One of the highlights of our california road trip was spending the day with one of my favorite friends, Sumi. We made a list of places we wanted to visit together and the Heath factory store was at the top of our list. It did not disappoint. The store is stocked with samples of their current lines as well as seconds, discontinued items and prototypes. I think I circled the store over a dozen times [which is rare since I am normally a very quick, look-around-once shopper]. All the ceramic tableware pieces are so beautiful and durable, it is hard not to want one of everything.
There is a section in the store stocked with all their tiles. Swoon! [Note to self: Stop procrastinating and sign up for a ceramics class!]
Have you seen how Heath Ceramics' owners, Cathy Bailey + Robin Petravic, used the tile in their beautiful home? Oh my!
And of course I couldn't leave empty-handed. I bought these triplets. They also had some beautiful prototypes of pieces they'll be selling this fall, all so very good. I can't wait!
Oh, and did I mention that all the people I met over at Heath are really nice? Well, they are! Which just makes me think it is a great company to work for. And even though I missed out on a chance to meet Cathy in person, the kind folks at Heath Ceramics sent me a signed copy of their book. It has been on my wish list for awhile now so it was a big treat to receive it.

It is such an interesting book and very inspiring to me as a designer of handmade goods + [small] business person. I bet many of you would love it.

And speaking of the Heath factory store, I'm super excited to let you know that you'll be able to find some shim + sons' stationery over there very soon!
I'm packing everything up right now and shipping them off to California tomorrow morning!