Hello Sandwich in Melbourne

Harvest Workroom in Melbourne hosts an ever-changing rotation of artists and makers from all over the world to participate in their artist-in-residence program. Ebony Bizys (a.k.a Hello Sandwich) is visiting from Tokyo to be artist-in-residence from August 6 - 22.
Ebony put together the tutorial in Issue 8 and many readers will be familiar with her playful style - which mixes neons and pastels, polka dots and stripes, vintage and retro - and a good dose of Kawaii - to produce a look that is distinctively hers. She will be hosting craft workshops - Hello Paper and Hello Fabric which - unsurprisingly - have already sold out. The good news is that you can still check out her craft exhibition and pop-up shop. Ebony will be creating original Hello Sandwich wrapping paper and fabric using the Harvest Workroom screen printing facilities - no doubt you'll need to get in quick for those as well! 
I also wanted to apologise profusely to Ebony for the misprint in our contributor section - it lists her web address as hellosandwich.com when it should read hellosandwich.blogspot.com - proving that you can never be too careful or proofread too many times (I should take some of my own advice!)

Issue 8 in the flesh

 

We Are Immortal

This Friday We Are Immortal launches in Wellington. The self-published, limited edition A5 publication features short stories and photographs – a collaboration between writer Jenah Shaw and photographer Emma Anderson, who crowd-funded their project through PledgeMe. In Jenah's words: "it’s all a little noir, a little gothic, a little bit like a Western without the cowboys." 

I spoke to Jenah part-way through the process – you can read our interview in issue 8.

The launch is at the Russian Frost Farmers Gallery this Friday 27th April at 7pm, drinks and nibbles provided, $5 on the door. Head along and celebrate independent publishing!

It's time.

Issue 8 is finally at the printer and just about ready to be sent out in time for April 20th. There's a delicious apple pie by Grace Lee on the cover, and inside you'll find the recipe among an autumn trio by Martha Goes Green, a self-publishing featurette, a look at e-courses, interviews with creative expats in Amsterdam, London and Tokyo... and much more!
As usual, there are only 1000 individually numbered copies – pre-order yours at Felt or Big Cartel or pick one up from one of our great stockists listed in the right sidebar.

Stockist series: Flock

Flock Design Boutique is a little slice of design heaven in Sumner, Christchurch run by Emma Smith and Billy Wilson. After a tough first few months withstanding the relentless shaking of the Canturbury earthquakes, they opened an online boutique in addition to their physical store. Emma answered a few questions for Extra Curricular and let us in on a few local specialties - I want one of those honeybuns!

What will customers discover at Flock? 

A really good time! And beautiful, thoughtful design. We stock innovative clothing and homewares from New Zealand, Australia, Europe and America.

What's the best thing about coming to work each day? 
Opening parcels and chatting to my regulars and experiencing their joy of discovery... and having cups of tea with my staff.

What is one thing you learnt from opening your shop?
Earthquakes are not useful for the first year of business but with dedication, hardwork and a genuine love... things work out.

What's the best-kept secret in your local area? 

Coddled eggs at The Cornershop Bistro, Jane Henry scarves made from local ultra fine merino and honeybuns at The Opawa farmers market.

Flock Design Boutique

Shop 2 / 43 Nayland St, Sumner, Christchurch

Phone: +64 3 326 6841

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am - 5.30pm 

Thursday 10am - 8pm

Saturday 10am - 5.30pm

Sunday 10.30am - 5.00pm

Watchers

Before leaving Amsterdam, her home for the past four years, to return home to New Zealand, photographer Sonya Nagels has somehow found the time to put together a beautiful book of photographs in homage to her time there. The books are produced in a limited edition of twenty and are carefully hand-bound with attention to every detail. Containing sixteen archival photographic prints of the lace curtains of Amsterdam, they explore themes of voyeurism and privacy. You can buy a copy here. 

Stockist series: Blackbird Corner

Nici and Sean run Blackbird Corner, a little independent shop in Newcastle. Both creative souls themselves, they thrive on supporting local and independent makers and designers and have a real passion for the products they sell. I love that they are closed Mondays to get their making done! This morning it was more Wayward Girl skirts which have been selling like hotcakes. Nici kindly took some time out to answer some questions for Extra Curricular.

What will customers discover at Blackbird Corner?

Hmmm it's always changing, but essentially Blackbird Corner is full of everything we "Blackbirds" love. Lots of unique items created by Australian (and now some New Zealander) independent designers and craftspeople... independent publications (such as the lovely Extra Curricular of course!) ... Lomography Cameras... a stupidly large assortment of Low Brow Art Books... retro toys, lollies and gifts - all in a relaxed/no pressure atmosphere. 

We also stock women's clothing designed and made by myself and my Sister Jen. My husband Sean designs and prints tees for hims, hers and young ones; plus does greeting cards, badge sets, tea towels and stationery. 
The majority of the items we do sell are exclusive to Blackbird Corner, or at the very least, exclusive to us in the Newcastle area. We are a little family business, and the person behind the counter might have made the item you're buying.

What's the best thing about coming to work each day?

Well, we are very fortunate to now live literally a stone's throw away from "work" these days so - no commuting to a place that feels like an extension of our lounge room is just completely splendid. That's two best things!

What have you learnt from opening your shop?

To be completely flexible and open to change in many areas, but to firmly stick to our ideals. 

We do not sell anything that we aren't absolutely proud to sell (and want to keep for ourselves.) 

What's the best-kept secret in your local area?

Hmmmm that's a tricky question... I've lived in Cooks Hill on and off since I was a teenager and I cannot think of one - mindfreeze. 

The worst kept secret is easy though! Darby Street is absolutely the best street in Newcastle, full of lovely small businesses instead of the cookie cutter franchises you see in every vast shopping centre/mall. We're a community of shopkeepers here. And we love that.

Blackbird Corner

70 Darby Street, 

Cooks Hill NSW 2300, 

Australia

Tuesdays - Fridays 11:00-5:00

Saturdays 10:00-3:00 Sundays 11:00-3:00

Mondays closed to sew/print/make