Ikea’s latest collection makes handmade craft affordable

As much as we’d love for everything in our homes to be hand-crafted, made with someone’s time and attention, unfortunately, this isn’t within most of our budgets. However, with their latest collection, Annanstans, Ikea is bringing homeware made by skilled artisans working with social enterprises in India, Romania and Thailand to their stores, making it accessible for many people.

Working with designer Martin Bergström, the craftspeople in each of these countries developed the designs, which range from ceramics to scarves, to woven baskets, the handcrafted nature of each that makes it individual. “Annanstans is a handcrafted and limited collection,” Martin explains. “This makes every item a bit different, but also special. When the products are sold out, they’re sold out. You can’t just go out and buy a new one.” Below, we take a look at some of the unique pieces available in this collection, which will be available from June.

For these cushion covers, Martin’s hand-drawn sketches were transformed into digital artwork, which was then printed onto fabric. Artisans from Rangsutra social enterprise hand-decorated the cushions with traditional Indian embroidery, adding a personal touch to each one, and each side features a different print. Cushion covers, from €12 each.

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Martin’s fabrics are used to cover these boxes by women from the Industree social enterprise in India, with different patterns inside and out. Perfect for keeping trinkets and treasures safe. From €10.

Made by craftspeople in Thailand, the rough texture and unique glaze of these ceramic pieces were the result of much experimentation. Where normal ceramic production aims to make each item identical, here the handmade nature of each piece is embraced where no two are the same and will make an interesting addition to your home. Plate €20, bowl €25 and vase €22.

Woodturning skills have been handed down through generations in a rural area outside Bucharest, Romania, where these mushrooms are made. Taking wood from well-managed forests, each one is carefully crafted, not to mention super cute. Set of two, €16.

Made in India from the dried stem of the banana plant, a by-product of banana farming, these baskets are sustainable as well as practical. This unique weave was created by Mani, a master artisan, to give an organic and haphazard finish, and is also sturdy enough to be used every day. From €25.

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