Do you know rice, the Danish homewares brand? I stumbled across it yesterday in a local boutique, and was instantly smitten with its products and message. The company motto, “people care – we care” speaks of their business practices; products are designed and developed in Denmark, but produced in developing nations under fair conditions. Involved with several charities and initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty, the company even finances a school in Burma! Of course, the products are great too, so without further ado, check out some of my favourites:

From top: Vegetable-printed Aprons; Ceramic Dipping Bowls; Set of 4 Cake Tins; Washing-up Brushes; Set of 3 Scourers; Plastic Cooler Tanks, Silicone Pastry Brush.

Doesn’t it seem like walking into a Bison store would be a multicoloured dream come true? I love how fashion-led the products seem; they even have a colour palette which changes yearly! I’m feeling the greens, greys, and forget-me-not blue… you?

Just the other day I was browsing the lovely Yvestown when I came across something I knew would be perfect for today’s post. Nina is a Dutch student, designer and craftsperson who has the loveliest Etsy shop. Working with new and vintage finds, she hand-paints ceramics, screen-prints, collages and takes photographs. Here are some of my favourite items from her shop.

I used to love making spirographs when I was little, and this spirograph bowl, made from a vintage piece, takes me back:

The lots of dots teapot has the most elegant 1960′s shape, contrasted with those fun polka-dots:

The dots and buntings sugar and creamer set might just be my favourite. I adore the shape of the pieces and the whimsical designs:

This folklore and fun breakfast set would be wonderful for a child. The traditional Dutch designs are original, while the dots and bunting are a fun addition:

There’s a wealth of design on this adorable cake plate set, from flowers to birds and bunting, too. I especially like the bright red dress on the cake plate:

Be sure to check out Nina’s blog and Flickr photostream, as well.

lyn swan

I love the colour of these mini balloon bowls:

The larger balloon bowl in white is special, too:

What a lovely petite porcelain cup… perfect for an espresso:

Check out this sculptural watering can:

I covet this cheerful green tray. Perfect for cookies or other nibbles:

clayswan

If you’ve been searching for a salt pig, then search no further. I love this bright yellow one:

How perfect is this JUNK vessel for storing pencils and other items?:

I dig the fluidity of this creamer and sugar bowl set:

This teal vase would be lovely with or without flowers:

These two tiny trays are perfect for serving or storing:

Sabre makes an incredible selection of flatware, including the colourful Natura range. I have this cake cutter in pea green:

All the porcelain tableware is great, but my pick is the Rick Rack pattern. Maybe it’s the designer in me coming out, but this retro throwback is just so covetable:

While there’s a range of tablecloths and other fabric items in the Textile section of the site, I like the White Dots tablecloth best:

I love the look of the Gustave napkin ring, available in 12 colours:

Colanders by catchesthelight:

trix by michaelatacker:

Rainbow buckets by tanakawho:

kochbuecher by kstenqnen:

yummy cupcakes by scpgt:

A set of three flowered mugs from Urbanestics: 

From Post Road Vintage‘s fantastic shop, two gold mixing bowls: 

These oval plates are great, sold by Atty’s Vintage: 

I love this sweet creamer, from the shop of tigerluxe:

It’s not easy to find pink pyrex, so I think this baking dish, from ricracandbuttons, is a score: 

And if you just fancy something simple, googoomuckvintage has this lovely yellow bowl to offer: 

We drink a lot of tea around here, so I was drawn to this Tea Time print by Etsy user bridbird. I also adore her prints of Victorian houses; they remind me of (particularly good) children’s book illustrations.

I love this photo of vintage bundt pans, from hownowdesign on Flickr. She also has a great blog and an Etsy shop.