Nut and Bee
We caught up with Annette of Nut and Bee last week to find out all about her very cool online shop that’s been making waves internationally for a wee while now.
Nut and Bee sells things with Annette’s sweet, whimsical (and sometimes laugh-out-loud) illustrations on them; including t-shirts, stickers, bookplates, stationery, button badges, magnets and art prints.
Annette is amazingly prolific. She produces three new illustrations a week, and people can vote on the ones they’d like to see on a product. The unicorn gets my vote 
How did the idea of Nut and Bee come about?
A couple of years ago I was at university, and doodling on my lecture notes every day. When I drew something I really liked I would post it online, and other people seemed to enjoy my little creatures too. I already had a website to sell my crochet toys, which I enjoyed running, so I decided to do something with the drawings as well. I’ve been very keen on cute Japanese stationery and stickers for many years, so a range of paper goods was the natural choice!
When did you set up Nut and Bee online?
Nut and Bee (in its current form) opened for business on December 24th 2005 with three lettersets, one bookplate set and one sticker set. Of course Christmas Eve wasn’t the ideal time, but I had everything ready to go and couldn’t wait any longer!
What do you enjoy most about running Nut and Bee?
It’s really satisfying to create things, and then get awesome feedback about them – it makes my day when someone takes the time to email me about how much they enjoyed their order. I’m also really pleased and proud with how the business is growing. I’ve gone from five products to over 150, I put new drawings online three days a week, and Nut and Bee is well on its way to supporting me.
Are you involved much in the Crafting community in Auckland / NZ ?
I have some crafting friends, and I vend regularly at the Craftwerk and Artisan Craft markets, but not beyond that. I’m really busy at the moment because I still have a day job and I’m doing some postgrad study as well, so I can’t get involved with the community as much as I would like to.
Any little interesting stories you would like to share?
I have a field in my checkout that asks my customers what their favourite animal is. I get some very cute answers in there – lots of people are really specific, like “cats that are small and white”, but others say things that aren’t actually animals, like “ghosts” or types of fruit! That’s OK though, I don’t mind if your favourite animal is the banana
Thanks Annette!
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The Cream of Matakana
30 Matakana Valley Road
Old Dairy Factory, Matakana
Tel. 09-422 7657 / Mob. 021-486 128
Next to the Farmers Market there’s a sign that points down to the old dairy factory, telling us that yonder lie local crafts, jewellery, art and fashion.
We were more than pleasantly surprised when we came in here. Two gorgeous women behind the counter both came out to greet Baby Lovely and admire her hand-made clothes. We had friends in common and lots to talk about.
They’ve been there since easter and are finding their kids area is just taking off.
They’ve got some very cool stock including a rack of hand-knits at very good prices. This one is $20.
There are also some cute little baby-grows, t-shirts for wee ones and adults alike, stylie toys from Europe and yummy local soaps and bathtime treats.
There was a good sampling of art – this lovely painting in the kids area; toys the kids will go ga-ga over; and… hand crocheted blankets – now you simply must have a look at those.
The building is old, wooden and airy; do make sure you look up!
It’s certainly a lovely shop – and a definite to-visit when in Matakana. And if you’re a crafty girl or boy who makes cool stuff, give them a call – they want to hear from you!
Filed in kids
Fresh oysters, flounder and scallops van
State Highway 1 at Waiwera
Unsure of opening hours, but I’d hazard a guess and say weekends during daylight hours
Noel Sullivan has been running the fresh oysters, flounder and scallops van for over seven years now. The flounder had come out of the Kaipara Harbour earlier that morning. The scallops were fresh too and they looked good.
We got two flounder for $9 and about a dozen scallops for $12. I have no idea how that compares to anywhere else but it seemed alright to me. I like buying food from a man on the side of the road who knows the guys who caught it.
I had scallops for lunch that day, and the next day. Cooked in butter with garlic, Maldon and cracked pepper, I had them on rocket with a bit of french bread and some beetroot hummous from Matakana market. The scallops were very good. And they were even better the next day when I had them with just a piece of baguette to mop up the garlicky lemon juice and butter.
That evening we had the flounder, lightly floured and cooked in a bit of butter, served with Maldon, cracked pepper and lemon juice of course. Again with rocket because that’s what we had.
Now, the potatoes were a bit of a luxury. Par-boiled we put them in a pan and unloaded a $5 pot of duck fat onto them. Decadent? Yes. Perfect? Also. Topped off with a dollop of red-pepper-chilli jam and a glass of delightful rosé.
De-lish.
