JKL Design.

I've been thinking of art lately. It's one of the things that my apartment is lacking. I'm in no hurry at all to acquire pieces because I feel that what I get must reflect how I feel then and it should be a treat not something bought on impulse.

I love these pieces from JKL Design. It's almost too tempting to request for her to do a water colour portrait of me but that would be rather narcissistic. Although it would be special to me and of course, unique. I love commissioned art.

While I struggle with myself, enjoy these pieces of art.

Whitney Smith Pottery.

Etsy is a trove of fantastic handmade crafts. I can't seem to get enough of it. On my recent trawl of etsy, I chanced upon Whitney Smith Pottery. She makes such lovely ceramic pieces and her choice of colours for glazing are beautiful. I am terribly attracted (like a moth to the light) to the lovely shades of vintage colours (blues and greens especially). The little details that she adds to her pieces especially the "wood altar with two moths" vase is very simple but it makes you want to shower the piece with adoring glances.

I love her cupcake stands with the scalloped bell jars. They are just so adorable. I hear that these pieces are going to be featured in a later issue of Martha Stewart's Wedding. Aren't they so deserving of this honour?

Cupcake Stand with Scalloped Bell Jar.

Bird Cupcake Stand.

Five Nesting Lotus Bowls.

Purple Poppy Bowl.

Pair of Bird Cupcake Stands.

Large Scallop Cake Stand.

Wood Altar With Two Moths.

Etsy, isn't it?

It's amazing what you can find on Etsy. There are some lovely handmade items that would make fabulous gifts for a friend or oneself. The Etsy shops that I'm featuring are Melissa Neufeld, Lucky Duck Letterpress and Greenwich Letterpress. It's no secret that I am a huge fan of letterpress. I love how rich it looks, feels and I appreciate the work that goes into producing every single item.

Melissa Neufeld has been specialising in vintage inspired goods. She scouts for vintage sacks, trimmings and makes them into cushions, aprons, cards and gifts. However, I only love her cushions and aprons. It would definitely add character to any living room or kitchen.

The Lucky Duck Letterpress is from Brooklyn, New York.  Most of their stock designs are hand-set with metal or wooden plates. I love their telegram card (the one in the photo is an example of custom printed wordings, otherwise there will be a void under the telegram heading) and their Christmas greeting card (this will be a card worth cherishing).

The Greenwich Letterpress is from (as its name suggests) Greenwich Village, New York. It is run by Amy and Beth who come from a family of printers. Using three 75 year old Heidelberg letterpresses that use metal instead of polymer plates, soy based ink is applied to 100% cotton papers (which are imported). They have successfully powered their presses with wind power since last year. This is a fine example of art with a conscience. It compels you to love their work even more.

Melissa Neufeld cushions made from vintage sacks.

Melissa Neufeld's vintage inspired apron.

A "Telegram" card from Lucky Duck Letterpress.

A Christmas greeting card from Lucky Duck Letterpress.

Agent Cooper, New York greeting card series 3 from Greenwich Letterpress.

Great Scott, New York greeting card series 5, from Greenwich Letterpress.

Sweet Stach Bro, pack of 6 designs (all with men with moustaches) from Greenwich Letterpress.

Sheridan Square gift tags from Greenwich Letterpress.