{.a bit of thought & a lot of heart.}
by devourslowly
Auckland is far from creative Mecca that has long been a deserving title for Wellington. That said, there are still pockets of crafty communities scattered around this smashing city. Sometimes it takes a little bit of close attention to notice these creative juggernauts. Here are some of my favs:
- Stephen Richardson of Parinto – The creative soul behind the now defunct Richard and Son – Stephen made the smooth transition from traditional storefront retail to an online following for tee-shirt fanatics. The Parinto team selects unique and gorgeous graphic submissions to print on their yummy tees. There is a pop up store between now and Christmas eve nestled just behind Agnes Curran on Franklin. By the by, if you visit Parinto on the weekends you will get to sample Cinnamon Spoon cupcakes (no harm to do some shameless self-promotion). Dapper tee shirts and yummy cupcakes – WIN WIN!
- Bayley Collins of Bird in a Bunny Suit – Auckland based illustrator Bayley Collins is absolutely amazing. Her bird and animal illustrations are stocked by New Zealand as well as Australian stores. Every piece of work is a little bit cheeky. Definitely a must see for discerning collectors.
- Kraftbomb – Auckland’s answer to the growing trend of handmade craft markets. This once-a-month-affair takes place @ Grey Lynn Community Centre on the last Sunday of each month. Hosted by local artists City Down and Karla Hansen, the market is a mini treasure trove for unique presents made with LURRVE.
- Richard Kuoch of Podgy Panda – Illustrator Richard Kuoch has a knack for creating over-the-top-cuddly-cute-characters. His work has a strong Asian pop-art influence which constantly reminds me that though Auckland is a small city, it really is a melting pot for a host of proud cultures around the world.
I actually checked out the links:)
Top of my list is cinnamonspoon.com to check out completely tomorrow. My goodness there are so many nice looking design cakes,interesting cookies, and cake!
Bird in a Bunny Suit is interesting to me collection #3 http://www.birdinabunnysuit.co.nz/162262/info/galleryExpose3x10.html
Kraftbomb Podgy Panda are nice and artistic.
you are so sweet – CS is my little cupcake operation on the side. LOL thank you thank you
if only I can courier you some cupcakes to say thank you for the compliment! But then you never know if I picked the others because they pale by comparison… lol
Lol, you are a trickster:) and you say you are not that talented. I knew you were just being modest:) Don’t worry you can thank my tummy one day when I come to New Zealand. I am curious, since we have been talking, about the place. When will I come… before I turn 50 for sure. I am 33 and have a long way to go:)
Now I will go to bed thinking of sweets!
Have a good day and night Devour…I will read more tomorrow!
Super jealous! I would LOVE to be 30… I spend my whole life waiting to be 30… two more years!!! Can’t wait! 30 would be SO GREAT. You must be having the time of your life!
New Zealand is a lovely country but then to be honest pretty much most places these days are lovely to visit! But yes haha you should totally come – if not for the scenery then for my cakes.
Lol, when time come I will let you know when I am heading that way so that hubby and I can sample some of your cake. We actually we have 3 benefit coming to New Zealand one day. Seeing a new scenery and culture, tasting some beautiful cakes, and meeting you!:) That is if your free and have time for us old people, lol.
Are you serious when you said that you are looking forward to turn 30? Nothing wrong with it. It honestly does not feel any difference to me. The only thing I notice that have changed is that I am not too bashful or shy like I once was. My patience is wearing thin, and I look forward to continue aging gracefully:)
Yes you should totally come here!
I so wasn’t joking about the being 30 bit – can’t wait to be 30. I am the youngest of three you see… and I always thought by the time I get to 30 my family will finally treat me like an adult. LOL it might not happen… actually it is not likely to happen but there is always dreaming. I just think by the time I get to 30 I would have worked for a few years, be stable financially and also emotionally with what I want in life. Can’t wait can’t wait!
Oh I see, then I can’t wait until you turn 30 too:)
haha thank you so much – that is so sweet
I just stumbled across this post
Thank you for the lovely words! and yes, i do agree, AKL is lacking that creative flair that Wellington seems to have.
Thanks again!
(p.s. those cupcakes on cinnamonspoon look sooo yummy O___O)
[...] I raved about Parinto before. For those of you who are failing to keep up, Parinto is a New Zealand based tee shirt design store that makes some über cool tees for lads and lasses. The brand is built by the collaboration of local and international artists with designs curated by Stephen Richardson who by the way, has a superb eye for all that is cheerful and suave. Seriously! How gorgeous is this Meader Bear print?! GRRGH! [...]