I came across these two companies and knew I had to share them.
Finca tall serving bowl, $128 USD, Franca
Alhambra-Marine throw, $160 USD, Happy Habitat
EEEK!!!! I’m so excited to finally share a full view of my new pottery collection!
Over the last few months, I have had the opportunity to work with a local potter, Stephen Hawes, to create a collection of pottery. Our collection is going to be sold at Wilfrid Laurier University’s new shop at the Robert Langen Art Gallery. Pretty amazing, right?
When I was approached with the idea, I was totally on board. But then I thought – ah – could I actually design a collection that people would want, that reflects my design aesthetic, and that highlights the potter’s skills? I was nervous at first, but the process went very smoothly.
I brainstormed and sketched out a bunch of designs. I had sizes and colour options detailed, too. Then Stephen and I met to discuss the feasibility and usefulness of each of the objects I designed. We also talked about colour variation (not too much, since this was going to be a white and black collection!).
Stephen got to work in his workshop, and we met again in the summer to review the prototypes. At that meeting, it was great to see the prototypes so that I could confirm or adjust each item’s design, colour, and size.
Another couple of months went by and then the collection was done. Poof! Stephen had fired everything up and was ready for the final reveal. I know I’m biased, but it’s beautiful. I like to think that this pottery collection is modern, easy, accessible, and versatile.
So…are you ready to have a look at some of the collection? Here we go…
White Cabana X Stephen Hawes
use it for: hair ties, cotton balls, salt, mini cactus
use it for: drinking cup, pencils, straws, cheese sticks, Qtips 
use it for: fruit, salad, remote controls
use it for: (L) pasta, salad, bread, rock garden; (R) candy bowl, popcorn   
use it for: utensils, toothbrushes, straws
use it for: popcorn, plant, mail
use it for: milk, syrup, salad dressing
use it for: (L) green tea, iced tea, water, wooden spoons; (R) spoons, sugar, soy sauce
use it for: Lego, chips, scarves
There are a variety of shapes and sizes in this collection, and the black lines of each object also vary. Each piece is unique and made with care.
The complete collection will be for sale at the Robert Langen Art Gallery in the library at Wilfrid Laurier University beginning on Monday, December 5th at 11am. More details here.
Thanks to Stephen Hawes for working on this project with me.
Thanks to Nick, Suzanne, and the Laurier Library for encouraging this initiative.
December 1st is right around the weekend corner…time to get those advent calendars ready! Here are some of my favourites from Etsy.
minimalist advent calendar, $80.11
advent calendar pouches, $69.66
advent calendar kit, $27.44
hanging advent calendar, $88.00
advent calendar reindeer parade, $31.77
Have a wonderful weekend!
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Deborah and David Peets, owners of Toronto’s Green Light District. The shop carries beautiful furniture and accessories from around the world, and it holds a prominent place in Toronto’s Roncesvalles area (Roncy, for short).
Read on to learn about more about this duo’s approach to curation.
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J: How did Green Light District come to be?
D & D: We restored a 160 year old country inn and ran it for a dozen years. Â When we sold it all the furnishings went with the sale which left us with a completely empty condo to fill. We saw a need for something different and thought why not fill that need!
Where did the name Green Light District come from?
Our neighbourhood in Ottawa had formerly been a red light district but it was changing quickly and we were part of that change so we thought let’s be forward thinking (green=go) as well as referring to the home furnishings we were offering.
I believe the original Green Light District was in Ottawa, yes? Why did you make the move to Toronto?
We originally were from Toronto but had been away for 20 years in the Rideau Lakes & Ottawa but wanted to come home to be closer to family. A larger audience to sell to certainly helped make that decision!
Describe Green Light District in 140 characters or less (hashtags are accepted).
Personally sourced home furnishings; unique designs that are functional & timeless with a significant hand made component #warmcontemporary
What is your favourite piece currently in the shop?
Oh that’s easy! We just got in a hand stitched saddle leather Acapulco chair with a solid iron frame. It’s incredibly comfortable and you know it’s just going to get better with age.
How often do you travel to source products?
We’re big travellers so while sourcing is hard work it’s always thrilling going to Buenos Aires, or Paris or Cape Town …. We travel somewhere every year or two, sometimes multiple trips.
hand-stitched leather and oak bench
What is your favourite travel destination?
South Africa has a special place in our hearts. We first visited over 20 years ago and were blown away by their unique sense of style back then! The landscape, the people, food & wine but most of all their designs – so sophisticated, yet cool with just a whiff of Africa.
What is the best part of your job?
Sourcing in person of course. We knew it was important to get to know our suppliers; to see how and where their furniture & accessories are made. Every piece has a story to tell – then we found out how important it was for our customers too – to feel that personal connection as well – through us.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Finding well made, hand crafted furniture & accessories that people will love at an affordable price – the search is never ending.
I know you actively engage with Twitter – this is, in fact, how we first met – and so I’m wondering if you have any social media advice for other small business owners. How has social media impacted your business?
There isn’t a better way than social media to get your name and business out there! I’d have to say firstly be true to yourself, be consistent in the amount you tweet or Instagram or blog, engage regularly with others on topics other than your business that interest you. Be helpful. Remember that is how we connected? Two women obsessing over fiddle leaf ficus and other indoor plants. Imagine – we connected via plants which led us to our love of design!
I am having so much fun with social media I’ve decided to take it to more of a personal level by visiting someone once a month in the city that I’ve connected with. It’s the reason we’re all on board right – to help promote each other!
***
Thanks so much for sharing a part of your story, Deborah and David!
Readers, browse Green Light District and find Deborah and David on Twitter and Instagram.
I “met” Deborah of Green Light District on Twitter many months ago and we instantly bonded over fiddle leaf fig trees. She gave me suggestions about how to take care of my tree, and our online conversations continue to revolve around design, plants, and food. Recently, I made a trip out to #Roncy (i.e., Roncesvalles area in Toronto) to have dinner with friends (at the Westerly, on the recommendation of Deborah). Since I was in the neighbourhood, and Toronto traffic cooperated, I had the chance to make a quick stop in to Green Light District to say hi to Deborah in person.
Owners Deborah and David Peets took my friend and I around the shop sharing news of the furniture and designers that fill up their store. I quickly picked out a few favourite pieces: the acapulco chair in the courtyard, the large wood dining tables, and the beautifully designed chairs. Oh, and the ceramics, the tree stump side tables/stools, the benches, and the mini bar also caught my eye.
Here are a few photos I quickly snapped during my visit:
hand stitched leather and oak bench
acrylic and kirel trees console
soho chair
hand stitched leather and oak bench + hand made pottery
wonki ware + botanical print
handmade pottery
wonki ware
handmade pottery + stitched leather and oak bench
hand hooked rug + saddle leather chairs
Jordana and Deborah (thanks for the photo, David)
The Peets source furnishings from around the world; Canada, South Africa, and Argentina were mentioned several times as I touched almost every item in the store.
Emma Reddington and Kim Johnson have always had good things to say about Green Light District, and the shop and furnishings have previously been featured in Chatelaine, Style at Home, Toronto Life, The Toronto Star, and BlogTO. I can totally understand why. The furniture is beautiful, and Deborah and David are such warm and welcoming owners.
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop in and say hello to Deborah and David, and when you do, be sure to tell them that you know me…you’ll likely get a chuckle out of them*.
*Apparently some of my friends from other Canadian cities (Hi Nora!) have gone around Toronto (well, not the whole city, but I have to exaggerate the story so it’s more amusing) asking people if they know me. “Hey, do you know Jordana?” Ha. I love my friends!