My Modern Nest

It's new, it's retro modern and I love it. My Modern Nest is a sparkly new shop that recently opened its doors in Port Adelaide. (Actually the official opening was on Sunday, and first day of trade yesterday.) I have been crazy flat out this week so missed the opening, but a quick visit today was the perfect way to temporarily escape the Messagemark madness. 

Light and Bright Shop Space - just what we like!

Just some lovely details in the shop. I want that paper holder thingy!

First impressions, the shop space is light and bright and has a minimalistic feel which is perfect to display the mid-century furniture and home wares.  This is certainly one to keep an eye on as hand picked items are added to the shop floor. If you are a fan of Parker, Fler, Marcob, TH Brown, Noblett then you are on the same page as the owners Sarah and Ben!

Sometimes less is more!

1950s Bathroom Cabinet (very tempting)

Who doesn't love sideboards!

And I've got to fit in a sneaky plug for Messagemark. You will find our vintage inspired prints dotted around the store too looking super sweet against the rich teak furniture!

Messagemark Prints

Keep up to date with new stock via the My Modern Nest Facebook page. Better still, stop by if you live in the west!

My Modern Nest
Shop 7-8 / 202-204 St Vincent Street
Port Adelaide SA 5015

Phone 0403 566 849
Email mymodernnest@gmail.com
Web mymodernnest.blogspot.com.au

View more photos on my Flickr page here... 

Chieftain Trading Company

Surrounded by paddocks of happy cows enjoying lush grass, Milton is a surprisingly cosmopolitan town and visitors are often surprised by the array of great shopping, cafes and entertainment on offer. Our lovely new stockist Chieftain Trading Company is located in the historic town of Milton 3 1/2 hours from Sydney on the South Coast.

Chieftain Trading offer "Special things....to decorate you and your home" and stock interesting and unique items from all over the world including beautiful colourful ceramics from Turkey and Mexico, sterling silver jewellery from Israel and Flensted mobiles from Denmark to name just a few. Their choice of stock is very personal and is guided by the type of things we love: colourful, retro, ethnic, Australian, bohemian, sculptural, Scandanavian, original.

Best of all, the folk at Chieftan love to feature as much Australian made and designed stock as possible, in particular from small design companies that offer something truly unique. They stock a large range of great cards and prints all designed and printed here in Oz, and I hear they are very happy to now add Messagemark to their extensive range of paper products.

I hope I can visit sometime, the shop looks devine and is open 6 days a week, 7 days during school holidays!

ONLINE
www.chieftaintrading.com 

FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/pages/Chieftain-Trading-Company

CONTACT
Jennifer McGee
Shop 7a, 93 Princess Highway, Milton
(04) 4819 5510

Toodle-pip,

Mockingbird Lounge

Mockingbird Lounge is a new to you second-hand book store and coffee shop offering a bundle of literacy excitement to Glenelg’s Broadway community. First day of trade Tuesday 28th Feb! EXCITING!

Delicious coffee, fine teas and home-made sweet treats will be served. Including this local 'A List' of pure yumminess... De Groot coffee, Scullery Made Teas, Tweedvale milk and Bickfords Old Style Sodas.

You will also find a large range of quality books, of many genres, all sold in as-new condition. Local art and photography is displayed amongst the books (available for purchase), plus there is a small selection of beautiful stationery and cards ... yes Messagemark to name one of the selected few!

Enjoy the laid back charm at Mockingbird Lounge six days a week – Tuesday to Sunday, with extended trading two nights per week. Plus if you have a special private shindig, Stacey will be delighted to cater to your needs.
 
OPENING HOURS
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 9 - 9
Wednesday 9 - 4
Thursday 9 - 4
Friday 9 - 9
Saturday 9 - 5
Sunday 9 - 5

ONLINE
mockingbirdlounge.com.au

EMAIL
info@mockingbirdlounge.com.au

North Star Hotel Melrose

Last weekend we hit the road and headed up north to Melrose for a couple of nights and stayed at the North Star Hotel (a Messagemark stockist). Denis and my friend Georgia are currently featured in an art exhibition at the Hotel which runs until mid October. So we thought we would make a weekend of it, head up on Friday to hang the art and then be there for the exhibition opening Saturday evening.

