School kids need lunch money

The studio of Elizabeth Barnett, co-founder of Schoolhouse Studios. photo: The Design Files

As you are well aware, we usually keep things pretty shop-oriented here on the blog, mainly because we get so excited about all the lovely things arriving and we want to share them with you. But we also know how important it is to support artists and creatives working within our community of Melbourne. We love to stock lots of Australian made products from independent makers, and a lot of these makers rely on having a supportive community around them, and most importantly, a studio from which to work.

The incredible folk from Schoolhouse Studios in Abbotsford have recently had to shut their doors after two years in the old Sophia Mundi Steiner School. All of the spaces in the grounds were put to use, from old classrooms, science labs and a chapel, to the basketball court and the orchard and vegie garden. The collaborative community that grew out of Schoolhouse Studios was truly something special, and I for one, felt very sad to say goodbye. Although I won't be moving in to the new site, I know how important it is to keep these spaces available and accessible for artists (ie. affordable!). With a new site secured, energies are now being focussed on raising enough money to convert an old warehouse in Collingwood into a new home for the Schoolhouse gang. Working with the Molonglo group to develop a space that will encourage community interaction and create a space for shared ideas, projects and events.

Jewellery designer Marni Kornhauser's studio. photo: The Design Files

With a Pozible campaign in the works, Schoolhouse studios are half way towards their goal of $50,000. If the goal amount isn't reached, they receive nothing. All donations will be greatly appreciated and will receive a 'thank-you' from the team at Schoolhouse. These thank-you rewards range from tickets to future events, to artwork or even a song written in your honour!

Check out the excellent feature from Lucy Feagins of The Design Files, with lots more photos of the beautiful spaces and an insight into the work that went into building this community from the ground up. This little post really does not do justice to the amazing work coming out of Schoolhouse Studios, so it is worth checking out their website too.

The Pozible campaign can be viewed here. If you're not able to pledge to the campaign, just sharing this with friends and family you think may be interested can also make a huge difference.

credit: all photos via The Design Files

Schoolhouse Studios communal kitchen. photo: The Design Files

Steller Atelier architecture studio. photo: The Design Files

Voyager candles

You may have noticed these beautiful candles from Voyager at Sedonia recently. It is a relatively new range for us and we are enjoying falling in love with each of the five distinct scents. The candles are each named for gardens around the world, and are inspired by a certain place and time. Coincidentally, my favourite is the 'Alexandra' candle, inspired by Melbourne and made using a blend of bergamot, petitgrain, fig leaves, sandalwood and green tea. 

Melbournian Kerrie Golias launched the range in 2011, with a focus on beautiful, evocative scents and ethical and sustainable production. Voyager candles contain no 'nasties' - they are made here in Melbourne using a special blend of soy, coconut and beeswax, with pure cotton wicks. And, the elegant double walled glass is re-usable! No detail has been overlooked in the creation of this boutique candle range; we are truly impressed by Kerrie's commitment to delivering a beautiful, high-quality and sustainable product.  

With winter around the corner, Voyager candles are a simple and elegant way to add warmth to any room in your home. Come in to experience this stunning range for yourself. 

Mother's Day giveaway

Who doesn't love a giveaway?! We sure do! So we thought we'd share the love this week and give you the chance to win two fantastic Marimekko mugs just in time for Mother's Day. Valued at $29 each, these mugs are a kitchen staple from the fabulous Finnish design house Marimekko. We love to use them for tea and coffee and we think their sturdy yet stylish design makes a great addition to any kitchen. 

To go in the draw, all you need to do is like our official Facebook page (click here to go there now). As an added bonus, if you share the link we will double your chances and put your name in the draw twice. And don't worry, if you've already liked us we will automatically enter your name into the draw too! 

