
In these tough economic times, we all have to do a little penny-pinching. For some, that means cooking at home instead of dining out, steering clear of the shopping mall, doing
DIY projects on the weekends, or even
making your own firestarters. But even DIY projects cost money sometimes.

Whether you use it to stash keys or as a clever cozy for a four-inch planter, this
Turquoise and Grey Felted Wool Bowl ($34) will add a splash of craft and color to your home. Hand crocheted with wool in charcoal grey with a bright turquoise base and band, this bowl is wet felted, dried around a mold to create its shape, and then steam blocked. Seller Papaververt recommends wrapping the plant's base in a plastic bag before setting it in the felted bowl, to assure that the planter won't leak onto the wool.

If you haven't noticed, I'm anticipating a trend here, with my coverage of
alternative crochet work,
subversive lace, and now, edgy porcelain. It's as if a punk-rock grandchild raided her grandma's attic and added some 'tude to traditional, feminine styles.
The Brooklyn-based designer Sarah Cihat did just that when she asked metalsmith Michael Miller to dress up the hand-cast porcelain bowls and vases from her
new Dirt collection.