“Don’t make something unless its both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.”

The idea that beauty and functionality are not mutually exclusive dominates every one of our creations - but never have I read a statement that surmises that philosophy as eloquently as Design House Stockholm’s mission statement.

I made a run to the supply store yesterday for a $2 item and walked out with $50 in glazes – typical Lisa. However, I am very happy to share the color palette for the thread collection that I’m developing right now. The exterior is unglazed, polished porcelain  (it has a lovely stone-like texture and heft) with an interior pop of glossy color. I’m currently running a mind-numbing amount of  frustrating tests to braid strands of thin porcelain to embellish the exteriors — hence the “thread” name. Without further adieu, here is the color family:

(L to R: french grey, ochre, seafoam, and clear crackle)

Expect to see the first glimpses of color in a few weeks, once my next batch of work makes it through the kiln cycles. I’m alomost ready for a bisque fire now…Currently obsessed with things in miniature, I’ve been producing tiny pitchers (proudly standing a 2 inches in height and .75 inches in diameter). They are completely irresistable. I’ve also been toying with a few more pieces that have tapered legs like my new tripod pleated bowl. I think I need to make some plant pots with little feet.

I couldn’t resist posting these gorgeous plates I came across today via Remodelista.  I spend a lot of time perfecting a curve or line of color and for that I find these seemingly effortless strokes of color very attractive. Don’t they look amazing stacked together?

“Mathilde Labrouche is a Paris-based designer, antiques dealer, and Beaux-Arts graduate who creates new pieces from salvaged materials. She calls her work “haute couture made from old materials. I want to make something more precious by using noble materials such as old marble from quarries that no longer exist, or antique mirrors made with mercury.”

Photographs of the new pieces are up! Check out the new designs, like the stacking thimble cups in raw porcelain at left and expect to see many up on etsy shortly…

Love,

PTC

We look forward to their newsletter in our inbox every Friday, it’s like receiving a package in the mail. But today was like Christmas morning, since we’re featured! Thanks ladies.

Read the rest of this week’s edition here….

The new bounty from the kiln is ready to be photographed, which I will do tomorrow and get up on the collections page and on etsy. I have new designs – an adorable dented mug with one-fingered handle, a large version of the tuck pot with a detached saucer, a tripod footed pleated serving bowl – plus the first pieces from the “raw” collection — unglazed porcelain stacking thimble cups. I even have pieces with a bit of color (a first so far), in a lovely dove grey. See you then! Love, PTC

I was checking out Indie Parade this morning after noticing some referral hits from it today — turns out my dent bud vase is featured — and lo and behold the lovely Liza Rietz (whose clothes I covet) had a beautiful dress listed right next to my piece. I know we have a lot of talent in our fair city but sometimes I take it for granted — its moments like this that remind me why I love living and working here so much.