Midori Takaki and the European Makers Gallery

Since I first found -and blogged about- Midori Takaki, I've been following her every artistic move on her blog. The more of her work I see, the more I love it. And so when I had the chance to see some of it in the flesh, I made sure to take it.

I've always admired Midori's art online, but standing before her sculptures, I felt like I wasn't just looking at them, but meeting them too. Midori's creations aren't just pretty visually, but each and every one has real character and presence. You can sense that in pictures online, but if you can ever experience it in person, I highly recommend it.

Should you be visiting Amsterdam, you can still view the three sculptures above at the European Makers Gallery. The small gallery half below ground is a true hidden treasure full of beautiful ceramics, textiles, glass and paintings!

The set-up is absolutely wonderful! There's a lot to see, but everything has enough space to be admired separately and up close. And the grey and white space combined with the great lighting lets you really take in all the art work.

Also, there are a few pieces to discover away from the main area as well. As you enter there is a space behind the main desk and a few works of art will also welcome you or wave goodbye through a low window outside.

Amsterdam is such a wonderful place for art! Most tourists visit the museums and are willing to stand in line for hours to get in, but I feel galleries are often overlooked, which is such a waste, because there are so many great ones! Especially gathered on and around the Spiegelgracht. (Which is where you'll also find the European Makers Gallery!) So if you're planning a trip to Amsterdam and you like (contemporary) art, make sure to put it on your itinerary!

Owl Things Considered

I am good on coasters, and my cat Tofu would likely kill these in a heartbeat anyway (things need to be pushed OFF the dining table), but I can't deny that I'm quite smitten with these gorgeous ceramic owl coasters from MinkyMooCeramics.

The rest of the shop is amazing too, by the way. These coasters are just the tip of the iceberg. If you are in the market for a cat shaped planter or a ceramic cactus, you'd better take a peek in the absolutely adorable Etsy shop.

Owl Things Considered

I suspect Midori Takaki has a thing for owls too, because I already spotted a bunch in her shop. But she does some amazing ceramics in general. And she has items for different budgets too (from big sculptures, to small figurines, to postcards).

Looking at her work is like peeking into a dream. I really like how she combines human elements and animals. Also, if you'd like to stay up to date on what she's creating, you might want to subscribe to Midori Takaki's blog.

Wishlist

If there's one thing that doesn't mix well with books, it is water. But this item has managed to combine the two nevertheless. They are book end vases. And though I really adore them, I don't think I would there place them anywhere near my actual books.

Anyway, they come in either yellow and orange or white and teal -which I think is the prettiest-, and they're available here.

Wishlist

The custom yarn bowls from MaidOfClay are simply jaw-dropping!  I love the 3D features and how you can pull the yarn through the mouth of the cat.

And you can choose the color of the fur and eyes so it resembles your own cat. This next one actually looks a lot like mine.

MaidOfClay also has a few adorable bunnies. This one is a little vase. The opening on top is heart shaped, isn't that cute?

And though most of the items in the shop are bowls and vases, you can also get this adorable bunny pendant. I love that it has a little flower.

To see more items follow this link.

Birthday Wishlist

As I mentioned at the beginning of the month, my birthday is coming up very soon! Within two weeks actually. So I thought I'd do a longer wishlist post than I usually do. And I promise it'll be cute!

I just adore these beautifully illustrated polka dot mugs!

This awesome reusable cat pouch is full of lovely stickers. The best thing about? The back of the pouch actually shows the back of the cat's head, not the front again -like most would-!

Is it just me, or does the color mint stop any design from getting childish? Either way, I'd definitely wear this bag! Other colors are available too by the way. As is an amazing backpack.

These little journals are amazing! They even have some colored pages in them as well. Also, 3 bucks and no shipping. Can't beat that, right?

Words can not describe how wonderful these creamers are! I love both of them! Yes... there is a bunny too. Just click here.

These silver pendants stole my heart! They are Chinese zodiac signs and thankfully mine -the sheep- is one of my favorites.

The other I really adore is the rabbit. It's so pretty! But they're all adorable really, just take a look at all by clicking here.

How cute is this shirt? And I love how it's almost up to scale too, so everything falls were it should be. Threadless never fails to make me reach for my wallet smile.

And last, but definitely not least, are Laura Frisk's amazing pillows! So many creatures to choose from and you can even pick the colors of the fabric and the ink.

Is it weird that everything on my list is some sort of animal or creature, or at least has a face? Perhaps so, but I guess those just make me smile the most. And isn't that what birthdays are about?

Wishlist

Olis Cupboard, a handmade ceramic store on Etsy, is seriously blowing my mind. Each item is so unique, has a gorgeous shape and a perfect color.

My absolute favorites are the jars. The one with the bird first caught my eye, but I might like the one below even better. The real twig is such a nice touch! And it would look great in my new kitchen.

You'll also find lots of other items, from cups to light objects, to the most amazing bird feeder you have ever seen.

Just click here to go to the shop.

Owl Things Considered

A tea lover can never have too many mugs. And I have to admit I often fall in love with a new one. Especially with these owl mugs I found on Etsy. They look so cozy and the colors are amazing. I just adore the teal one!

Just as awesome are these cat mugs. Like with the owl mugs above, you can pick all the colors. Which in this case means you can get your favorite color mug with a cat resembling your own.

I recommend you check out the Back Bay Pottery store. These mugs are just the tip of the iceberg really.  Enjoy!

Owl Things Considered

If you have to wear glasses, these owls are great on your nightstand. But I suppose they could come in pretty handy even if you don't. I mean, you could always use them to store your favorite sunglasses, right?

 Anyway, you can get one here at Luna Reece if you're interested.

Owl Things Considered

I hope you're all still enjoying the holidays. Of course it's too late to order any Christmas themed items, but you can always keep these two owls in mind for next year.

And otherwise you can choose one of many other owls from the Claylicious shop.

I absolutely love this one! It has such a great Dr. Suess quote on it. It's also a very neutral, yet elegant color.

And here's a little glimpse of some other, more useful items you might find in the shop.

Aren't they wonderful! The pomegranate honey jar, the flower dishes and the way those handles are attached to those cups, all such great concepts!

Click here to see more.

Wishlist

How adorable are these?! I have a hard time finding words to do these pins from Hideminy justice. They are almost too freakin' cute.

In fact, their entire Baby Angel collection is!

Imagine having breakfast out of one of these? I think they'd make sure you have a good mood each day, even if, at first, you got out on the wrong side of the bed.

Hideminy sells lots of cute ceramics. Including a lace collection and some very lifelike fragrant macarons.