Patera Magnus is a large terra-cotta fruit and vegetable vessel, consisting of 9 separate ceramic parts.
Did you know that right now we produce all Patera Magnus bowls by hand in our studio in Overasselt (near Nijmegen)?

We are planning on finding a manufacturer for the Patera Magnus soon.
Yet as demand for the design is so high, we did not want to keep you waiting and started production in our workshop. 

Let me take you with me into the process of making the molds and producing the Patera Magnus bowls, starting all the way from sketch and computer drawing to the finishing touches of the final product.

Just to have all the steps to this process, let me take you with me to the very beginning of the Poma/Olera series: the ABN AMRO pitch to design a sustainable solution for an everyday situation. 
​
We noticed that we often throw out fruits and vegetables because they turned, and found out that throwing out fresh food is a widespread problem. 

We thoroughly researched the ideal way of storing different kinds of fruits and vegetables, and looked into food storing methods in history and other cultures.

Amongst other things, we came across the idea of a 'zeer pot': a way of keeping vegetables fresh in hot conditions by storing them in a large double-walled terracotta pot filled with wet sand between the walls, making use of evaprative cooling.

The zeer pot idea in hand, we added another thing we discovered research: it's better to store different kinds of fruits and vegetables separate from one another, so ethylene gas from ripening fruits wouldn't negatively impact other fresh produce.

After preliminary sketches by hand, we made computer drawings of the design, and after many, many, many small adjustments, made 3D prints of all the components.

After finishing and preparing the printed components by hand, we used them to make plaster molds.

These molds can be used to slipcast liquid clay: after pouring the clay into the mold, the plaster walls extract moisture from the mixture, creating a thickening layer of clay 'slip' against them.

After a set amount of time, the mold is emptied of the remaining liquid clay, leaving behind a perfect cast of the inside of the mold.  

The slipcasting might not be a difficult process, you have to stay focused throughout working with the liquid clay: too long in the mold and the walls become too thick, which can cause problems while drying.
Not enough time, or a mold that was still wet from a last cast, and the walls are too thin, with a large chance the bowl will crack or warp.

After pouring out the remaining clay, the bowls are set to dry upside down: first within their cast, and later with the plaster mold removed.

After carefully finishing each bowl by hand, everything is fired in the kiln for the first time.

This is the moment the clay is at its most fragile. Especially the large outer bowl is a challenge to dry and finish without creating cracks or bumps.
Once the terracotta is fired for the first time, it is a lot easier to handle.

A layer of glaze is added, and all components go back into the kiln for a second slightly higher firing.

When all components are finished and fired twice, the Patera Magnus is ready to be assembled.
We start with the right fit: double checking to see if none of the components warped or bended during the finishing and firing process.

If everything fits snugly, we make the laminated oak handles and attach them with the brass book screws.
After adding the rubber strips and elastic bands, the Patera Magnus is good to go!

Obviously, with so many steps going into the production of the Patera Magnus vessels, things go wrong occasionally. 
​
After a rought start in February and March, we developed a feeling for the process, and things started to run more smoothly.

​However... when Covid hit, we found time slipping through our fingers and hardly an opportunity to work on the Patera Magnus production with the focus and attention it needs.

Luckily we're back in the workshop now, and working towards finishing every Patera Magnus with the love and dedication it deserves.

With new orders coming in regularly, we will keep production running throughout summer -save for a little two week break in July-.

Waiting for the Patera Magnus you ordered?
We're delivering everything according to order date.
Feel free to get in touch if you want to know more! 

<Read more about the Poma/Olera series>
or
<Order your hand made Patera Magnus now>

Although at this moment it is not 100% certain ShowUP will be able to take place in September, we're very much hoping it will!
And we're hoping to see you there!

The organization set up a Covid-proof plan, there will be a route to follow, and visitor numbers will be managed.
Fingers crossed!

This is the first time the Tradefair will take place in the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch, which is a lot closer to the House of Thol headquarters than the Expo Haarlemmermeer. 

The fair will take place on Sunday September 27th and Monday September 28th, and can be visited by a professional audience between 09:00 and 18:00 both days.
More details will follow as soon as we know more about the fair happening!

For the latest news around ShowUP, check out <their website>.

