Shannon Sheedy of the Darhma Door is driven by a personal motivation to see the rich traditional crafts of ancient cultures maintained and to see suffering through poverty alleviated for as many people as possible. She strives to support craftspeople in developing communities by giving genuine value to their skills by ensuring they are paid fairly  and encouraging self-sustainability.

The Dharma Door sources products with integrity and collections that are truly unique. Apart from supplying exquisite handcrafted products, they wholeheartedly support Fair Trade, with their range created by artisans in developing communities in India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines and Bangladesh.

Fair Trade ensures that these talented people are paid fair wages and given sustainable work which enables them to educate their children, access healthcare and give back to their communities.

The Dharma Door is equally committed to their environmental policy and all of their new products are created from sustainable or recycled materials.

Pictured on the are some of bowerbirds favourite’s, I hope Santa knows about the Dharma Door – I love all their products and there is something satisfying about knowing the story behind the product.

There is something special about entering Anthea Patch’s website – the site and her stunning jewellery are all about elegance and sophisticated style.  Anthea is creating seriously beautiful jewellery – and its being worn by seriously beautiful women around Australia and throughout the world. Her style radiates and you can see the dedication and flair in the design, the emphasis on attention to detail and her eye for colour – even the branding is simply… devine.

A collection of fine gold jewellery, natural gemstones and splendid design is awaiting discovery at Anthea’s Fine Jewellery. After studying gemmology and jewellery design, Anthea believes the luxury of fine jewellery should be enjoyed everyday.

“Gemstones are some of nature’s most precious offerings. Incorporating these earthly treasures into my designs allows me to create exceptional pieces based entirely on the beauty of a natural gemstone.”

After returning to Brisbane from working in Western Queensland, Anthea decided to turn her focus to sharing the luxuries of city living to women in the country. “I enjoy hearing from many women from differing parts of Australia, who have all fallen in love with the jewels. It is so exciting to hear that a pair of my earrings perfectly matches a pendant passed down from a Grandmother; or that one of my pendants was a longed-for 18^th birthday present.”

All of the jewels are individually presented in a textile jewellery box with silk ribbon encased in a presentation box. All the jewels are wrapped and sent free of charge via Australia Post Platinum service ensuring their safe and timely arrival.

Anthea also sources gemstones at request; designs individual pieces and creating unique jewels that you may choose to have created at our jeweller or yours. All requests are welcomed.

Anthea says “When less is more, natural gemstone jewellery should fit comfortably and stand the test of time ensuring you can go from everyday to evening”.

Anthea’s jewellery is a fabulous collectors piece for any girls jewellery box treasures.

Was there a present cupboard at your place? An exciting glittering place where Mum hid birthday presents, Christmas treats and gifts for every occassion?

Angela Lavender has launched the modern day version, a present cupboard full to the brim with perfect gifts for grown ups. The Present Cupboard is an exciting new online store stocked with a collection of specially selected products from the Designers Guild, Dinosaur Designs, Doi Thung Homewares, Ruby Star Traders, Jan Logan, Elk accessories, Mozi, Ma Maison en Provence and more.

With extra services like specialised gift sourcing, the option of developing a present profile to help others buy for you and a gift reminder service, The Present Shop is more than an online store, it’s the gift solution.

Bowerbird’s favourite service is the component especially designed for men who may need help with finding, wrapping, and delivering that extra special present.  Many of us have one of those husbands, the ones with the caring souls who just can’t seem to get the birthday or anniversary gift shopping right… often on the eve of the occasion. It’s the look that gives it away – that semi-lost gaze as they realise that its 100 kms to the nearest shop and light years away from the sort of stores that would stock a gift that would really delight you.  The Present Cupboard is sure to save marriages – jump on line, update your present profile add your partner’s details and they’ll receive a friendly reminder and gift suggestions from Ange who will also sort out the wrapping and delivery… everyone is happy!

This little bowerbird can’t wait for Christams now that www.thepresentcupboard.com.au is plastered to her husbands favourites… bring on Christmas and birthdays.

Interview with Ange Lavender

Ange, you were a city chic, how did you end up in the bush?

I met my husband Charles- a farmer, when I was teaching in Sydney. He was working as a valuer in North Sydney and after going out for a couple of years, told me he had decided to move back to the family property. The property, Trinkey Station, is 75kms from the nearest town-Quirindi. This was not what I had planned (but sometimes you just have to follow your heart!)

