Finnish Design Blog

Enjoy FREE ground shipping on all Iittala orders of $100.00* or more at FinnishGifts.com. Hurry and take advantage of this great offer as it only lasts through August  20, 2009.

Popular Finnish designer Harri Koskinen has created a new collection for Iittala. It is the first in the new Art Works concept range which will be launched in September. For more pictures and information about the new Art Works collection, see the Dezeen blog; for more information about Harri Koskinen, see his designer profile at FinnishDesign.com.

2009 iittala Arabia Flora & Fauna Plates

In 2000, iittala Arabia started a collectors’ series of art plates named Flora & Fauna. These two art plates depict the animals and plants that appear in Finnish fables or folklore. For 2009, iittala Arabia presents us with the Wolf and the Mushroom. This pair of art plates is based on the fable titled, “The wolf carries the fox on his back.”

New Limited Edition iittala Toikka Summer Finch Glass Bird

Oiva Toikka has graced us with color as iittala has released his latest creation, the Summer Finch glass bird. It’s a limited edition bird with a production run of this summer only. It’s by far the most colorful of the 2009 iittala Toikka birds as Oiva has incorporated iittala’s recent passion for the apple green hue (see Apple Green Aalto Vases post). The Summer Finch’s translucent apple green body with tiny air bubbles trapped inside, adds some visual texture to the bird as it refracts light. Another unique piece about this bird is its colorful tail. The rose-olive tail will appear a rose color in natural light and olive green under artificial/fluorescent light. Simply put, the Summer Finch is visually stunning.

It’s almost time for FinnFest 2009, and as he does every year, Oiva Toikka has created another masterpiece to honor this year’s event. The Alaska Loon is this year’s FinnFest bird. Only 500 of these limited edition Iittala glass birds were produced so be sure to hurry and get yours now before they’re gone forever.

Iittala Teema dinnerware is now dressed to attend black tie events as Iittala has released several dishes in a black color option. The modern design of the Teema porcelain dinnerware collection continues to make it one of Iittala’s most popular dinnerware product lines. The Teema square vegetable dish, rectangular serving platter, rectangular dish and serving bowl are now available in this classy black color.

Kartio & Aino Aalto glassware

Apple green is the fresh look for spring as it’s the latest addition to Iittala’s color palette. The apple green hue is now available in the Kartio glassware and Aino Aalto glassware collections, and is also available as an Iittala Kivi candle holder.

Iittala dinnerware has always received recognition for its contemporary designs but it’s becoming increasing popular for you to add a twist to it and create your own modern collection. What kind of twist am I referring to? It’s become very popular and encouraged to mix and match pieces from its various collections like Iittala Teema, Iittala Origo, Iittala Aika, Iittala Arabia 24h and others. Give your dinnerware some life and express yourself today by combining your favorite pieces and colors for a very original look that will not only satisfy your appetite for creative design but get you countless compliments from your guests.

Some popular Iittala dinnerware combinations include:
- Teema and Origo
- Aika and Teema
- Origo and Bottna
- Taika and Teema

FinnishGifts.com is currently having a huge Iittala sale that features many products from Tableware, Cookware, Home Accents and Glass Birds, priced at up to 50% off! Act now as sale prices are limited to quantity on hand and supplies are limited. Now is a great time to start or add to your Iittala collection! Shop the Iittala Sale now.

Aino Aalto Glassware

The Aino Aalto glassware collection is one of Iittala’s oldest product lines. Created by the wife of world-renowned architect and designer, Alvar Aalto, Aino’s revolutionary design won the gold prize at the Milan Triennale in 1936. It soon after gained the recognition of Iittala who began producing her collection. Designed for everyday use, the Aino glass tumblers are available in two sizes and several different colors; while the collection also includes a water pitcher, a vase and glass dinner plates and bowls.