Georgia and I had a bit of spare time on the Saturday in between walking around the town, talking to sheep and little lambs and eating giant freckles from the corner shop; so we decided to re-arrange the retail area in the Hotel. I threw an old book shelf in the car as I thought it would come in handy for displaying the Messagemark range.

I'm really pleased with our efforts. There is a true science behind visual merchandising and it was fun to help Georgia work out the best display option for these products. The result was clear, sales started to pick up within the first day and many people were popping over to the area for a closer look. That's what we like to see!

I have to admit I think my Dinky-Dye range looked right at home at the North Star Hotel!

Toodle-pip,

Erica Flower Studio

This may sound strange but I call my Dad 'Erica'. His name is actually Eric, but I suppose you could say Erica is my pet name for him. Poor man, I hope he isn't having an identity crisis. All his life he has constantly been surrounded by women, including my 2 sisters, Mum and a female cat! Anyway, why did I mention that, I don't really know, but my new stockist Erica Flower Studio made me think of my Dad!

Erica Flower Studio is a retail floristry business located in the busy Blackwood shopping precinct. They offer a full range of floristry products and services including fresh flowers and arrangements, flowers for special occasions, weddings, and events, gift and baby baskets and a range of plants, gifts and cards (Messagemark!).

OPENING HOURS:
Monday - Friday 9:30 - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00 - 3:00pm
ADDRESS: 240 Main Road, Blackwood, South Australia (08) 8279 4970
ONLINE: www.ericaflowerstudio.com.au
EMAIL: erica.flowerstudio@gmail.com

Studio Eco

Studio Eco is definitely my cup of tea! All the products stocked in the studio have have passed strict guidelines for 'greenness' of a product. 

The fab product range includes paintings, wall hangings, cushions, furniture, lighting and jewellery. Studio Eco also stock a gorgeous selection of children's products such as paints, playdough, furniture, high chairs and room accessories. Messagemark is very pleased to be now added to this list of earth friendly products!

Studio Eco shares space with sustainable designer/maker Ben Manning (from Utopian Creations) who makes all types of jewellery from silver collections that are great for gifts, to ring remodeling, engagement and wedding rings. You may be lucky enough to see Ben hard at work in the jewellery workshop when you pop in for a visit.

Studio Opening Hours
Tuesday-Friday 9-5pm
Saturday 10-5pm

Online: www.studioeco.com.au
Phone: (08) 8331 2272

Follow the Little Paper Lane

Yay, Messagemark can now be found in NSW! The owner of Little Paper Lane, Jayde Leeder is completely obsessed with beautiful stationery, and for a long time it was her dream to have a shop that simply sells paper, gifts and cards. Jayde's dream was realised when Little Paper Lane opened its doors this year and she now happily spends time finding talented designers who create unique cards and stationery.

Jayde and I found each other on Facebook, so I'm excited and happy to now have Messagemark available in this gorgeous little paper shop. A must visit if in the Mona Vale area.

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 10am-5.30pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: Closed

Online: www.littlepaperlane.com.au
Phone: (02) 8407 9204

Aspects of Kings Park

 

 

Aspects of Kings Park is unique. It delivers a distinctive shopping experience integrating art and design, ecology, conservation and education, in the heart of one of Western Australia's most iconic locations. Its product range is innovative, colourful, intriguing and inspirational.

I'm so pleased to see Messagemark paper design now available in the west and featured in this beautiful gallery and retail environment. Aspects is well known for promoting the highest quality contemporary Australian and Western Australian craft and design.

Aspects of Kings Park is owned and operated by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. All profits from Aspects of Kings Park directly support Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Aspects of Kings Park
Fraser Avenue, West Perth W.A. 6005

Open 7 days a week, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Closed Australia Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

PHONE: (08) 9480 3900
EMAIL: aspects@bgpa.wa.gov.au
WEB: www.aspectsofkingspark.com.au

Bliss Organic Cafe

Bliss Organic Garden Cafe located in Compton Street, Adelaide, are now stocked up with Messagemark Christmas cards.

