Over the past few months or so, buying local has become the big new thing among the eco-set. But there’s another way to consume that is just as buzz-worthy: buying handmade. Buying items that are handmade helps us reconnect to the human source of our purchases, and also cuts down on the greenhouses gases that are formed when goods are mass-produced.

On that note, for some truly exceptional handmade dinnerware and home accessories, check out Little Flower Designs, an independent ceramic studio run by designer and artist Linda Johnson. Linda’s wares combine simple, lovely designs with bold forms to create gotta-have serving pieces and platters, vases and mugs, and bowls and tea pots. (My personal favorite is the cookie jar, above R.) Linda says that homemade items, when made with great care, provide the user with a lifetime of satisfaction and joy, all while treading lighter on the environment. We couldn’t agree more.

www.littleflowerdesigns.com