We'll draw the winner next Friday the 10th May and contact the winner via Facebook. 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

All of a sudden Mother's Day is only two weeks away! We've been getting ready here at Sedonia with lots of exciting new products in store and have been thinking about what our lovely Mums would like to receive. To give you a bit of inspiration we've put together a bit of a Mother's Day Gift Guide. At the moment we also have some fantastic vintage and new furniture, colourful desk lamps and gorgeous woolly jackets, scarves and gloves - all perfect things for your special Mum, Mom, Mama, Mother, Nan, Grandma, Oma or Nonna! 

Pink things

//  Bonnie + Neil cushion $155   //  Marimekko teapot $99  //  Bonnie + Neil wooden placemat $32  //  

//  Redecker dish brush $6  //  Redecker pastry brush $15  //  Fragonard 'Etoile' fragrance $92  // 

//  Ecoya 'Sweet Pea and Jasmine' candle $40  //  Marimekko hand towels $16 each  //  

//  Laguiole cheese knife $25  //  Hoganas mug with wooden saucer $37  //

Homewares

//  Round chopping board $79  //  Bonnie + Neil placemat (back shown) $32  // 

//  Have You Met Miss Jones clay vases - large white $55, small yellow $38  //

//  Angus + Celeste porcelain bottle $79  //  Marigolde beaded necklace $210  // 

// Voyager 'Alexandra' candle $50  // Vintage Letter 'A' $55  //  Hamamist hand towel $25  //

Gardening Mums

//  Bonnie + Neil single napkin $20  //  Rifle Paper Co. 'Citrus' print  $30  //  Seeds box $15  //  

//  Twine with scissors $35  //  Watering can $48  //  Little Vegie Patch Co. seeds $4.50 per pack  //  

//  Carrot soap $15  //  Woollen gardening gloves $30  //  Leather gardening gloves $20  //

Travelling Mums

//  Paris wrapping paper $8 per sheet  //  Baggu backpack $65  //  Crumpled City maps $20 each  // 

//  Voyager 'Imperial' candle $50  //  Trunk + Orderly Kinder case $80  //  Me + Amber print $49  //

//  World globe $130  //  Brown paper notebook $13  //  Green hard cover notebook $20  //

//  Rifle card sets $25 //

Accessories

//  Embroidered scarf $149  //  Uimi infinity scarf $115  //  Nancy Bird silk scarf $95  //

//  Penelope Durston fingerless gloves $55 per pair  //  Elk leather satchel $185  //

//  Status Anxiety navy wallet $75  //  Status Anxiety baby blue purse $39  //

// Nancy Bird envelope clutch $120 //

Pampering things

//  Hamamist towel $45  //  Elk necklace $68  //  Mint photo frames - large $50, small $45  //

//  Paddywax candle $30  //  Est olive oil soaps $13.50 each  //  Paddywax fragrance diffuser $45  //

//  Long handled brush $32  //  Medium brush $40  //  Small brush $30  //

Cookware and Entertaining

// Yellow glass vase $85  //  Candle sticks - small white $38, large black $45 // Marimekko plate $46  //

// Marimekko teapot $129  //  250ml jug $15  //  Wooden measuring spoons $40 // Dusting brush $35  //

//  Penelope Durston oven mits $32 each  //  Marimekko cups $26 each  //

ANZAC Day public holiday

Just a little note to let you know that we will be closed this Thursday 25th April for the ANZAC Day public holiday. We hope you all have a relaxing day off. x

Lately...

 

Bedouin Societe

We are a bit in love with our new range of bed linen from Bedouin Societe. These luxurious 100% linen bed sheets are available in a range of gorgeous colours, and are designed to mix and match to suit any bedroom decor.

Come in to see and feel this beautiful range for yourself. We have a range of doona covers, flat sheets and pillow cases available, and are happy to order stock in.

Incommunicado (sort of)

Our telephone line has been playing up lately, but rest assured we are open as usual. We are trying to get it sorted out as soon as possible, but in the meantime you can always contact us via our Facebook page for a quick response.

image via Trove