More than two years ago I visited Italy and my upcoming release, The Villa Collection revisits some of my favorite design elements from that region.

I was hosted and guided throughout Italy by my great friend, Diana (she’s a very talented potter and longtime friend who the internet and the universe fortunately conspired to bring into my life nearly a decade ago.) Kim and I travelled with Diana to meet up with another lovely soul, Letizia and we stayed at her stunning B&B in Umbria. (I linked these kind, talented women so you can check them out too— you’re in for a treat!)

While in Italy we toured artisan studios and potteries. It was awe inspiring to observe the way other potters work! Below is a photo of Press Molds, which are typically made of plaster. Potters drape clay over the mold and press the clay into the detailed embellishments. The result is in inverse of the design, now in the clay. This is a clever way to work to recreate intricate designs with more precision and less effort.

Below are some quick snaps from my phone that continue to inspire me, long after my trip!

This press mold is from the Rubboli Museum in Gualdo Tadino, as are the painted pots below. (There’s a fascinating story about the multi-generational, multi-century family business and revived trade secrets that you can learn more about here.)

When creating The Villa Collection I aimed to capture elements of this region while generating a new perspective rooted in my own identity. I played with line and shape as my primary design elements and committed to a classic blue and white palette.

The piece above is from my personal collection. This was the piece I collected while in Deruta, Italy. If you’ve ever picked up a piece of Italian Majolica and flipped it over there’s a strong chance it was made in Deruta. The pots in this region are known for their tin glazes (that signature, Majolica milky white) with hand-painted details layered over it.

My process for painting my watercolor effect is quite different from a technical perspective, but it references traditional pottery painting methods like Majolica and even Eastern methods in which cobalt or iron washes are often used to decorate pots.

I enjoy looking to the history of ceramics to learn how other potters have approached their work and used this medium.

The Villa Collection is my love letter to the pottery of this region. There are only 12 platters and they’re each on of a kind. Every detail was carved into the porcelain clay by hand and then meticulously hand painted. I love the visible brushstrokes, and the elegant, yet playful 22k gold accents.

The Villa Collection launches in the shop on 3/2 at 2 PM EST. Happy Collecting!

xoxo Lindsay