Finally made it to the Southern Highlands to visit the freshly hatched gallery/ design shop/ cafe of friends Ursula and Anna. Was so good to get out of Sydney and into the country.
Their shop is in Moss Vale, facing a gorgeous little park. It's a massive, long, skinny room, full of natural light and a front and back entrance. Floors are concrete, walls white and it's chokka with wonderful products from near and afar.
Artworks and design products are all hand made and high quality, many are Australian designers/ artists including intriging local labels I've not seen before.
Yes, these two gals are good mates but honestly, this place is the loveliest, warmest, most diversely-stocked design shop I've ever been to. It's not surprising, considering their many years of experience with design markets and their passion for Australian hand made gorgeousness from emerging and lesser-known designers/ artists in particular.
And can I just add - big thumbs UP to the coffee. Really wasn't sure how a demanding caffeine lover like myself was going to handle a flat white made by a non-coffee drinker. It's Ursula who wears the barista pants here, and look she does dabble occasionally, now that she's become a barista. I believe the secret to a good coffee lies more in the making of it rather than the beans and Ms. U really has the knack. And a bunch of damn fine beans, of course. The coffee is great. And as for the hot chocolates, well the word around Moss Vegas is that it's the best in town.
You all need to drop into this special little place. Winter is particularly lovely for driving around the Southern Highlands.
And when you're done doing that you can swing by Made By Others for a hot bevvie amongst the beautifully crafted porcelain and glass vases, hand printed homewares, bunny lamps, timber cards et cetera - an enormous variety of good stuff.
And if you're after one of my cushions [which I'm not making so much of any more] then this is the place you'll find them, as well as some framed, one-off fabric panels.
Great visit.
