5 Happy Inspirations: Happy Treats

Treat yourself. That's what I keep telling myself. I guess it is a sort of excuse for giving in when I spot something nice and new for my home. But sometimes I don't even have to buy something new. Sometimes I just have to dig into old things, to go through my mum's basement to discover some old and forsaken gems. That's what I did last weekend. Here is a little happy compilation of new & old treats that have one thing in common: the power to add happiness to a home!

1. Hand painted linen tablecloth from Shop Terrain. Oh yes!

2. The new collection by Rie Elise Larsen is just a happy feast! I love her cheerful paper designs.

3. My first piece of hand made ceramics. A bowl I made in school back in 1992. Happy memories!

4. I've stocked up on new washi tapes. I got these from my Swiss blogger friend Renate of Baumhausfee. Thank you my dear!

5. I heart these cushions as seen on Wendy Polish.

A hearty Wednesday, folks!

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Happily Ever After: 'Sarjaton' by Iittala

I have many times admitted that I love ceramics, tableware, glassware, anything designed and made thoughtfully, with love and passion for form, function and emotions. The Finnish brand Iittala has always managed to fulfill these criteria and make me happy with their fine products. Now I am eagerly waiting for their brand-new 'Sarjaton' collection which will be launched in September. If you haven't seen it yet, watch this little video to understand my delight and happiness.

I wish you all a very happy & sunny Friday!

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5 Happy Inspirations: Little Rewards

Do you need yet another blanket? More tumblers and cups? Probably not. But life would be a tad dull and monotone without those tiny little goodies that we reward ourselves with. The majority of us works hard - in offices, at home, as employees or running our own businesses. And its the little rewards that keep us running, working and accomplishing tasks. We can't reward ourselves too often with major holidays or luxury. But a small thing to add happiness to our home and our hearts is the ideal way to brighten up any day, no matter how stressful or bad it was. Here are five ideas to reward ourselves.

1. The Zoza blanket is handwoven in Ethiopia and adds colour and texture to your bed or sofa.

2. These coasters are so artsy, I would use them as decoration. Found them on Pretty Dandy.

3. I love the nautical touch to this canvas laundry bag. Ideal for white rooms and maritime fans. Seen on Ebury Home & Garden.

4. The coloured clay cups by Dawn Vachon would spice up every breakfast setting. In love!

5. The upcoming Sarjaton collection by Iittala is something I am eagerly waiting for. These tumblers are sublime - solid and delicate at the same time. Available as of September 2012.

Happy hump day! 

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Happily Ever After: Makoto Kagoshima

Apart from my obsessions for cushions, I do suffer of another weakness: my abiding lust for beautiful, handmade ceramics. When I discovered the Japanese artist and ceramicist Makoto Kagoshima I was head over heels in love with his delightful and delicate pieces that transform everyday moments into art. Imagine eating out of one of his plates - this would certainly feed my stomach and eye!

I adore his careful dedication to his artwork - he works with interesting tools like lightbulbs. The lightness of his paintings is an ode to the artful Japanese letters, his shapes and figurines speak of a special Japanese approach to design and taste. And all this is so appealing to me! 

With the piles of mass produced and cheap ceramics in high street stores, these handmade pieces come as a sort of luxury. The kind of ceramics you buy and adore, cherish, take out carefully and treat with due respect, knowing about all the love, dedication, work and care given to it by the hands of an artist. Now I feel like this Friday I need to treat myself with a little piece of handmade ceramics. Happy Friday, friends!

Photography via Biotope

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5 Happy Inspirations: For A Leisurely Wednesday

Wednesdays or as I like to say hump days are  the moment when we catch a first glimpse of the upcoming weekend. So there is nothing better than to pause for a moment and enjoy a leisurely Wednesday. To bring that laid-back feel into your home, I've picked '5 Happy Inspirations' for you. So let's kick it off and sip a cocktail in anticipation of the upcoming weekend!

1. Artwork 'Flower Girl' by Kate Pugsley via Thumbtack Press

2. Ceramic Dip Cups via Folklore

3. Handprinted fabric via Dawanda

4. Linen Day Blanket via Folklore

5. Arcadia Platter via Mary Jurek Design Inc

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5 Happy Inspirations: Ceramics

Today's '5 Happy Inspirations' are dedicated to one of my all time favorites for my home. Ceramics, porcelain, tableware. Sometimes I think I am a little bit maniac when I catch myself buying the 14th bowl, the 9th mug, yet another vase, more plates, I better stop here. I don't know why, but I am always drawn to beautiful ceramics - in shops, online, at flea markets, at thrift stores.  I tend to play with various designs and shapes and do some kind of mix & match game with ceramics at home. These five 'happy chaps' caught my eye this week - the handcrafted still life plate by terrain, the vintage looking blue pot by Fleux, the happy Kate Spade mug, the adorable light garland plate by West Elm, and the ethnic inspired ceramic bowls by Tine K Home. Do you have a favorite here?

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