Another item for the Eames freak! This time the designers get the coaster treatment with Medium Control’s cedar coasters. This set of flocked, wooden coasters features four different angles of the iconic LCW chair. So, protect those surfaces and show off your MCM love in one fell swoop! Each set is made to order and sized at 3.5″ x 3.5″.

Eames Chair Coasters by Medium Control: $22 / set of 4

Ah, it’s that time of year when the design gods start showering us with new collections. And I’m certainly not complaining – I’m super excited about these new pieces from Heath Ceramics. The Summer 2010 collection represents an ongoing series of glaze experiments, where two glazes overlap to create a third color. I don’t know about you, but I like this new direction!

To me, these colors just ooze ’summer’. I can almost feel the warm sun and taste the homemade lemonade just by looking at them! Each piece is hand dipped and the result resembles “the horizon line of a summer meadow – the inspiration for the Summer collection.” Sounds absolutely dreamy.

This new collection is comprised of a pitcher; 12×12 platter; large modern cup; tumbler; bud vases; 6×12 platter; deep serving bowl; vegetable bowl; and a vase collection: bulb vase, single stem vase, and multi-stem vase. These items may be purchased individually or as sets of various configurations.

If you’re eager to get your hands on these little bursts of sunshine, be patient. The Summer ‘10 collection debuts April 1st. Until then, feel free to “Oo” and “Ah” over Heath Ceramics’ other collections!

www.heathceramics.com

My obsession with anything white and porcelain continues, and this month it appears that it is sponsored by Sprout Home. They have a couple great new items including these porcelain jars that look like tin cans. Sure the whole “I look like a (insert misc common item) but I’m made of porcelain” craze is getting played out quick, but I still fall for it every time. Prices on these beauties are $12 – $15. If you are feeling a little more obscure, you may be more inclined to pick up a porcelain milk carton for $14.

Available from Sprout home.

I’ve been a fan of Pigeon Toe Ceramics since they first debuted in 2009. Each handmade piece is so beautiful, clean, and tactile. The new 2010 collection does not disappoint, either. Fromcolorful nesting bowls to hanging test tube vases, each product offers a fresh new approach to a very old and traditional medium.

Like all of Pigeon Toe products, these new pieces are infused with a sense of wit and charm. The faceted hanging tray is definitely my favorite new item in the collection. What’s yours?

Pigeon Toe Ceramics Spring 2010 Collection: $28 – $144

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We can’t get enough felt products here at Grassroots Modern! These fun coasters from Etcetera Media are made from industrial felt and come in four reversible color options. Protect your tabletops and practice your math skills all at once. This could be a fun way to help the kids learn, too – just add candy!

PlaceMaths Coaster Set from Etcetera Media: $22 / set of 5

I’ve been wanting to take a knife skills class, you know, so I can cut and slice, and chop and dice like a pro. I think having a sexy, modern knife block like this one from Crate & Barrel would encourage such skills, don’t you? Perhaps not, but it’s still pretty to look at! 100% Rubberwood with white painted finish and 6 slots. Knives not included.

Modern knife block from Crate & Barrel: $19.95

P.S. Any local Utahns know where one might find a good knife/cooking class?

I stumbled across Terofoma yesterday and was impressed by the collection of dinnerware and flatware that they have. My favorite is the Oyyo White collection shown above ($17 – $130) but I am also a sucker for their new felt flatpack breadbasket shown below. Why is it that I get so excited about anything made of felt? Pricing on the breadbasket is still pending, but it should be available this spring in soft white, spring green, deep brown, and quite grey.

Available from Teroforma.

So, I’ve been thinking about a kitchen remodel for a while now and one thing that definitely needs remedying is our countertop “situation”. We have some really lovely Formica that reminds me of something my dog may have regurgitated. While I enjoy experiencing that thought every time I chop onions or butter my toast, I’d prefer a new, uh, perspective. I love the look of concrete countertops and feel it’s a project I just might be able to pull off. I’ve read the Instructables entry, which was a bit overwhelming, and I’m wondering if any of you dear readers have experience with this particular DIY project? How difficult was it? Any tips, tricks, or other advice? Was it worth it? Can a novice DIYer pull it off? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Image: Trueform Concrete

I love these ceramic salt and pepper shakers from Perch! They definitely have an Alexander Girard feel, don’t you think? Like all of Perch’s products, they’re handmade in Brooklyn, NY.

Bonnie and Clyde Shakers from Perch: $52

Oh, now these are some fabulous salt and pepper shakers! Made from refined white clay, each shaker is a beautiful contrast of glazed and unglazed surfaces. Their spinning top shape will add a touch of playfulness at mealtime. Handcrafted and designed by Chris Stiles.

Tops Ceramic Shakers available from A+R Store: $36