As someone foregoing a summer vacation in order to save up for a few home improvements, these delicate clay buildings by Amsterdam-based American artist Laurie Poast are the lovely reminder of far-off travels real or (in my case) only imagined.
From several-hundred-year-old windmills on Greek islands to French country farms to Dutch row houses, the tiny sculptures recall almost magical European landscapes — certainly a welcome view on any mantle top. Poast sells her handmade miniature buildings in her Etsy Shop, ARTISANIEeurope.
Images: ARTISANIEeurope
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
They're well-crafted but way out of my price range.
Cute and all, but it's just something that's going to litter up your shelf imho.
Love them. I have little finds like this, from my own travels, in unexpected places around the house and when I spy one out of the corner of my eye it takes me back to that time and place. I always feel like I reconnected with that rested feeling you have when on vacation.