Jo Heckett’s ceramics are fun, stylish and a little bit sassy. Her ‘Raw Passion’ sushi ware includes tongue-in-cheek slogans such as ‘sushi eaters do it in the raw’ and ‘wasabi rocks but sushi rolls’. Her ‘Scrubbers’ bathroom accessories have been described as ‘lovely and elegant and yet a little bit cheeky’.

Other collections include fridge magnets, jewellery, mugs and mosaics, which can be customised with names, slogans and messages for that extra special personal touch. Whatever takes your fancy, you can be sure that it combines style, good design and Jo’s quirky sense of humour.

Shop at:

- Jo Heckett
- All Things Original
- Not on the High Street

We bought some beautiful black and white bed linen recently and since then everywhere I look I see black and white in clothes, accessories and homewares. I’ve picked out a few indie examples to share.

Top Left - Black Ribbon Tie Bolero by Enamore at Vintage Style
Top Right - Reminisce Necklace by Evod
Middle Left - Teatime Tea Cup by youcanmakeithappen
Bottom Left - Black and White Mini Houndstooth Wallet by Blissful
Bottom Right - Halloween Trick or Treat Plate by Wood Tattoos

Subu is the collaboration of one woman and her father. Emily Towbin creates beautiful books, journals and notepads. My favourites are the recycled notebooks, made from heavy cardstock and discarded printer paper. Each book is bound with hemp twine and completed with hand stampings.

Emily’s father Rich recently joined the Subu team with his hand thrown pots and vessels. He learned his craft as a third year medical student, as a way to relax and do something non-medical. Now 30 years later his family has talked him into sharing his gift with the rest of us.

Buy online from http://subu.etsy.com. Countries outside of the US should convo Emily for shipping details.

RED INSTEAD handmade is an Aussie brand created by the multi talented Jen Leheny. As an avid crafter Jen likes to make things, especially with her sewing machine. The shop is bursting at the seams with bags, clothes, painted ceramics, mobiles and artwork.

I love the tissue cozies - a practical way to stash your Handy Andies and pretty to boot.

RED INSTEAD handmade ships worldwide from www.redinstead.com.au.

Take a peek at these colourful, contemporary ceramics over at the Mandy Gerth Etsy Store. Coasters, tiles, magnets and pins have all been meticulously handmade by Mandy in her Philadelphia studio. The surfaces of the ceramic pins and magnets are influenced by Mandy’s interest in fabric and textile designs.

My favourite piece is the tumbler (bottom right) from the Remnant Series. Each pot is thrown and trimmed on a kick wheel and then decorated by hand with a pattern reproduced from memory from Mandy’s grandmother’s fabric drawer. Each piece is unique and no two surfaces are alike.