Let’s be honest, we are living in a strange time. With COVID-19, government restrictions, and lock-downs all over the world our everyday life has changed. Every business has been affected, especially small businesses, local stores, and service providers. Many of them are either closed until further notice or have been using e-commerce to stay in touch with their customers. We are all adapting to what has been happening, and so they are. Trying to find ways to push their business forward, because in most cases, that business puts food on their table.
Today I am sharing my favorite list of small businesses and talented crafters that we can all support in these hard times. All of them have a story to tell, with thoughtful products for a simplified home. Many of them are currently shipping worldwide; some of them will start shipping once the situation has calmed. I hope you will give them a look and maybe find something that will make your home more enjoyable and significant.
ITALY
The Freaky Raku
Unique, thoughtful, and exceptional pieces to add to your home collection.
Zaira Zarotti & Francesco Pettenà are potters and founders of The Freaky Raku Studio near Venice. Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic concept of Wabi-Sabi and the beauty of imperfection, each of their creations tells a unique story and will give a special meaning to your home. Shop their collection on their website https://www.thefreakyraku.com/ or follow them on Instagram @thefreakyraku.
Bottega Donini
We all love copper products, am I right? Bottega Donnini is a traditional shop in Tuscany that produces beautiful copper pots, copper pans, cauldrons, casseroles, cookware pans, and many other items for your kitchen. All the products are handmade, following the long traditions and family know-how. Visit the shop here: https://bottegadonnini.com/?ls=en.
Giovelab
From Trentino, we have GIOVELAB, a beautifully curated ceramic studio by Giorgia Brunelli. On their website, you will find an unconventional table collection made of porcelain, stoneware, and larch wood. Their products will add a spark to your ceramic collection, and you can find them all here: https://giovelab.myshopify.com/.
Hue Table Stories
Ambra Poli is a talented crafter and prop stylist from Milan who owns a store of beautiful, hand-dyed home linens. Check her collection here: https://www.huetablestories.com/.
Claire Lune Ceramics
Claire Lune Ceramics is a pottery studio in Tuscany owned by Chiara Della Santina. Inspired by nature and slow living, Chiara produces pottery that has a unique style and character. Take a look at her shop here: https://clairelunelab.it/.
If you are always in search of vintage items, the following two shops are for you. Every day on Instagram they publish new products so make sure to follow them along and hunt down your favorite items.
Monpetitmarchemagique - visit here: https://www.instagram.com/monpetitmarchemagique/
Mirtillo Rosso Antiques - visit here: https://www.instagram.com/mirtillo_rosso_antiques/
INTERNATIONAL
Dantes Ceramics
Simple, sophisticated with a touch of rustic tones, Issy's ceramics are something else. If you love earthy tones and simple lines, Dantes Ceramics is the place to shop. Issy owns a pottery studio in Wivenhoe and you can buy her beautiful ceramics on her website https://dantesceramics.com/ or directly through Instagram @dantesceramics.
Polder's Old World Market
I could talk about them all day, but their beautifully crafted products will tell the story themselves. Polder's Old World Market is a family-owned business in Virginia, USA. The Polder family creates the most beautiful wooden utensils, called dream ware, each unique and hand-carved by the family members. Besides wooden utensils, you can find a curated collection of complementary handmade objects and some vintage items as well. Read more on their inspiring family story and shop their products here: https://www.poldersoldworldmarket.com/.
The Cook's Atelier
If you ever watched Julie& Julia, or have been inspired by Julia Child and her life in France, this shop will have the same effect on you. You will want to pack your bags and move to France. Mother and daughter, American ex-pats, Marjorie Taylor, and Kendall Smith Franchini, always dreamed of living in France and have made their dream come true by opening a cooking school and culinary boutique in Beaune. Visiting their shop and school is on my bucket list, but for now, we can all take a virtual tour of their gorgeous online shop. From beautifully crafted home and kitchen utensils, French vintage items, and stunning copper, their shop has something for everyone. Visit their store here: https://www.thecooksatelier.com/.
González y González
This beautifully curated store from Madrid, Spain, features a careful selection of traditional products that combine the beauty of each item and their everyday functionality. I am in love with their vintage and simplified look that can be easily added to all homes and styles. Find their products here: www.gonzalez-gonzalez.es.
Nom Living
Nom Living is a London-based company that works directly with artisans in South East Asia to create sustainable, functional, and contemporary objects for the home. Their family-run business tells a story of traditions and handcrafted products, each unique and different. Their Rustic Stoneware collection is absolutely stunning! Visit their store here: https://nomliving.com/.
Ovo Things
I don't know about you, but I am kind of obsessed with candles and candle holders. Guoda, Vida and Justė are creators and owners of an ethical store called OVO Things, which sells beautiful natural beeswax candles along with uniquely designed candleholders in wood, porcelain, and bronze. Visit their store here: https://ovothings.com/.
Pottery Jo
If you love the nordic design and are looking for new plates for your spring table, look no further. Pottery Jo is a studio in Sweden owned by, Johanna Hampf. Their collection of tableware is joyful and will make all your meals look even more beautiful. Take a sneak peek into their shop here: https://potteryjo.com/.
Make sure to give them all a shoutout and share them with your friends on social media.
Stay home and stay safe!