Bliss is more than just a gorgeous cafe tucked away in the heart of the city. They also stock a variety of organic and fair trade products, an extensive grocery range, house-hold items, vegan pet food, cosmetics, books, CDs/DVDs and gifts!

I absolutely love the furniture, an eclectic mix of retro chairs and tables! Their cakes look especially good and have cute names too like 'Mocha Joy' - sounds divine!


Opening Hours
Mon-Thurs 7am-4pm
Fri 7am-4pm and 6-9pm
Sat 8am-3pm

Online: www.blissorganiccafe.com.au
Phone: (08) 8231 0205

State of Green

We welcome State of Green to our family of Messagemark retailers. Based in Australia, State of Green is an online store showcasing beautifully designed products for the family and home that tread lightly on the environment.

I am also pretty chuffed to find Messagemark featured on the State of Green blog this week. Read more...

my travelling saleschick!

My distributor Lauren from the Green Suitcase is 'pedalling' messagemark all over Copenhagen ....on a push bike! Yes that's right, Lauren cruises around on her bike with messagemark samples and catalogues in her bike basket and is doing extremely well pushing our little brand.

Thank you Lauren for being such a super sales chick, and for always being so kind to our planet!

The Green Suitcase

We are currently preparing a bunch of product to send to our new European Distributor The Green Suitcase. Lauren from the Green Suitcase will be working hard to promote Messagemark to retailers in Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden at two big trade fairs coming up in August. It is all extremely exciting - the prospect of Messagemark product sales in Europe!

Lauren, don't forget to wear comfy shoes and take some nourishing snacks & drinks because it all sounds very exhausting! Take heaps of photos too for us all to see!!

GALLERY ONE in Mitcham

Gallery One is a teaching studio and exhibition space, located within the heritage-listed Mitcham Village, as well as a gallery shop which spills into a blue-stoned walled atrium. The Gallery Shop sells an eclectic selection of art and contemporary craft by established and emerging South Australian artists. As well as Messagemark Cards, the shop stocks innovative jewellery, silk screened and felted wearables, leather accessories, whimsical scrolled and turned wood pieces, palm-oil free soaps and a delectable array of jams and relishes.

WHERE: 1 Torrens Street Mitcham 
PHONE: 08 8272 4504 
OPEN: Tuesday–Friday 10am–4.30pm and during exhibitions 12–4.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday
EMAIL: info@galleryone.org.au for class or exhibition programs.

TeAro Estate Tasting Room

After 18 months of meticulous restorations of a heritage listed 1850’s barn, TeAro Estate has opened their Tasting Room in the main street of Williamstown. Boasting a lovingly re-pointed stonework exterior, upon entering you are greeted by a warm, contemporary and relaxed atmosphere with a variety of lounges, bar stools and tasting stations for guests to enjoy a hosted wine or tea tasting experience.

Focusing on regionality, expect to find local art, local produce, locally made gifts and well-being products, many exclusive to TeAro Estate. Messagemark cards are also available to purchase, along with some wonderful Ball of Light photographs by my hubby Denis Smith.

WHERE: 20 Queen Street, Williamstown SA 5351
ONLINE: www.tearoestate.com
PHONE: 08 8524 6860
OPEN: Thurs - Mon 10am to 6pm (other days by appointment)

Imprints Booksellers

Imprints Booksellers has been the cultural cornerstone of Adelaide's West End since opening in 1984. The quintessential modern Australian bookshop, Imprints carries an eclectic range of books by local, national and international authors.

Drop by anytime for a browse, and if you're looking for something specific, and its not on the shelf Imprints can order it in for you.

Messagemark cards are now available at Imprints, the perfect accompliment to a gift for your bookish friend!

WHERE: 107 Hindley Street, Adelaide
ONLINE: www.imprints.com.au
PHONE: 08 8231 4454
OPEN: Mon & Tues9am to 6pm / Wed - Fri 9am to 9pm / Sat 9am - 6pm / Sun and Public Holidays 11am - 6pm.