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The Stitcher’s Closet
1335 Leigh Road, Matakana
Tel. 09-422 7316
www.stitcherscloset.co.nz
Just by the Matakana roundabout before the hill to Leigh is a cute white cottage that houses a tea house with a roaring fire and good looking lamingtons; and a lovely little shop. The lovely little shop contains everything one would need for quilting, needlework and patchwork.
Sheryl opened The Stitcher’s Closet earlier this year, fulfilling a lifelong dream of having her own stitching shop. Inside is a myriad of embroidery threads and accessories. Through into the next room you’ll find a beautiful array of quilting fabrics, including a good selection of Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett and Freshcut.
Beading and quilt-making classes are held at the shop. Class attendees are very lucky indeed as they get to sample yummy things from the tea house next door.
I know this is a great asset for locals – but also for all crafty girls and boys who go on holiday in this area and need something to keep them occupied while they laze about the beach or bach; or of course if you forget to bring an all-important thread or what-have-you on holiday… et voila! You’ll find it here.
You can also book the classes and buy everything that’s in the shop online.
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Matakana Village Farmers Market
2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana
Saturdays 8am-1pm (Winter 9am-1pm )
It took us longer to get to Matakana than we’d anticipated. We didn’t get there till nearly half past ten having left Mt Albert at quarter past nine. We didn’t miss anything by being so late except the organic spiced hot chocolate. Which, judging by the plain hot chocolate, might be something to rise a little earlier for next time.
On the way in we stopped to chat to Barbara, the founder of the Market. She doesn’t run it any more but is still involved and mans the textiles stall by the entrance. She had some gorgeous aprons and tea towels with botanical illustrations of fruit and vegetables done in black on white. Also available are cotton shopping bags for $5 and the Oz / NZ guide to Farmers Markets.
While we were waiting for our morning coffees I hopped over to Hillfoot Farm’s little spot where I had a most enjoyable morsel of duck. And I just had to buy a pot of duck fat. After so many UK Christmases with potatoes done in goose fat how could I not?
The vegetables here were an absolute joy. They were fresh, colourful and vibrant just bursting with crisp freshness.
The garlic man who we often see at Takapuna Markets was here. He’d sold out of the garlic but had an abundance of the most gorgeous produce we’d seen in a long time.
The beets, carrots and radishes made a very pretty picture all together.
And why we didn’t buy a cos lettuce for a caesar salad I’ll never know.
The pyramids of tamarillos and avocados epitomised everything that’s good about a farmers market. Can you see also how good his potatoes look?
The neighbouring bread lady had some rather sumptuous looking cream buns and pan au chocolat to nicely set off the morning coffee.
At the stand with all the jams, jellies and relishes they had our favourite of all time – something we first discovered at Spitalfields Market (back in the day when it was big and proper) – and that’s red pepper and chilli jam. Whenever we see it we buy it. And this one didn’t disappoint. Although it was a bit runny for a jelly the chilli content more than made up for it.
Organic eggs $6 for a dozen. Now that’s extremely good buying if you like eggs. While I write this I am shaking my head at the things I didn’t buy…
Ah, oh, and the flowers were so pretty. Another thing that makes me slightly wish we’d been there earlier to see the full display. They were so so lovely. Spring flowers are truly upon us now.
Now the place to go for a hot chocolate isn’t the coffee bar at the front (but do go and say hello to Raoul when you buy your flat white); but yes, get your hot chocolate from the Dutch lady with the incredible organic chocolates.
The Puhoi Cheese people were there with delicious blues, bries and cheddars.
And there was some yummy home-baked goodness in the shape of scones, buns and cupcakes.
Everyone got a bit overexcited about the whitebait fritters so we all had to have one each for breakfast. They were perfectly done; in butter, served on bread with sea salt, cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
Our old favourites, the people from Lothlorien were there. Their grapefruit juice is just like home-made, and since we last saw them they’ve added a feijoa and apple juice to their drinks menu. Their feijoa liquer is like nectar. A few years ago we ordered a case directly from them for our company Christmas pressies for clients.
And once all the fun had been had and the rain had been rained (actually it was still raining when we left) we had a quick stop off at the neighbouring building to visit the loos. And my oh my, they were terribly city-nightclub, a far cry from the rustic farmers market we’d just visited. But quite a cool surprise!
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Fresh oysters, flounder and scallops van
State Highway 1 at Waiwera
Unsure of opening hours, but I’d hazard a guess and say weekends during daylight hours
Noel Sullivan has been running the fresh oysters, flounder and scallops van for over seven years now. The flounder had come out of the Kaipara Harbour earlier that morning. The scallops were fresh too and they looked good.