Did you spot us in the FD Persoonlijk of June 6th?
FD Persoonlijk is the weekend magazine of the FD, the Dutch Financial Newspaper.
We're very happy with the lovely story Elsbeth Grievink wrote about our Poma/Olera series!

Read the full (Dutch) piece on the photograph.
We cleaned it up a bit to make it easier to read.
​
Thank you for sharing FD Persoonlijk and Elsbeth Grievink!

Back in the Before, we shot this video for ABN AMRO with Freek Zonderland and his team. 
​We wrote this post about the 'making of', remember?
Oh what a different time it was: the middle of winter and no clue about Corona coming our way.
​
Some of the shots were already incorporated in this ABN AMRO promo that was launched halfway February.

After that Everything Changed, and ABN AMRO understandably waited for better times to launch the personal video's.
​
Although the current Corona mayhem is far from over, we're all looking forward fresh starts and positivity, which is why ABN AMRO released this video Today!

We hadn't seen the final cut before this either, and we're very happy with the way our sustainable House of Thol story comes across even in this short clip.
Also, the kids are super excited they're in this.

Many things changed since shooting the video.
In the world, obviously, but also at the House of Thol headquarters.
Out of necessity we upgraded the computer station to a full office (with a door), the workshop isn't nearly as organized as it was, and Thomas' hair grew to his shoulders.

We can't wait to be able to get to full working weeks again and steam on.
​This film coming out now, is a perfect boost for that.
Thank you ABN AMRO and everyone involved!

Last Tuesday we had a nice interview with journalist Joost Ariaans from newspaper De Gelderlander, who brought photographer Theo Peeters to the House of Thol headquarters to get to know about our company and learn more about the MKB Export Award.
All while maintaining a save 1,5 meter distance, of course.

And look at this lovely piece in Todays' edition!
We're super happy with the article, and with all the messages we're receiving from the lovely people in the area who spotted us.
Well. With the size of that photograph, we're hard to miss...
(And yes, House of Thol seriously started with us not being able to keep our plants alive 💁‍♀️)

<Check out the full (Dutch) piece here at Gelderlander.nl>

<For an overview of all House of Thol publications click here>

In the midst of our Dutch 'intelligent lockdown' we suddenly found ourselves in The Hague, albeit virtually.

The morning started with a frantic connection dance trying to get the video-calling to work, but by 11:00 we were all set for The Call.
Not just any call: The Call with Minister Sigrid Kaag for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

We were honoured that Minister Kaag would take the time to have a little chat with us about the way we're impacted by the current situation, and in a graceful way officially pronounced us winners of the MKB Export Award.

Such a special moment!
Thank you to all parties involved: MKB Nederland, RVO, TNT, Language institute Regina Coeli and of course the Dutch Ministery of Foreign Affairs.

And we even managed to take a photograph with the minister. or.. kind of... 

The Jury of the MKB Export Award says in its (Dutch) press release we won because of the "beautiful combination of Dutch Design, sustainability and practical usability, that will do especially well abroad".

As a winner of the MKB Export Award we're receiving:
- A €15.000,- transport credit with TNT - giving us access to the worldwide shipping network on the road and in the air of TNT and FedEx Express.
- A one-year membership of MKB Nederland
- A Language course at language Institute Regina Coeli
- A Business Partner scan by RVO Netherlands  
And of course the exposure and PR attention that comes with winning this award.

Thank you very much MKB Export Award!
​We're aiming to work hard and make the most of the opportunities you're giving us.

Although winning the MKB Export Award in the middle of a global pandemic might not be ideal timing, we're confident that we will be able to share our work with the rest of the world, even if we couldn't make it to Milan this year. 

​In the conversation Minister Kaag mentioned possibilities of virtual trade missions. Which is something we would be very open towards. Not only at this moment of worldwide lockdowns, but also as a way to avoid unnecessary airtravel in the future.

With all large fairs cancelled, most prominently the Salone Del Mobile, it would be great if we could come up with an alternative to getting Dutch Designs out to the world.

The pandemic will probably influence our lives for the year to come, but with many countries adapting and economies re-opening all over the world, we're confident we'll be able to make good use of the award prizes.