I see red...

 

Situated in the middle of a vineyard,  Red Poles is the ideal location to spend a casual lunch, a lazy afternoon or a short holiday. Red Poles is a café, restaurant, gallery, B&B, and wedding / function venue situated on the tourist drive in McLaren Vale - “The perfect mix of food, wine and art”.

The business offers the best in local produce in its café, and chef Nat Wilson is held in high regard in the region – with his seasonal menus and a range of local wines for which the region is famous.

An art gallery offers a new exhibition every six weeks and artists are also given the opportunity to hang work on consignment. There are weekly and weekend art workshops in a wide variety of mediums. Visitors can be “hands on” in creative activities or observe others in their artistic endeavours.

Including live music every Sunday, Red Poles is a Sunday afternoon destination for sure. Monthly cabarets and an outdoor cinema/theatre complete the picture.

If you decide to take a visit, don't forget to support Messagemark by buying one of our cards for sale in the gift shop!

OPEN: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 to 5pm
PHONE: 08 83238994
WEB: www.redpoles.com.au

The Ivy Room - Glenelg

It's a great time to take a visit to Glenelg, grab a coffee or icecream, browse the shops along Jetty Road and of course take a dip at one of the best beaches in Australia.

While in the area why not check out "The Ivy Room" homewares and gift store. If you are obsessed with greeting cards, The Ivy Room stocks a unique range including local South Australian artists - and of course Messagemark!

Where: 59a Jetty Road, Glenelg
Online: Facebook Page
Phone: 8294 9171
Open: Mon, Tues, Wed and Friday 9.30am to 6pm / Thurs 9.30am to 9pm / Sat 9.30am - 5pm / Sun 11am - 5pm / Public holidays 11am to 5pm.

Hello Pepe's Paperie

I posted one of my catalogues to Pepe at Pepe's Paperie and I am chuffed to say he loved my cards! So you can now buy the entire range of MessageMark paper products from Pepe's Paperie in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

Pepe's Paperie stores have an amazing range of luxury pens and leather, including Graf von Faber-Castell and Piquadro. They also stock a huge selection of specialty papers, albums, journals & diaries, organisers, cards and gift wrap.

Check out their website for store locations and opening times.

WHERE: Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney
ONLINE: www.pepespaperie.com.au
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/Pepes_Paperie

We Heart Storison

Storison is a contemporary gift store that makes its home in the 1880 village blacksmith building in Hahndorf's main street.

The thoughtfully selected products showcase contemporary Australian design, eco-friendly recycled creations and ethically sourced handcrafts from around the globe. The eclectic range includes jewellery, textiles, cards, world music, books and gifts with a little hint of the unconventional.

Storison celebrates creativity, individuality and stylish innovation - a must see when next in Hahndorf.

OPEN: 10am - 5pm Tue to Sat, 10am - 4pm Sunday, Closed Monday
WHERE: 73 Main St, Hahndorf
PHONE: 08 8388 7331

Exclusive at Barossa Living Gallery

If you are you seeking a beautiful gift for a friend, a stunning memento of your visit to the Barossa or just a whimsical indulgence then do visit Barossa Living Gallery, the newest art space in the region. Housed in Tanunda’s historic bluestone Institute, the recently restored 1849 building provides a seasonal showcase of local and interstate artists, sculptors, jewellers, glass blowers, cabinet makers and ceramicists.

We are pleased to announce that Barossa Living Gallery are our exclusive stockist in the beautiful Barossa Valley. The entire MessageMark card range is now permanently on display, and I am very chuffed to have my creations in such a unique art space - and in my home town!

Please visit the gallery to view the purpose built card display and the other gorgeous art.

WHERE: 28 Murray Street, Tanunda South Australia
PHONE: 08 8563 3668
OPEN: Thurs - Sat and Mon 10am - 4pm | Sun 11am - 4pm
ONLINE: www.barossalivinggallery.com.au