Sustainable Buzz..Sustainability has become a bit of a buzz word lately. You probably think it has something to do with the environment, but what does it really mean to shop sustainably?  To me, shopping sustainably means shopping with a conscience. It means asking questions about where a product was made, who made it and with what materials? It can be overwhelming trying to navigate your way toward the most sustainable choices, and how do we even know that what we are being told is the whole truth? Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to ensure that you are taking steps in the right direction. Here are three ways you can shop more sustainably right now - BUY LOCAL ~ yep, seems pretty simple doesn’t it? Just choosing to buy from your local makers and producers (farm gate) is a more sustainable way to shop. Why? Because you’re cutting down on carbon emissions released when products are transported from one place to another. This is particularly relevant to our fresh food choices. By supporting local farmers and eating seasonal produce, you are supporting the production of crops that are appropriate for our environment as well. Supporting locally owned businesses in general, means sustaining your local community. It stimulates the local economy and your money stays in your town.  BUY HANDMADE ~ handmade products are not only unique and special, they are also a more sustainable way to shop. Generally speaking when we buy handmade, an item has been made using just that, someone’s hands. It uses much less energy than a mass production assembly line. People also value handmade items more than mass produced, they often see them as ‘artisan’ and take pride in their possession. In doing so, they ultimately take better care of them and keep them for longer. Not to mention, the quality of handmade is most certainly better than any mass produced factory made item.  BUY SECONDHAND ~ buying second hand might seem like an obvious choice, but for many this option is met with reluctance. I can assure you, buying something second hand, doesn’t mean its second best! As soon as an item leaves a retail store it becomes ‘second hand’ regardless of whether that item gets used or not. And think of the money you’ll be saving! Preloved clothing is a great example of how we can re-use what others no longer want or need.  ‘If one million women bought their next item of clothing second hand instead of new, we would save 6 million kg of carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere’ |
 | Our Guest Blogger this month is Bianca Flint, Sustainable Fashion Advocate and Pre-loved Fashion Stylist, from The Wardrobe Green. The Wardrobe Green can be found upstairs at Hattie and the Wolf, 218a Skipton St, Ballarat Central and online www.thewardrobegreen.com.au |
Made with love
When Andrea first introduced me to the concept of The Slow Movement I couldn’t believe how strongly it resonated with me! I’ve felt, like so many of us often do, that life was moving too fast. Little ones growing too quickly, a never ending to do list and no time to slow down and enjoy the moment.
I’ve always loved gardening and using my harvest to create yummy things for my family and friends. It’s the same with my tea business, creating tea blends that I can share with others brings me immense joy. And it’s as much about the blend as the experience a cup of tea offers. A moment of peace, a shared laugh and some good conversation, or maybe even a special celebration. For me, tea is moments and memories, intertwined through our lives, sip by sip.
I’ve always loved gardening and using my harvest to create yummy things for my family and friends. It’s the same with my tea business, creating tea blends that I can share with others brings me immense joy. And it’s as much about the blend as the experience a cup of tea offers. A moment of peace, a shared laugh and some good conversation, or maybe even a special celebration. For me, tea is moments and memories, intertwined through our lives, sip by sip.
"What I never realised was that all these things
shared a common element. A search for connection."
What I never realised was that all these things shared a common element. A search for connection. Tea is, at its heart, about slowing down and realising a moment and making a connection there; whether that be with ourselves and a moment of inner silence, or with the others we choose to share that moment with. I think a lot of us already embrace The Slow Movement without even realising it. And once we understand why these things bring us so much joy, we can more actively pursue them.
​I’ve always loved buying handmade. I like knowing the items are ethically produced, often unique, but most importantly, made with love. And I love getting to meet the people behind the business. Hearing their stories. Discovering that Mel’s jam recipe has been in her family for generations, and the berries came from her own backyard. Or that when Lisa designed my little girls skirt, she knew it would be for twirling. This level of connection is transformative, it turns everyday objects into something so much more.​
​I’ve always loved buying handmade. I like knowing the items are ethically produced, often unique, but most importantly, made with love. And I love getting to meet the people behind the business. Hearing their stories. Discovering that Mel’s jam recipe has been in her family for generations, and the berries came from her own backyard. Or that when Lisa designed my little girls skirt, she knew it would be for twirling. This level of connection is transformative, it turns everyday objects into something so much more.​
And as makers and small business owners, we love the heck out of getting to meet you, our customers! Because, while not the only reason, you’re a major part of why we do what we do. And certainly make our little businesses possible! Sure, there are other factors that influence why we chose this path in life, but most of us are also using something we love as a means of spreading joy to others. And when we get to see that joy, well, it lights up our worlds.
