Find of the Day: Whitney Smith Lichen Bowls

I'm crushing hard on this new collection from Oakland ceramist Whitney Smith. These delicate bowls' organic, modern form is a real departure from Smith's (also gorgeous) signature Art Nouveau-inspired pieces -- and one that I wholeheartedly approve. Above: Lichen Nesting Bowls, $240 for the set

Lichen Bowl, $44

See all of the offerings in Smith's Etsy shop right here -- and check out more of her work here.

Bonus Etsy Find of the Day: Skinny Laminx Egg Cups

Also loving this foray into ceramic transfer from another Cape Town textile designer and illustrator, the incomparable Skinny Laminx. (Mmmm ... eggs.)

Top: Bracken Eggcups

Spindley Eggcups

Flowery Eggcups

Dots Eggcups

They're just $15 per set. Check 'em out right here.

Etsy Find of the Day: Jezze Screenprinted Mugs

Yesterday was the first reasonably cool, overcast day we've had around here in months -- and after last week's blistering heatwave, I was more than happy to usher in a bit of fall weather.

And what better way to herald the cozy season than with a set of new mugs, adorned with graphic fall foliage and just waiting to be filled with a steaming cup of tea or rich coffee?

These pretty cups (like Skinny Leaves, above) from Cape Town, South Africa illustrator and textile-maker Jezze are handmade with screenprinted illustrations that are transferred onto the mugs and then fired to fuse them with the porcelain.

Skeleton Leaves Mug

Yellow Flowers Mug

Red Flowers Mug

Lino Leaves Mug

The mugs are $17.50 apiece right here.

Cool Stuff: Feinedinge Porcelain

Feinedinge means "fine thing" in German -- and truer words were never spoken.

Based in Austria, Feinedinge is the brainchild of ceramist Sandra Haischberger, in whose Vienna studio each delicately beautiful piece is crafted by hand. I love the intricate, ethereal patterns and the subtle tone-on-tone colors. In short, I want all of them:

See the entire collection right here. Stateside, several Feinedinge products are available, for $55 to $135 apiece, through Olio United and Peek Keep.

Cool Stuff: Perch! Sale at Supermarket

I love love love the porcelain treasures handmade by Amy Adams of the Brooklyn-based Perch!

Though prices for Perch! goodies are totally fair, I wouldn't exactly say they're bargain-basement. But right now you can grab a Perch! prototype, sample, or second at a big discount from online indie retailer Supermarket. Bonus: The sale includes novel colors and designs (like the Yellow Pitcher above, $15) that you won't see in lots of other places.

Some of my faves:

Julius Vase, $18

Lunchbox Birdfeeder, $44

Hobnob, $18

Orange Apron Vases, $24 each

Candle Ball, $30

Campy Planter, $40

See more sale items right here -- and check out all of the Perch! goods at Supermarket here.

Etsy Find of the Day: Blue Celadon Dinnerware

I love the soft blue color and beautiful imperfection of this handmade porcelain tableware by Philadelphia potter Chloe Le Pichon. They're even microwave and dishwasher safe.

Short Blue Celadon Mugs, $20 each

Tall Blue Celadon Mugs, $20 each

Blue Celadon Bowls, $18 each

Blue Celadon Dessert Plates, $18 each

Blue Celadon Dinner Plates, $25 each

Blue Celadon Bottles, $55 for four

See all of Le Pichon's Etsy offerings right here -- and check out more of her gorgeous ceramic work here.