We got two flounder for $9 and about a dozen scallops for $12. I have no idea how that compares to anywhere else but it seemed alright to me. I like buying food from a man on the side of the road who knows the guys who caught it.
I had scallops for lunch that day, and the next day. Cooked in butter with garlic, Maldon and cracked pepper, I had them on rocket with a bit of french bread and some beetroot hummous from Matakana market. The scallops were very good. And they were even better the next day when I had them with just a piece of baguette to mop up the garlicky lemon juice and butter.
That evening we had the flounder, lightly floured and cooked in a bit of butter, served with Maldon, cracked pepper and lemon juice of course. Again with rocket because that’s what we had.
Now, the potatoes were a bit of a luxury. Par-boiled we put them in a pan and unloaded a $5 pot of duck fat onto them. Decadent? Yes. Perfect? Also. Topped off with a dollop of red-pepper-chilli jam and a glass of delightful rosé.
De-lish.
Filed in food
Alterknitives
Herne Bay, Auckland
Tel. 09-376 0337
Open Thursdays 10:00am till 4:00pm, and also by appointment
(excluding January)
Alterknitives is a yarn oasis in an area of Auckland where the streets are lined with grand old villas and friendly pussy cats stop to say hello.
For those of you who know and love the wool area at Liberty, you’ll step in here, smile to yourself, breathe a sigh of relief and feel instantly at home.
The neatly arranged shelves stock a wide array of Debbie Bliss, Louisa Harding and the complete range of Rowan yarns. You’ll find cottons, silks, linens, alpaca, fine wools and cashmere.
Cait stocks an excellent range of books for beginners and for the more seasoned knitter. Also available is a very good selection of patterns and knitting-needles.
It’s all too easy to spend an hour here if you’re anything like us.
So do allow yourself plenty of browsing time!
Cait also offers a postal service – just phone and she’ll be more than happy to help.
We think Alterknitives is definitely one of NZ’s loveliest shops. There’s nothing quite like meandering up an old stone pathway to a rose-covered garden studio to go and look at the most gorgeous yarns now is there?
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Toggle
Toggle was set up by friends Esther and Shelley following the birth of Esther’s third child. She’d stopped working full time and wanted to find an outlet for her felt bags.
When Shelley suggested the idea of having an online shop they both thought it could be a good outlet for other crafters – and so Toggle was born.
They have found themselves creating an “edited highlights” of modern kiwi craft. And in just under a year they most certainly have.
Their website stocks a wide range of craft including kids gear, jewellery, photographic prints, hand-knits, original artworks, aprons, hats, teatowels and celebrity finger puppets.
Based in Auckland Toggle’s founders are discovering and enjoying a great sense of community; Esther tells us how they’ve met most of the local contributors and there’s a great deal of support building up amongst them – they regularly keep an eye out for each other when op-shopping and often buy ‘ingredients’ they know others need for their products.
Toggle is an excellent showcase of Kiwi contemporary craft so do go and have a good old browse. What’s more, if you join their mailing list at the moment you’ll go into a draw to win a pair of cool silver coin earrings. Can’t argue with that.
You can also find them on Etsy.
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Camper shoes
240 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
tel. (09) 522 9374
campershoes.co.nz
Happy at last. Camper has arrived in New Zealand. We need never leave again. Now if only Muji would open up a shop or two…
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The Italian Country Market
439 Papakura-Clevedon Road
Tel. 09- 292 9229
The Italian Country Market is a delightful little secret, hidden on the road going out of Clevedon towards Papakura. Only a few minutes past the Takanini turnoff we stopped here after the Farmers Market and bought our culinary supplies for the week.
This charming shop stocked everything we could have dreamed of wanting to eat, from fresh walnuts and gourmet potatoes to the best tomatoes. Ever. We aren’t lying. This place has the best tomatoes we’ve seen anywhere between here and Aix en Provence.
They’ve also got a mean line-up of balsamics, proper mozarella and fresh, fresh, lovely veges and salad ingredients. Their provolone was something else. We enjoyed it later that afternoon on crackers with a drop of good rosé.
The fridges are stocked with gorgeous pastas from cucina and all the good cheeses one might care to daydream about. Well-stocked shelves are simply bursting with olives, aioli, biscotti and crostini, mustards, pastas and more.
If you aren’t up for the trip out to Clevedon they’re also to be found in Orakei (09-520 5976), Karaka (09-291 9364) and Whitford (09-530 9027).
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