It probably seems counter intuitive then that small business owners would choose a lifestyle that is, in many ways, so isolating. And that’s why people like Andrea, and places like Hattie and the Wolf are so important. They foster connection. They create something. Call it what you want, a community, a tribe . . . a place to belong and a place where joy to comes to life.​
It probably seems counter intuitive then that small business owners would choose a lifestyle that is, in many ways, so isolating. And that’s why people like Andrea, and places like Hattie and the Wolf are so important. They foster connection. They create something. Call it what you want, a community, a tribe . . . a place to belong and a place where joy to comes to life.​
By featuring different makers monthly in her Pop Up Creative Space, Andrea is giving small businesses, not only, the opportunity to have their very own brick and mortar store experience, but the opportunity to connect. As one of the small business stocked by Andrea, I can’t recommend this enough. Andrea’s visual merchandising is amazing and her customer service exceptional. There is no doubt that if join the Hattie and the Wolf Creative Space your product will be treated with love and sold with passion. But you’ll be getting so much more, you’ll be getting a community of people who lift you up, encourage and inspire you, people who help you spread your joy. You’ll be getting a tribe!
Be fearless. Join the tribe!​
Be fearless. Join the tribe!​
Guest Author - Sarah Lane of One Little Leaf
Sarah Lane is the owner of local tea business One Little Leaf where she creates and blends her own gourmet tea recipes. As well as being an all round tea enthusiast she's also a passionate writer, baker, gardener and dreamer. She and her husband, along with their two children are proud to call Ballarat home.
The slow movement
Hello! And Welcome, I’m so happy you’re here 😊
This year has seen some huge changes for this amazing little business, including the leap from online store to the gorgeous brick and mortar shop at 218a Skipton Street, Ballarat.
If you’ve already visited you’ll know that Andrea’s passion for retail and love of small business are evident from the moment you step through the door. Her warm smile and inviting nature offer a shopping experience that’s getting harder and harder to find these days.
Exploring her beautiful store is like embarking on a treasure hunt. There’s a joy in letting your eyes wander across the shelves, discovering pockets of handmade goodness, lovingly collected and displayed. But there’s more going on here than meets the eye . . . there’s a revolution brewing. The Slow Movement is gaining traction and we’re inviting you to join!
So, “What is this Slow Movement?” I hear you say. I’m so very glad you asked!
The Slow Movement is about searching for, and finding, connections in our lives. Connections to the food we eat, the people we meet and the products we buy. As life continues to move faster and faster many of us have begun searching for a way to slow it down. A way to find a sense of balance and return to a simpler way of living, a way to live a more connected life.
Some of us have found joy in growing and sharing our own food, becoming connected again to the things we eat. Others are searching for community involvement, welcoming amazing initiatives like the Ballarat Food Is Free Laneway and Boomerang Bags, which offer community connectedness through acts of kindness that also promote sustainability.
At Hattie and the Wolf, Andrea offers us an opportunity to reconnect with the people who make the products we buy. Both through her incredible knowledge of the small businesses she stocks and her regular “meet the maker” events. These events also offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests. She’s also building a community of small businesses, of makers and dreamers, a community of people who put their heart and soul into the products you buy. A community I am incredibly proud, and grateful, to be a part of. Because together, we’re making amazing things happen, and this is just the beginning . . .
Be fearless! Join the revolution! And slow down.
This year has seen some huge changes for this amazing little business, including the leap from online store to the gorgeous brick and mortar shop at 218a Skipton Street, Ballarat.
If you’ve already visited you’ll know that Andrea’s passion for retail and love of small business are evident from the moment you step through the door. Her warm smile and inviting nature offer a shopping experience that’s getting harder and harder to find these days.