We are looking forward to working closely with all parties involved to take the next steps and get the Sustainable House of Thol collection out there to a worldwide audience, making green living easier all over the globe.

<Read the official (Dutch) press release by the MKB Export Award here>

Download our press releases here:
<NEDERLANDS> // <ENGLISH>

Not being able to visit your mum or grandmother this Mothers' Day is something you're very much allowed to be sad about.
Although an actual real-life hug might not be a possibility right now, you can make your love tangible with a sweet gift via mail.

And of course we're happy to help!
Surprise your mother with a green gift by House of Thol and we'll send it to you (or her) with an extra dose of love.

We're adding a 'Seeds of Love' label to every online order this week. 
The label contains a seed packet with enough seeds for about a square meter of wildflowers, and has a little room on the back for a sweet personal message.

With the spring in full swing and may showers every other day, now is a perfect time to sow wildflower seeds!

-Mix with an equal part light sand, sow widely
-Lightly cover to make sure all seeds are in direct contact with the soil
-Keep seeds and sprouts moist: water daily. 
Time to bloom: 40-60 days
*Suitable for different soil types

We love our House of Thol headquarters and its natural surroundings. That's why we're excited to be opening the doors for you during the Artroute Heumen for the third time this year.

It'll be a very low-key event where you can get a taste of how we work and live. 
We'll organize a sample sale, and showcase our most recent projects.

The Artroute was supposed to take place in June, but has been postponed till the end of summer in the hopes the world has slightly found its way back to a new normality again.

Luckily the headquarters has enough space to be able to maintain a 1,5 meter distance if that's still required four months from now.

Looking forward to seeing you here!

This month we teamed up with the lovely magazine LandIdee in a word search competition that could let you win a full pack of House of Thol goodies.

It's a first for us, and we are super happy to be working together with a magazine we share more than just a few interest areas with (gardening and green living, anyone?).

Anyway, get this months' LandIdee now, and find the competition all the way in the back.
Maybe you'll win, for sure you'll enjoy a nice (Dutch) read.

Good luck guys!

<Check out all House of Thol publications here>

For a while there we were hoping we could just hold tight for a few months and everything would be back to normal...
By now we are well aware this will take a bit longer to overcome, but we're not deterred in our international mission and signed right up for the Salone Del Mobile in Milan next year.

We are setting our sights to a new spring when the world will be slowly getting back to -what we hope will be a greener and more sustainable- new reality.

So hang in there.
We're looking forward to seeing you at the Palazzo in April 2021! 

We just sent out our latest newsletter.
Just in English this time, because we only have a limited amount of time to focus on things, with two boys running around the house.
(any typo's? also blaming the concentration-challenges ;-))

But we'll stay in business! Read all about it in the newsletter.

Although in the Netherlands we might think we're in the middle of the Corona Crisis right now, we're actually at the very beginning of this.
​
Since the end of January i've been following the news ever more frantically. Watching dark clouds gathering and slowly moving towards us.

The past weeks i've personally been sharing stories, warnings from places the clouds have already reached.
I've shared well-conducted research from experts patiently -yet ever more desperately- explaining the situation and stressing we should follow the strict guidelines they laid out.
I've been in discussions about this being more than just a flue with more people than i cared for. 

We seem to have almost reached consensus about the gravity of this virus in the Netherlands, although the jury on the way we sould respond is still out.  

Faced with this evident crisis, i noticed my coping mechanism is to devoure even more information, trying to make sense of it all. And -judging by my FB timeline- i'm not alone in this.
Other people cope by finding a reason, someone or something to blame. (please stop doing that: this is nobody's fault and nobody's masterplan - people are dying. Don't be a dick)

We will get through this. There will be an 'After'.
And who knows, with all the lessons we're forced to learn, it might be a better After than the Before we're leaving behind. 
​But we're not there yet. Not by far.

So while i'm trying to find a new normality for the family, i need to take a moment to acknowledge:

​This sucks, people! 

It sucks that people are getting sick and dying.
It sucks that those Heroes in the hospitals have to work so damn hard every single day, dealing with inhumane situations, forced to face choices nobody wants to ever face.
it sucks that society is coming to a near stand-still.
It sucks that businesses are toppling over.
It sucks that kids can't go to school and see their friends.
​Not being able to get work done with children in the house, Sucks.

