Cool, Calm and Collectible With Handful of Salt

HandfulofSalt

Story by HandfulofSalt

Published on June 15, 2011 in Shop

Photo by Tally Locke

bio_handfulsalt.jpg Bay Area-based Regina Connell is the founder and editor-in-chief of Handful of Salt, an online magazine that explores the intersection of design and modern craft.

At Handful of Salt, we’re always on the hunt for things that make our hearts beat faster. Once we find something we like the look of, we dig deeper: is the piece well crafted, is it collectible? Can we see the soul of the maker in it, as well as the single-minded craziness of the creative spirit?

When I think about my faves, the things I’d pick for myself, it’s always pieces that’ll bring calm into my frenetic life. But it has to have that cool factor — some charisma, depth, and intrigue — to keep you interested and coming back for more. Here’s what I think is calm, cool and worth collecting on Etsy, Handful of Salt-style.

It’s All About Lighting

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Clockwise from top left: Black and White Carved Porcelain Lamp by Isabelle Abramson; Pleated String Lights by Pigeon Toe; Koivu Tea Light Holder by Maari; Porcupine Desk Lamp by Lightexture.

There’s nothing like great lighting to soothe the soul. I adore this hand-carved and drilled filigree porcelain lantern by Isabelle Abramson. The intricate technique has a slightly obsessive quality to it (which we applaud, of course) while the black edging erases any hint of dowdiness.

The essence of calm is a glass of rosé in the backyard on a hot night (not that we get too many of them here in the Bay Area) under the stars. Sometimes you need a little light, but those lights from the hardware store, they smack of trailer park, no? Pigeon Toe Ceramics’ Pleated String Lights do not. Even if you’re sitting under them in the summer, wearing a parka.

Back indoors, it’s all about candlelight. These modern raku candle lights are stunning, even in the harsh light of day. Icelandic designer Maari often dips her pieces in snow (lots of that in Lapland) to create the distinctive raku markings. Finally, think about your bedside light: it’s one of the last things you see before your head hits the pillow. Make it good, or your dreams may retaliate. Protect yourself with the Porcupine Desk Lamp from Lightexture. It even comes with a one-touch dimmer.

Get Practical, If You Must

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Clockwise from top left: Modern Grandfather Clock by Special Projects Division; Alonso Hall Table by Modern Industry; Ghost Stool by Tally Locke; Wool Magnets by Paridesign.

What most induces calm is the sense that one’s life is under control. For some, it’s color-coordinated file folders in pristine baskets. For me, it’s a lovely hall table: it’s the first thing you see when you get home, it corrals your keys and gewgaws, and might even hold your personal altar. This table from Modern Industry, with its tough organic, tactile vibe creates that feeling of calm. Speaking of corralling, all those little pieces of paper on the side of the fridge, I think they could use some classing up. These felt-covered magnets will do the job wonderfully, thank you. Bonus: they’ll make you smile.

Stools are the utility players of the home, sometimes serving as seating, sometimes as a convenient table for that martini. If it looks like sculpture, all the better. The Ghost Stool by Tally Locke fits the bill perfectly.

Time rules our lives. But I think I’d feel differently about the passage of time if I had this sexy, modernly majestic take on a grandfather clock, a true new classic from SPDivision.

Pure Pleasure for the Eye

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Clockwise from top left: Painted Wood Slice Collage Art by Love A Little Art; Glass Woodgrain Dish by kiku handmade; Succulents Sculpture by Dilly Pad; Kabuku XVIII by Natural Selection Studio.

What about a piece to pop against all that pristine white? Natural Selection Studio’s wooden vase qualifies. What I really need is art that will survive my cats who like to set new land speed records as they tear around the house. This lovely succulents ceramic wall sculpture from Angela Schwer of Dillypad is subtle, gorgeous and cat-safe. Too zen? Try this piece from Love a Little Art. Sustainable, but pop.

I’m also so intrigued with this glass woodgrain dish. Kiku Handmade says she’s going in another direction, but the restraint in this piece moves me.

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Clockwise from top left: Udon Bowl Set by Clam Lab; Brown Copper Paper Vessel by etco; Concrete Bowl by Obelisk; Deep Bowl by RouDesigns.

Really love these papier-mache bowls with the unexpected splash of copper color, which would look so fabulous lined up against a white wall. Buy them in multiples: the repetition and rhythm soothe the eye. I’m also completely obsessed with these udon bowls from Clam Lab, the perfect size for broth and noodles…or ice cream. And I love the wabi sabi feel of this larger bowl from RouDesigns.

Always a sucker for contrast — hard and soft, rough and smooth — I can’t resist the idea of utilitarian concrete being used for sensual pleasures like eating. Obelisk’s simple bowl is a perfectly balanced shade of grey. I’m thinking it’s an ideal backdrop for mango sorbet.

A Little More (Balm) for the Soul

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Clockwise from top left: Blue Lagoon Lap Quilt by Quilt Modern; Boiled Wool Oversized Hoodie by Sandmaiden; Felted Slippers by bure bure.

Nothing says “home” more than a good set of slippers. I’m all about comfort, but really, do yourself a favor and get a pair that won’t embarrass you. How about these felted slippers by Lithuanian designer Inga Samusiene? Earthy and comfortable but terribly chic.

We don’t cover clothing in Handful of Salt, but this oversized hoodie (made to measure, of course) is something I’m craving. Seriously cozy. But perhaps you just want to end your day by snuggling under a quilt with your significant other. I thought it almost impossible to find a quilt that’s cool and modern until I saw the work from the appropriately named Quilt Modern. Definitely design-craft, definitely beautiful, definitely collectible.

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