Imperfect inspiration

We have made a recent triumphant purchase.  The breathtaking book by Karen McCartney, Perfect Imperfect.

Along with Sharyn Cairns (photographer) and Glen Proebstel (stylist), Karen McCartney has created a wonderfully warm, thought-provoking book that we are sure to treasure and adore for years to come.

The photography, styling and words come together to form a delicious combination of texture, tone, history, character, personal discoveries and journeys - all referencing the "beauty of accident, age and patina".

Read the article →

Please welcome to the stage...

We thought we should formally introduce you to the newest Manual Arts DEpt. family member: our Personalised Raindrop Wooden Tray.
Nature-inspired (again), we created this product design as a functional and sculptural receptacle for those treasured trinkets or jewellery items.
Crafted from our beloved Spotted Gum Australian hardwood, each Raindrop is hand-sculpted and polished to a deliciously-tactile finish and engraved with a personalised monogram - creating a one-of-a-kind milestone gift to cherish.

Read the article →

Brand new day

One of the final stages to finishing our hardwood products is to brand them with our abbreviated name, M.A.DE.

This is done using a propane gas torch to heat the aluminium brand that we created ourselves.  It only takes a few seconds.

It takes less than that to burn yourself if you're not paying attention when someone is taking your photo :)

 

Read the article →

Season's Greetings

 

After leaving Brisbane, Queensland and a pretty steady all-year-round temperature, it is so refreshing to enjoy all four seasons at our current high-altitude location.

 

 

As clichéd as it sounds, nature provides us with so much inspiration and wonderment, even on the coldest and windiest of days.
 
The extremes in climactic conditions really make you feel alive!

 

Read the article →

Alphabetical order.

A recent order for a set of Personalised Hardwood Bookends finally included a letter “Z”. Do you know what this means?

Well, it means that we have now possibly* made every letter of the alphabet as a monogrammed heirloom gift!!! Hooray!!

*Side note: We did say “possibly”. Best check the archives to confirm above statement for factual accuracy. Memory is hazy on the “U” and “X” status :)

Read the article →