World Environment Day, 5 June, reminds us that shopping and supporting locals is another way to live sustainably. Buying ‘Canberra-made’ is the bread and butter of these four establishments.
Pop! Canberra
Shop G12/27 Lonsdale St, Braddon
Pop’s door is still open, meaning Canberrans should take full advantage of one of Braddon’s coolest stops. Best said by store owner Gabe Trew, everyone knows that everything stocked by Pop! is Canberra-made. Open every day, and for late night shopping until 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, this inner-city gem recently celebrated over 250 local makers (that’s 5000 individual products) stocked within its bright pink walls.
Under $50 pick: The 3D printed Belconnen Owl ($35) by In Iteration. Why wouldn’t you want to gift your friend one so it can stare back at them in their own lounge room?
Editor’s pick: Pop’s iconic ‘earring wall’ holds over 2000 unique pairs. As well as adding to the other-worldly atmosphere, you are practically bound to find a pair that suits any loved one’s style.
Canberra Potters Shop
1 Aspinall St, Watson
If you are a fan of Pop! then the Canberra Potters Society’s brick-and-mortar store should be your very next visit. Filled to the brim with handmade creations from the Society’s professional and semi-professional members, you can find everything from gifts to ceramic tools, to at-home kits, and of course, clay. Visiting artists are stocked alongside locals, with work sold from a total of 49 makers. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, you can shop from Canberra names like By Kate Ceramics, and Chris Harford, who likely designed the tableware at your favourite fancy restaurant.
Under $50 pick: The brooches, earrings, and necklaces created by Lucy, Blackburn Studio, are customer favourites for their focus on textures and neutral tones.
Editor’s pick: The ‘wabi-sabi’ style pottery creations by We Are Made tell the story of finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection in nature, with a small face embedded in each cup, bowl, and teapot – creating adorably unique gifts.
Trove
25 Dickson Pl, Dickson
Trove was built on the idea of directly supporting Canberra makers, with one artist always in the store to engross customers in the stories behind the products. As Canberra’s only maker-run cooperative, there will be no picking favourites, however some of the newest recruits include Kate’s Bombs, maker of insanely delicious hot chocolate bombs, and Ducky Shincracker, who creates apparel from velvet, Liberty, and vintage fabrics. Open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, Trove is well worth a stop during a cheeky day out in Dickson.
Under $50 pick: Choc orange, Bischoff, Nutella, oh my. Kate’s handmade chocolate bombs were a sell-out this past Mother’s Day and will be equally delicious any other time of year.
Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre
Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra
This local not-for-profit supports artists, craft practitioners, designers, and makers at every stage of their careers with exhibitions, events, and yes indeed, a gift shop. With the bitter Canberra winter approaching, local makers like Lisa Molvig offer handknitted cowls and beanies, while makers like Ian Jones provide wood-fired cups to wrap our cold hands around. Both the shop and gallery are open Wednesday to Saturday from 12 noon to 4pm, but did you know Craft ACT also has an online shop with sections for gifts under $50 and $100?
Under $50 pick: You can’t go past Annie Trevillian’s hand screen printed, linen tea towels that celebrate Canberra ($40) and framed prints by Eggpicnic for $80.
Editor’s pick: Using shattered waste glass, local artist Ngaio creates her ‘Gaia Bowls’ ($66-$330). Fused together and finished with gold leaf, these are works of art for the home.
Know a local business you’d like to see added to this list? Email the details to [email protected]
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