Exploring her beautiful store is like embarking on a treasure hunt. There’s a joy in letting your eyes wander across the shelves, discovering pockets of handmade goodness, lovingly collected and displayed. But there’s more going on here than meets the eye . . . there’s a revolution brewing. The Slow Movement is gaining traction and we’re inviting you to join!
So, “What is this Slow Movement?” I hear you say. I’m so very glad you asked!
The Slow Movement is about searching for, and finding, connections in our lives. Connections to the food we eat, the people we meet and the products we buy. As life continues to move faster and faster many of us have begun searching for a way to slow it down. A way to find a sense of balance and return to a simpler way of living, a way to live a more connected life.
Some of us have found joy in growing and sharing our own food, becoming connected again to the things we eat. Others are searching for community involvement, welcoming amazing initiatives like the Ballarat Food Is Free Laneway and Boomerang Bags, which offer community connectedness through acts of kindness that also promote sustainability.
At Hattie and the Wolf, Andrea offers us an opportunity to reconnect with the people who make the products we buy. Both through her incredible knowledge of the small businesses she stocks and her regular “meet the maker” events. These events also offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests. She’s also building a community of small businesses, of makers and dreamers, a community of people who put their heart and soul into the products you buy. A community I am incredibly proud, and grateful, to be a part of. Because together, we’re making amazing things happen, and this is just the beginning . . .
Be fearless! Join the revolution! And slow down.
Author
Sarah Lane is the owner of local tea business One Little Leaf where she creates and blends her own gourmet tea recipes. As well as being an all round tea enthusiast she's also a passionate writer, baker, gardener and dreamer. She and her husband, along with their two children are proud to call Ballarat home.
A New Beginning
Yes, it's true! After 6 years on the market trail, we have found a permanent space to house our business(es).
Our new shop space 'Hattie and the Wolf' is a creative hub, full of wonder and carefully selected products that will delight. We source our ranges from independent makers, designers and manufacturers from Australia and abroad, to bring you a carefully curated collection of products including fresh flowers, locally blended teas, clothing, jewellery, creams and lotions, napery, toys, rugs and throws, bags and accessories.
We also offer small businesses the opportunity to hire a "pop up' space within our store, an exciting concept and a first for Ballarat in its current format.
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Our May businesses include:
Made by Me's Christine French is the maker behind this little startup business. Christine makes glass cabochons jewellery using upcycled and found objects including flowers, leaves and items from nature. The Made by Me range includes earrings, pendants and hair clips.
The Wardrobe Green founder Bianca Flint describes her business as "FABULOUS PRELOVED FASHION" ... providing women an affordable and sustainable shopping experience. Saving garments from landfill and finding them a loving home is the ultimate goal.
One Little Leaf's chief tea maker Sarah Lane has spent a great deal of time scouring the world for the best quality ingredients to use in creating her tea blends. Ingredients are, where ever possible, organic or wild crafted and are blended together with love and passion to create the One Little Leaf range.
Blue Wren Floristry's owner Carly Young creates beautiful fresh flower posies presented in reusable jars or vintage style signature wrapping. Blue Wren Floristry also specialise in making terrariums and kokedamas (moss balls) as a unique way to display indoor plants.
Made by Me's Christine French is the maker behind this little startup business. Christine makes glass cabochons jewellery using upcycled and found objects including flowers, leaves and items from nature. The Made by Me range includes earrings, pendants and hair clips.
The Wardrobe Green founder Bianca Flint describes her business as "FABULOUS PRELOVED FASHION" ... providing women an affordable and sustainable shopping experience. Saving garments from landfill and finding them a loving home is the ultimate goal.
One Little Leaf's chief tea maker Sarah Lane has spent a great deal of time scouring the world for the best quality ingredients to use in creating her tea blends. Ingredients are, where ever possible, organic or wild crafted and are blended together with love and passion to create the One Little Leaf range.
Blue Wren Floristry's owner Carly Young creates beautiful fresh flower posies presented in reusable jars or vintage style signature wrapping. Blue Wren Floristry also specialise in making terrariums and kokedamas (moss balls) as a unique way to display indoor plants.
Hattie and the Wolf is the flagship store of our very own 'Bird & Blossom' range of products which includes wooden jewellery, cards, prints, notebooks and journals, doily bunting and felt products.
Hattie and the Wolf can be found at 218a Skipton St, Ballarat Central. Open from Wednesday to Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm.