It sucks that some people have to go to work, even though they have a high chance of being infected.
It sucks that i can't visit my 70+ parents and give them a good long hug.
It sucks to have to explain to the nearly-5-year old that we can't have a Birthday party with friends and family.
It sucks that we're defenseless.
It sucks that healthcare will be stretched to beyond its limits 
It sucks that people are getting sick and dying.

There are so many reasons why we're the lucky ones.
Although our healthcare system isn't nearly as good as it is in France or Italy (it really isn't), it's still in considerably better shape than for example Iran's. 
​Supermarkets have enough food (and toiletpaper) to last us for a while.
Teachers all over the country have managed to create homeschooling materials within a week.
We can call or Facetime our loved ones as much as we like.
The Dutch government is trying to provide information and does what it can to help people in need.

But i didn't write this post to put things in perspective.
I wrote this to acknowledge that THIS SITUATION SUCKS.

The sooner we allow ourselves to live through that emotion of suckery. the sooner we can get our heads clear for the next round and get to it. 

So feel free to, just for a moment, let yourself wallow.
It's ok to be sad about this.
It's ok to have a slightly queasy feeling in your stomach.
It's alright to be annoyed by your life being turned upside down.
This Sucks! Covid-19 Sucks!

We'll adapt. We'll learn to make this new reality work.
All the while looking forward to the brighter days that'll come.

Practically: of course we'll continue working, the much-needed child-proof office space is almost ready and our workshop is on site.

Our House of Thol webshop is open for business and we're very happy with your order! 

I wrote this, because in this crazy situation we can't just act like it's business as usual.
Future posts will be all about House of Thol business again.

​- Stay safe everyone!

Jana

Last year we were part of the ABN AMRO Gamechanger experience. 
With the help of ABN AMRO we developed the Poma/Olera series, which we got to showcase at the central Ketelhuisplein during the Dutch Design Week.

A few months later ABN AMRO got in touch again to see if we would be willing to be part of a short video about the banks' sponsorship approach.

We had an exciting day of filming back in January (click), and we're super happy to be able to show the first results!

Film made by Freek Zonderland together with wirtzfilm

This film is also made with passion by:
Composer Mark Pütz
VO Sharon Harman
Sound Design & Mix Freek Philippi
Editor Kees Riphagen
Light, Grip & additional camera Stijn Jonkhart
Sound Sam Huisman
1st AC Jk Dibbets
2nd AC Joost Kelderman

At this point in time we're all united in fighting the virus and trying to keep our heads sane in unprecedented circumstances.
​ ⁣
We share the responsibility of helping those heroes working tirelessly at hospital beds by simply laying low for a while.

We can do this!⁣

We will reach the other side of this.⁣
And it'll be sunny when we do.⁣ ⁣

Meanwhile, at the House of Thol headquarters we try to get as much work done as we can, while keeping two boys entertained during the day.⁣

We're blessed with an enormous garden and two boys who love to be outdoors, so hopefully they'll get the hack of playing without calling out for mom and dad every fifteen minutes, soon....⁣ ⁣

Our webshop will be open as usual for as long as the postal sevices will deliver mail (from a safe distance)⁣
So please don't hesitate to place your order, we can use the business!

Keep safe everyone!⁣ ⁣

We're super happy with this sweet mention of our Helios Constellation in this months' Plus magazine.
With a 65+ target audience,  feature in this magazine goes to show that we're all united in our love for growing things. 

Thank you for featuring our design Plus magazine!

photograph of course by Masha Bakker Photography

<Get the Helios constellation here>

<Check out all publications here>

Ok, officially it's not summer from June 16th to 21st, but the weather will hopefully be sunny and bright around the summer solstice.

With nothern Italy being one of the first Covid-19 epicentres of Europe, all major events for the coming months have been cancelled or postponed.
As is the Salone Del Mobile, originally planned April 20-26th, it was rescheduled two months later, to June.

Let´s hope the virus will have withered out when the temperatures start to rise and in June we'll have nothing more to worry about in Milan than where to get the best antipasti in town. 

Being born and raised in Loon op Zand, where the first official Dutch patient is from, and with a large part of my family living there, Covid-19 is already closer to me personally than i had hoped.

