Michael McDowell creates some truly elegant white-glazed ceramics — simple handbuilt vases that fit with any decor and small sculptural pieces, in the main. Living and working in Denver, Colorado, with two gorgeous dogs who serve as his ‘studio assistants’ (and inspiration for his Etsy shop, Mudpuppy, perhaps?), McDowell also makes collages and paints on reclaimed china. Oh, and this set of irresistably naughty bears (naughty because they say bad things –

These adorable but naughty porcelain bears are glazed in my exquisite naturally creamy white handmade glaze with 22 karat gold luster. You’ll receive the full set so you can spell out this special word.

An “awesome divorce anniversary present,” the artist suggests… Find the bears playing about among Michael McDowell’s more, er, restrained ceramic creations at mudpuppy.etsy.com — oh, yeah, I know you have to go look!

If you’re in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden or the United Kingdom, you’re in luck: all the luxe textures and subtle warm gold tones of Zara Home‘s “ethnic” linens and accessories could be yours.

For the rest of us, it’s pure decor inspiration with a hint of Sheik of Araby fantasy-romance.