The discerning, if eccentric, style of magazine art director Jenny Nicholls has ensured her pop-up shop "Wonderfool" situated in an artist's studio on Waiheke is a must next time you visit the island. Nicholls has collated all her favourite "stuff" including fabric offcuts and cushions by Marimekko, Alexander Henry and Echino, art by Sir Peter Siddell, Greg Downie and Justin Summerton, photographic prints by Ken Downie, ceramics by Peter McIntyre ceramics, lamps by Michelle Benzur, and teatowels and T-shirts by conceptual artist Craig Hilton. Plus you'll find vintage ceramics, jewellery, glassware and tasty orange marmalade. Open 10am-4pm on weekends until the end of January, cnr Tui St and Mako St, Blackpool, Waiheke Island. Ph 027 312 2183.
Be good, look good
Be ecofriendly and look good too with Envirosax reusable shopping bags, available from selected Starfish boutiques. Printed with vegetable-based inks and made from 100 per cent hemp, three times stronger than cotton and without the use of harmful pesticides to cultivate, we love the bold colourful prints. Envirosax hemp bags, $29 each, from Starfish. Ph (09) 376 0572.
Community of ladies
Currently on display in the Objectspace window gallery is an installation from Napier-based artist Sherril Jennings, titled Ladies a Plate. Jennings has created 500 hand-made "ladies" using lace, wool, cloth and other "decidedly un-ladylike" discarded and scavenged materials including washers, doorknobs, printer heads and volume controls. Each lady, including well-known figures like Kate Sheppard, has been fitted out in 21st century fashion; made with the use of traditional techniques of stitching, crochet, embroidery and knitting passed on to Jennings by her mother. The charming installation is on display until Tuesday January 24, at Objectspace Window Gallery. 8 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.
What's on
The Britomart precinct is counting down to Christmas with a special family-focused Christmas market this Saturday. To be held around Takutai Square, the market is an extension of the weekly City Farmers' Market, and will feature stalls offering seasonal produce, fashion and gifts from the likes of The Poi Room, Kikki.K, Storeroom and more. There will be a barbecue, a performance by ukulele band Tahini Jam, surprise giveaways and face painting, cookie icing and more for the kids. From 8.30am-12.30pm. And from Monday, stores will extend their opening hours for late-night shoppers, and there will be free gift-wrapping each day.
Miami vice
Perfect for summer is Jodie Scantlebury's Miami Jewel range of dainty beaded bracelets: wear them alone or pile them up for maximum effect. The collection is all hand-made in Miami, and she has extended her range to include earrings and necklaces, like this coral and pink quartz with multi silk tassel ($395).
Last for the year
The final Kraftbomb craft market for 2012 is being held this Sunday, perfect for interesting and unique Christmas gift ideas. Get shopping from 11am-2pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn.