I married in 1995 and moved to his beautiful property. I worked part time for 10 years at the local primary school, Spring Ridge Public School. Then after having four children, I decided I needed a change from teaching. As much as I loved it, with four children at home, then teaching it was just too much of children overload for me!

Where did the idea for the Present Cupboard come from?

I missed shopping in Sydney and found I didn’t have access to the great shops I used to. I decided to give retail a go and the business is growing from strength to strength.

What direction is business taking?

I have had a great trip to HK and China earlier in the year sourcing products, with great success in Shanghai. See below, the Sonya Madden cardi wraps is just one of the great products I discovered.

I am the sole importer in Australia, they are also sold at Kate Spade London. My focus is now sourcing the best original products I can find from overseas. Moving forward, I will try to sell products that no else sells in Australia as part of my range- while still representing some great Australian brands.

Pictured is Angela Lavender with her husband Charles and their four children.

An interview with Marnie, co-owner of Elk Jewellery

How and when did Elk start?

 Elk was born six years ago. The business is run by my husband, Adam, and myself. We now have a team of nine staff that are just wonderful and we are based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, close to the city. Following a career change from marketing and event management to join Adam in his fine jewellery business I started off with a head full of ideas although Adam never had time to make anything I suggested! I drove him nuts with constant requests and eventually decided to teach myself.

What has most surprised you about your business?

 Our first collection is still sold through the same five stockists that we started with, we all marvel at how this line has never slowed.

Your business started with jewellery and has evolved? How did this happen?

The fine jewellery exposed us to different manufacturers, materials and ideas and fuelled our desire for the label to expand into a full fashion accessories label. We now design textiles, leather and apparel.

 What are you most proud of?

 Elk works towards building relationships with small, family-owned manufacturers whose traditional skills help drive design. We travel the world a number of times each year sourcing new materials and working with our suppliers. Elk is sold in a number of countries through independent retailers.

We have just opened our own shop in Preston, it’s attached to our office. Our little shop gives us the chance to chat directly to our customers and show off our style. We love what we do and the people that we work with which is a blessing – we’re very lucky!

Cicero Gear For Kids is a new business founded by Phoebe Maroulis, based in Wellington NSW.

Wellington is located 362km west of Sydney (about a 4.5 hour drive) and is nestled at the foot of Mount Arthur and in the junction of the Macquarie and Bell Rivers in the pituresque Wellington Valley. Wellington is a short 30 minute drive east of Dubbo and is convieniently located in the centre of the Central West. Wellington is the perfect base when planning a trip to the Central NSW region.

Driven by a passion for encouraging creativity and sustainability in children, Phoebe scours far and wide to find her unique selection of quality pre-adored and new clothing, arts and crafts materials, science based and educational toys and games, books and handcrafted gifts and home wares.

Cicero pre-adored clothing pieces are carefully selected to bring you new and near new, quality, designer clothing at a tiny fraction of

original prices – a wonderful way to keep the budget balanced in these strained economic times. Cicero adds further value because they buy your quality pre-adored pieces so that you have money to buy the next size or the next season’s wardrobe.

The Wellington store is open Tues-Sat 10-5 (2pm Sat) or you can purchase direct from this user-friendly online store www.cicerodesign.com.au Pheobe provides an efficient mailing service and free gift wrapping. So no

w when it’s time to send that present to the niece/nephew/godchild just go to Cicero.

On the October Long Weekend Wellington is hosting the Percy Street Harvest Festival for new product releases, and special in store prices make a special visit to the Wellington store.

Design Tee-Kit	Fred Bare Pants	Reversible Dress	Beanie	Two Belle Pants
$72.00	$30.00	$65.00	$45.00	$32

Shhhh…….its a secret…….

Comme De Garcons Shirt

Second Hand Posh was listed in the

HARPER’S BAZAAR GOLD CLASS BEST SECRET SHOPPING ADDRESSES -

Here the pre-loved designer labels are in the finest condition so not a soul need know whether your new Manolo Blahniks are new or not. Get your hands on international fashion in the finest condition. There’s Chanel, Chloe’, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more.  This is a fantastic site, easy to use, images are clear and delivery is prompt.

Do you own a gorgeous item of clothing that you know is still great, but you are just tired of seeing it on yourself?  Then pop it in a post pack straight to Second Hand Posh, they will happily sell it for you- and there you have money in the pocket ready for the next purchase. Takes all the guilt out of buying new clothes, all from the comfort of home.

Zara Leather Jacket

Armani Trench Coat

Christian Louboutin	Willow Dress	Manning Cartell	Salvtatore Ferragamo	Yves Saint Laurant