Where most of us see the makings of a driveway when we look at concrete, Australian artist Kristy Tull sees a canvas for color and movement. She fires up her concrete mixer to make these gorgeous vases, tinting them in sunrise colors and encouraging wave-like designs around the vessel. It comes with the removable glass vase, which adds another architectural element.
Toot the horn of a single perfect bloom with a bud vase reminiscent of a brass instrument. Or, mix the elegant accent into a mantel tableau or shelfie for some shine. The brass finish isn’t technically water-safe, so stick with dried flora or your very best faux (orchids are stunning).
Think of this vase subscription like a CSA that gives an always-fresh home to your locally-grown flowers. Portland’s Notary Ceramics’ Seasonal Vase Club delivers a handmade vessel in creator Sarah VanRaden’s signature understated style to your door four times a year. Or, give it as a birthday, wedding, or super-generous hostess gift—the bounty lasts longer than a bottle of wine.
As delicate as a clutch of California poppies (which would look amazing in one of these, by the way), these wafer-thin colored glass vases are refined enough to elevate even a handful of roadside flowering weeds. Sans greenery, a grouping of them form an instant collection.
It seems like every artfully minimal trend that hits our shores originated in Japan. The latest is ikebana, a spare method of arranging flowers that draws on just a few striking stems for an architectural effect. Shallow bowls are often used to expose the water and make it part of the overall visual. This ceramic ikebana has an attached frog, so it’s easy for a newbie to get in on this traditional art.
Leather cording takes this perfectly-proportioned vase to the next level. Wrapped around the neck, it almost looks like the vessel is wearing a necklace inspired by a Coachella devotee. A delicate crackle finish to the porcelain is a nice surprise.
The modesty of sweetgrass meets a caffeinated color palette in a vase that’s undeniably modern. All-natural dyes produce those super-saturated colors, which are then handmade by artisans in Uganda. Stick with dried flowers and greenery here or use water vials to protect the vase.
Cactus love is real. Declare yours with a ceramic vessel posing like a saguaro, all sculptural arms and happy green. Now imagine the magic of a cactus sprouting lush peony blooms and the humor of the piece comes to life. It’s available in three sizes. Spring for the XL two-footer for the most lifelike impact.