Black pottery from Latvia

I've a soft spot for for all things ceramic and when I saw this brand new Etsy shop I knew it had to be shared with you on this blog. Since Līga and Krists come from the same region as me it's also a great opportunity to write another post in the random Local Treat series, so without farther ado enjoy the beauties from TePottery!

No glazes or colouring is used and the black surface with a little metalic shine is the result of firing in a woodfired kiln. The final stage involves closing the kiln and letting all the oxigen to burn out. At then the magic happens - the clay turns black. It's one of the oldest methods of clay treatment.

The clay comes from the local fields and is turned into pots and plates like thousands of years ago - only by hands, no potter's wheel or molds have been empoyed. Just clay, hands and fire. Yet it's a time consuming process and it takes at least a month to finish each piece.

For more finished pottery and its creation visit TePottery on Etsy and Flickr.

Bouquet from Latvia

It was about time for a post in local treat series and since midsummer is all about nature and flowers it was easy to decide who to write about. Solvita a.k.a. SoleDeVita comes from a neighbouring town which has a special place in my heart too - spent there four years during studies and it's almost like home for me.



Among other media like feathers and glitter Solvita uses natural flowers to create her pin back buttons and earrings. This is why none of her creations are the same and her shop is like a bouquet of flowers from Latvia. Enjoy!

Magic brushes

Now and then I stumble upon beauties on Etsy (well, not just Etsy) I'm eager to tell about on my blog and it's even more pleasure to know that the artist comes from somewhere near, this is why I'm beginning a new series about creative people and inspirational events in my neighbourhood. This won't be very regular feature due to randomness of life, but I'll try to do my best.





The artist behind these personalized wedding flutes is Ginta. I knew her work before, but we begun chatting just recently (thanks Etsy!).

You're welcome to stop by at her website Magic brushes and Etsy shop and explore more of her work. She can turn anything made of glass into a piece of artwork :)

Happy weekend!