Do you spend hours pacing up and down the aisles of major toy stores trying to decide on expensive toys and gifts for your little cherubs, when you know damn well they are going to end up at the bottom of that stinking toy box, cast aside like last nights peas?
I hear your frustration, I have been there.
When our son was little, the thought of spending hours wandering those same aisles at the toy store used to make me want to stay in bed, because I knew that after a couple of hours, those toys, the special things that I had spent precious hours trying to find, would be pushed aside and forgotten about forever.
I felt as if we may as well have fed our hard earned $$ straight into a slot machine, at least we would have had a bit of fun throwing it away! Do you hear me?
After a few years doing the same dance, I decided that, for my own sanity, I needed to change tack, come up with a way to keep the kid happy at Christmas and on his birthday, without the stress it caused to our bank balance and my anxiety levels.
That was when I decided to fill the Christmas stocking with 'little things'... and boy was that a hit!
I hear your frustration, I have been there.
When our son was little, the thought of spending hours wandering those same aisles at the toy store used to make me want to stay in bed, because I knew that after a couple of hours, those toys, the special things that I had spent precious hours trying to find, would be pushed aside and forgotten about forever.
I felt as if we may as well have fed our hard earned $$ straight into a slot machine, at least we would have had a bit of fun throwing it away! Do you hear me?
After a few years doing the same dance, I decided that, for my own sanity, I needed to change tack, come up with a way to keep the kid happy at Christmas and on his birthday, without the stress it caused to our bank balance and my anxiety levels.
That was when I decided to fill the Christmas stocking with 'little things'... and boy was that a hit!
I found lots of little items, you know, like little cars, bug catching sets, drawing supplies, useful, fun little things that don't cost a fortune, then I wrapped them all separately and stuffed them in that stocking until it was brimming with happy, good fun!
Not only did our little boy have the best time unwrapping all of those 'little things', he also felt like he had hit the mother-load! His little eyes were wide with joy, (phew), and best of all, he was entertained for hours. It felt great to see him fulfilled, happy and occupied and it was satisfying to know that we didn't have to spend hundreds of dollars to achieve such happiness.
So, beautiful, busy, wonderful Mumma's, I have been you, I have lived your frustrations and now I would like to help make life a little easier for you this Christmas.
Hattie and the Wolf has a dedicated virtual aisle in our shop where you can find a tonne of 'little things'.
Quality products that won't break the bank, (or break!), but will definitely keep the kids occupied and engaged for hours, (no electricity or wifi required!).
Hit the link to be taken straight there without having to move out of your chair, (awesome, I know!).
Hattie and the Wolf has a dedicated virtual aisle in our shop where you can find a tonne of 'little things'.
Quality products that won't break the bank, (or break!), but will definitely keep the kids occupied and engaged for hours, (no electricity or wifi required!).
Hit the link to be taken straight there without having to move out of your chair, (awesome, I know!).
Or maybe you can't even find the time to browse our website? That's ok, we have simplified the process even more by creating a list of fun and engaging stocking fillers for under $20.
Simply enter your email address below and we will send it straight to your inbox, no hassle!
Simply enter your email address below and we will send it straight to your inbox, no hassle!
We'd love to hear your ideas around shopping for gifts for your kids, hit us up in the comments below.
In the meantime, stay sane beautiful Mumma, you are awesome today and always!
Andrea. x
In the meantime, stay sane beautiful Mumma, you are awesome today and always!
Andrea. x
Sarah Quin launched her wholesale business Canvas Home in 2007 as an outlet for her love of unique textiles, colour and pattern. Canvas Home was born from the idea that even when starting with a blank canvas, textiles can transform any environment.
Based in Qld, Canvas & Sasson design beautiful bags and clutches, soft furnishing and home decor items in divine colour schemes that capture the essence of bohemian living.
Based in Qld, Canvas & Sasson design beautiful bags and clutches, soft furnishing and home decor items in divine colour schemes that capture the essence of bohemian living.
'I love travelling and sourcing beautiful things for the home, and the business now allows me to take off on adventures to some really amazing and inspiring places’ Sarah Quin
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Get your boho on with a clutch you can take from day to night.
Gigantic beach throws for hot Summer days lazing by the water.
