Amazing Hands!

Ok, so how often do we come across handcrafted "anything" these days?? 

Not that often, right? 

Well, I came across these hand crafted, sleek, modern & meticulously made ceramics by Lawrence McRae, and I am soooooo wanting a piece!! Look at that lacework, and the yummy colors...

Not only is the Large Peony Vase something that I would actually use, but the Nairobi Blue looks amazing! I am envisioning this piece in a casual summerhouse setting, filled to the brim with fresh white blooms & lots of greenery. Perhaps on a wide plank, rustic dining table....

WOW, right? Yes, I know, I went a little overboard with the size of this bowl, but I just absolutely adore the color and the texture in the glaze, and figured you would appreciate it as well, was I right?? Every piece in the collection is hand done, every circle hand carved by the amazing hands of Lawrence McRae...

As an Interior Designer I am always (it seems) on the hunt for a beautiful lamp, something that it not mass-produced, and has a bit of character. In the McRae collection there are nine lamps to choose from, and many super pretty colors, I just happen to have chosen what would look amazing in my house ;) !!

Many of you may very well know the talented Jill Rosenwald? Well, as it turns out, she is Lawrence's wife (there is a LOT of press on her and her designs out there). Personally I am drawn to these pieces, finding the simplicity and delicate, yet graphic designs interesting & sculptural. I can truly appreciate the hand crafted look and the time it takes to make these pieces. 

If you want a closer look - and I am telling you that you DO :) - check out the Lawrence McRae website here. 

Go ahead, drool a little, or start a wish list!

Natasha

All images via Lawrence McRae Website

Chic Ceramist!

Waylande Gregory...

If you have not heard his name before, you are about to be introduced! Originally from Kansas, he was born in 1905 and past away in 1971... His works have been brought back by his great nephew, Bryan Downey, and are once again available to the public.

Waylande Gregory ceramics are as fresh as ever!!

The vibrant colors, the exotic animals, the use of gold and silver, not to mention the texture of the glaze... WG had a fascination with the vibrant colors and animals of India, and while he never visited India in person, he was able to capture all these exotic animals in his drawings.

There are boxes, trays, plates, vases and bowls...

This particular vase was just used by Cathy Echols, in the resent High Gloss magazine; "Tongue in Chic" page 64/65 and it looks fantastic filled with pink flowers!!

Imagine this beauty on your vanity, a pop of color and the wonderful matte texture combined with the little bit of gold!

Love the graphic black and white box, along with the tiny nest and turquoise eggs...

... Just had to include this plate! For me, this is over the top, I'm not sure I would know what to do with this plate, but it leads me to the last image below...

Take a peak at what is currently on my night stand! My very own Waylande Gregory!

As I wrote a few posts back, I had spotted his works at a local Interior Design Store, and simply had to have a small piece myself! The colors are exquisite and bright, the motifs are a little retro, the green glaze is matte (as I am not a ceramist, I apologize in advance if my terminology is incorrect) and the overall feel is super chic!

Take a tour of the Waylande Gregory website for the complete line, as well as a very interesting background story. He married a countess... in Paris!

Do you share my excitement? Or is this not your style..?

Natasha

Image #1 - #7 via the Wayland Gregory Studio, Image # 5 via Vogue, Image #8 NHH for Northern Light Blog