The fast spread of the virus is worrying, but the spread of the fear surrounding it, might be more dangerous still.
We're quite remote at the headquarters so it'll be business as usual here.  
We had a small delay with a brass delivery from Hong Kong, but thus far, that's all we noticed.

We're hopefull that come June, we'll indeed be enjoying a Milan summer breeze! Looking forward to seeing you there!

As House of Thol we design the things we need: durable products that help us with a sustainable and green daily life. 
We're super excited that products so close to our own heart receive such an enthusiastic response from all over the world. 

These past years we've expanded our portfolio and purposely created products that are functional, durable, affordable, gift-worthy and ready to ship all over the world.

​Slowly but steadily our reputation for easy green design is growing, both within the Netherlands as well as beyond our country's borders.
​We're ready to accelerate that growth by purposely setting our sights to our neighbouring country: Germany.

We've had a great German test-run during Passagen Cologne this January. It was the enthusiastic responses of the Cologne crowd that made us decide to participate in the MKB Export Award 2019: an extra push would come at the perfect time!

The winner of the MKB export Award will not only receive a year long membership of MKB Nederland and a RVO business scan, but also a €15.000,- export cheque by TNT Netherlands and a language course at the 'nuns of Vught': language institute Regina Coeli.   ​

From the 125 submissions we made it to the last 9, and after a visit at the House of Thol headquarters of a small committee, we are now part of the top 3!

The winner of the award will be anounced at the 'Klaar voor de start? Export!'-event in Vught on March 19th.
​We'll be keeping our fingers crossed... and keep you updated!

Anthurium are lovely flowering plants with an exotic origin that are grown in all types and varieties in greenhouses across the Netherlands.
The plant is a great air purifier, with long lasting flowers coming in a large variety of shapes and colors.

Anthurium.info was created to showcase the many beautiful Anthurium species cultivated by Dutch breeders.
The website doesn't only offer information about all kinds of Anthurium in 4 (FOUR) languages, it also aims to inspire with original content about anything that has to do with caring for and styling with Anthurium.
Read about the sustainability of Anthuriums, how to best care for the plants or learn how to create an Anthurium Kokedama. 
​A visit to Anthurium.info is definitely worth your time!

We're super happy floral designer Bob wrote a lovely piece about our Flower Constellations and how to use them.
Check it out here in <English> / <Dutch> / <German> / <French>

It's there!
Patera Magnus can now be ordered via our webshop.

After launching the prototypes late last year, we received so many requests from you about when the Poma/Olera series would be for sale.

And we listened! The Patera Magnus can be ordered on our webshop now.

We're currently producing the Poma/Olera series by hand in our studio in Overasselt (near Nijmegen), so take a lead time of 3-4 weeks into account when placing your order.

Other pieces of the series will be added in due time.
The Poma/Olera series will not be available for wholesale (yet).

Read all about it here 
and
order here!

Waterworks is the first official House of Thol product, and pretty much what got us started. 
After a successful Crowdfunding campaign on Dutch Design Starter, we launched the product back in 2014, and ever since, the design kept spreading, up to the point where it's sold in shops all over the world.

And now we're about to take the next step: we made two changes to the design in order to re-launch it ready for true world domination.
An added bonus: the system will be easier to hack, and the set costs less than it did!
Read on to learn about the changes we made.

Probably the most eye-catching difference: no more cork.
We added it back in the first design to make it easier to clean the glass bulb, but we noticed two things:
1. the reservoir is easy to clean with a bottle cleaning brush with or without the hole.
2. it was difficult to explain the hole was not designed to fill the reservoir. In fact it needs to be shut air tight at all times to keep the vacuum in place and avoid the reservoir draining too fast.

We thought long and hard about it, but decided to skip the hole and the cork, which is better for the function of the system all together.
Added bonus: since we're using fewer materials, we can lower the price of a Waterworks set to €27,50 incl VAT.

Waterworks is a stylish solution to keep your plants happy and watered all the time. But when you have a lot of plants to care for, it can take quite a budget to buy full Waterworks-sets for all of them.
That's why we slightly altered the diameter of the terra-cotta cones. The cones now fit most smaller bottles, meaning you can use any bottle on top of your cone to keep your plants happy.
And if, after a while, you want to add the stylish reservoir, that's possible too: the reservoir is now also available in the webshop separately. 

