Pretty Little Things

I just wanted to share a couple of pieces I picked up in California last week. Honestly, I’ve gotten so much better about my shopping hauls while traveling on the Mainland over the last few years. I used to be so tempted by things like clothes and shoes only to realize that these items never got worn once I was back home on Maui. Now when traveling, I try to stick to things like home goods, art, and sometimes skincare. Of course, as I mentioned in a previous post, I especially love looking for unique kitchen pieces. Happy to say I didn’t go too overboard this time around.

Image 1 - Coffee cup by Mt. Washington Pottery from The General Store in Venice, CA // Palo Santo holder from Makers Market in Walnut Creek, CA

Image 2 - spreader knives by Laguiole from Whim House in Danville, CA

Image 3 - Ceramic dishes by Humble Ceramics from The General Store in Venice, CA // similar bowls HERE

Image 4 - Brass Spoon by Lue from Tortoise General Store in Venice, CA // Honey Stick by Bee and Raw from Whim Store in Danville, CA

Ceramic Collection

For those who have been following me on Instagram for a while ( @mauimandy ), already know that I have a bit of an obsession with all things ceramic. I’m not one to really “collect” many things ( except for seashells and bikinis ) but when it comes to handmade ceramic bowls, plates, coffee cups, and dishes, I have a really hard time saying no.

My collection started pretty slowly. I discovered a beautiful bowl by Seeds and Stone at the ( now closed ) Hana Ranch coffee shop in Paia, HI. I remember thinking, am I really about to spend $50 on one bowl? Like, for a single serving salad? Well, I did and it was so worth it. I love eating out of this bowl. I love photographing food in this bowl. Sometimes I fill this bowl with lemons or heirloom tomatoes and leave it on the kitchen counter for days. This bowl was well worth the $50 I spent that morning. And to be quite honest, now knowing what I know about pottery, I think she should have charged more for it.

Shortly after that first bowl, I discovered Maui based Altar Ceramics, another gorgeous homemade product. I’ve also found incredible ceramic pieces at some local boutiques and farmer’s markets on the island. And I gotta say, Maui has some talent. I’m pretty impressed.

I now always make a point to look for pieces while traveling. I once gave up all my go-to carry on items on a return flight from Indonesia just so I could hand carry my new Gaya Ceramics across the Pacific Ocean. Thankfully they made it back to Hawaii, and through customs without a crack. Because no joke, I had no room for books, extra clothing, or any creature comforts on that EIGHTEEN HOUR FLIGHT thanks to my precious cups and bowls hahaha!

Besides the companies I’ve mentioned above, I always make a point to stop in Tortoise and General Store when I’m in Los Angeles. Lucky for me, I’ll be heading that direction again very soon. I guess that means I’ll be returning home to Maui with a very delicate carry on once again.

Above and below are some snapshots from my current collection. Mahalo for stopping by!

Salt cellars by Altar Ceramics. These are great for loose teas as well.

Upcountry Farmer’s Market find on Maui

Hands on Ceramics on Etsy

Altar Ceramics

Showroom at Gaya Ceramics in Ubud, Bali. Ended up purchasing many pieces in this shot.