We love the new range from Canvas & Sasson and know that you will love it too.
Expected arrival October 2016.
Expected arrival October 2016.
O.B.Designs (short for ODBOD Designs) was born in 2008 on a humble kitchen table by two friends who wanted to create funny little toys that made people laugh.
Based in the outskirts of Byron Bay in Murwillumbah and Lennox Head, O.B. Designs create kids toys & gifts that are not only stylish, funny & unique, but also very functional.
Based in the outskirts of Byron Bay in Murwillumbah and Lennox Head, O.B. Designs create kids toys & gifts that are not only stylish, funny & unique, but also very functional.
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The world is full of amazing designers, makers, crafters and generally savvy business people, and we are so excited to be bringing them together for you to enjoy in one place.
Hattie and the wolf is set to launch on Oct 3. To keep up to date with all of the good stuff, sign up to our newsletter or follow us on fb or insta.
be fearless...
Hattie and the wolf is set to launch on Oct 3. To keep up to date with all of the good stuff, sign up to our newsletter or follow us on fb or insta.
be fearless...
Andrea x
Andrea Hurley has over 20 years experience in the field of retail and Graphic Design. Andrea has a keen eye for unique, quirky design and strives to bring her customer only quality products sourced mostly from independent designers and makers. A keen designer, maker and crafter herself, Andrea is also the creative heart behind hand made business Bird & Blossom. (www.birdandblossom.com.au) and A Hurley Design (www.ahurleydesign.com.au).
We have scoured Australia and the world to find beautiful products to fill our store. With a focus on local designers, makers and manufacturers, we are dedicated to filling our shelves with products that you will love, while supporting small business along the way.
Meet our Designers and Makers...
MeTutu is a handmade business run by work at home mum Sharlene. Based on the Sunshine Coast in QLD, MeTutu create beautiful clothes and hair accessories for girls and boys in a stunning range of fabrics and prints. (MeTutu romper top right, Vintage Harem pants bottom right)
Apple Crumble dressmaker Elaine creates beautifully made clothing for boys and girls. Based in Ballarat Vic, Elaine takes great pride in sourcing quality fabrics that make a statement, sometimes from as far afield as Japan. (Apple Crumble Frill Sleeve Dress pictured left).
We are very excited to be welcoming MeTutu and Apple Crumble to Hattie and the Wolf, and we know that you are going to love their beautiful products as much as we do.
Meet our Designers and Makers...
MeTutu is a handmade business run by work at home mum Sharlene. Based on the Sunshine Coast in QLD, MeTutu create beautiful clothes and hair accessories for girls and boys in a stunning range of fabrics and prints. (MeTutu romper top right, Vintage Harem pants bottom right)
Apple Crumble dressmaker Elaine creates beautifully made clothing for boys and girls. Based in Ballarat Vic, Elaine takes great pride in sourcing quality fabrics that make a statement, sometimes from as far afield as Japan. (Apple Crumble Frill Sleeve Dress pictured left).
We are very excited to be welcoming MeTutu and Apple Crumble to Hattie and the Wolf, and we know that you are going to love their beautiful products as much as we do.
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Hattie and the Wolf is set to launch on October 4, to keep up to date with all of the good stuff, sign up to our news, or follow us on fb or insta, we'd love to see you there.
Until next time
be fearless...
Until next time
be fearless...
Andrea x
Andrea Hurley has over 20 years experience in the field of retail and Graphic Design. Andrea has a keen eye for unique, quirky design and strives to bring her customer only quality products sourced mostly from independent designers and makers. A keen designer, maker and crafter herself, Andrea is also the creative heart behind hand made business Bird & Blossom. (www.birdandblossom.com.au) and A Hurley Design (www.ahurleydesign.com.au). Yep, life is busy, but she wouldn't have it any other way!
Author
Andrea Hurley has over 20 years experience in the field of retail and Graphic Design. Andrea has a keen eye for unique, quirky design and strives to bring her customer only quality products sourced mostly from independent designers and makers. A keen designer, maker and crafter herself, Andrea is also the creative heart behind hand made business Bird & Blossom. (www.birdandblossom.com.au) and A Hurley Design (www.ahurleydesign.com.au). Yep, life is busy, but she wouldn't have it any other way!
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