The new Waterworks-sets are now available in our webshop.
Please note: the official new Waterworks-boxes are scheduled to arrive in mid-March, but we still have the old Waterworks boxes that we don't want to go to waste.

That's why the first series of new Waterworks-sets will be packaged in the -slightly altered- original boxes, and only be available directly via us.
Meaning: by ordering online in our webshop, or buying a set at Object Rotterdam (click) 

The one downside to being at Passagen (click) in Cologne, was that we couldn't also be at Maison & Objet in Paris, taking place around the same time a few hundred kilometers away.

It would have been great to be in Paris while our friends from Ay Illuminate launched the new bamboo versions of the Wren & Kiwi lamps.
We worked our hands to the bone finishing the series in time for the show and are super happy with the response so far/

What we love most about the Wren and Kiwi lamps is that they're all handmade in the Netherlands with sustainable materials.

The series started out with perforated strips of recycled aluminum, which turns a surprisingly sustainable corporate material into an unexpected warm glowing centerpiece.

The new bamboo lamps added to the series are more of a bridge between the contemporary first series and the airy eclectic athmosphere Ay Illuminate is so well known for.  

The lamps are out now via Ay Illuminate, and will be added to our website and -shop soon.

We're bringing all Wren and Kiwi's with us to Object Rotterdam and are hoping to be able to shoot a few nice pictures in the gorgeous industrial HAKA building.

​We'll update the website and add more photographs soon!

We had an exciting day of filming at our studio last week.
Since the (very) short film commissioned by ABN AMRO is all about passion for the things you do, the film didn't just include our work situation, but also the everyday we get so much inspiration from, including the kids.

The crew was super laid-back and friendly, and after getting the work-related shots done before lunch, we went on shooting a few more homely scenes when the kids were back from school.

Xam (7) and Ebbe (4) were both thorougly impressed by the large camera's and lighting set-ups, and didn't mind the filming at all. On the contrary: they had loads of fun with it.

We didn't just stay in the house and studio, but also went on a little adventure outside, for which the film crew brought a super over-the-top dolly to be able to shoot moving images. 
Imagine the fun the kids had running and cycling up to the cart.

We're very much looking forward to seeing the footage and the final film. I know they shot way too much, si i'm super curious about what will make it to the final cut.

Of course we'll share the result as soon as we can!

It was a first for us: being part of the Designers' Fair during Passagen 2020 in Cologne. And truth be told: we didn't know what to expect from the exhibition and whether we'd have to be there all days.

Well, we soon found out that we shouldn't miss a day.  
We loved the response of the Cologne visitors, and got to brush up on our German while getting away with english most of the time.

We presented our Flower Constellations, Waterworks and Poma/Olera series during the fair, and all our designs were very well received by an attentive audience that's very much into sustainable living.
​
So well indeed, that we've set our sights on Germany once again. We're so close to the border, we might as well hop over it, once in a while. After all, Germany is still part of the EU... So we went ahead and signed ourselves up for the MKB Export Award again. We'll keep you posted about that adventure!

Here to the right there's another picture of our exhibition on the first day, and above a photograph of the (inside of the) lovely designed shopwindow at Salon Zwei.

Thank you Claudia! We had a blast and will definitely be back in Germany.
Hopefully sooner rather than later!

We just sent out our latest newsletter. With of course New Years wishes, but also our plans for the coming months.

Missed it? No worries! Click on the images below to read the Dutch or English version.

Last year we thoroughly enjoyed our Object experience (read about it here). Not just the beautiful (yet chilly) setting at the HAKA building and the many interested visitors, but also very much the company of all other designers and artists showcasing their work and the warm and caring people of the Object organization.

That's why we'll be back in Rotterdam this year! 
Come join us and a lovely troupe of talented Dutch Designers and makers in the HAKA building between February 7th and 9th (Fri-Sat-Sun) for an all new Object Rotterdam. 
Check out the Object website for all participants and practical information.

Would love to see you there!

ps. we have a few free entrance tickets available. Interested? get in touch!