Let's do it differently!
Our guide to Christmas shopping for the unique, the handmade and the quirky in Lobethal.
Christmas can feel like a celebration of consumerism but we all have a choice. Perhaps it's time to do it differently! If you are visiting the Lobethal Christmas Lights Festival, there are plenty of opportunities to Christmas Shop in a way that gives something back. Your purchase can help create jobs, retain local businesses, support artists and makers, reduce impact on the environment and make a contribution to our community. Shopping small and local feels good. So here's our guide to christmas shopping with heart in Lobethal.
Works of Art
In a small cottage with French doors opening onto Mill Square, you'll find the new Fabrik Arts and Heritage Pop Up Shop. This charming eclectic retail space has a focus on quality handmade ... and has stories to tell. The shop has been skillfully curated to reflect the history of the site that Fabrik occupies, previously the Onkaparinga Woollen Mill from the 1870's until the 1990's when the factory closed. Rene, recently of the Little Sunshine Van and now tour de force at Fabrik has sourced mostly the woollen, woven and textiles with the addition of a few exquisite glass pieces and a small range of ceramics. Look out for the beautifully crafted cushion covers made from upcycled woollen blankets by Russell Leonard.
Fabrik is continuing the tradition of making on site with three working studio spaces and more to come. The pop up shop stocks the work of the current artists in residence. If you are lucky, you may meet one of them behind the shop counter when you visit. Aspiring makers can attend various workshops throughout the year. Eco-jeweller Sue Garrard recently held a pendant workshop titled 'Entrapment'. at Fabrik. Participants created beautiful pieces by encasing enchanting fabrics within the pendants. Sue has an open studio at the Jam Factory in Seppeltsfield and you will find samples of her work in the Fabrik pop up.
India Flint has been an avid supporter of Fabrik and has made available her exceptionally beautiful ecodye in the form of scarves, wraps and wall hanging. Fabrik is currently her only stockist, anywhere.
Open Thursday to Sunday, noon to 9pm, until Christmas.
Lobethal Woollen Mill
We highly recommend a visit!
Markets
If you are a fan of 'on trend' markets, this one's for you. Building 21 at the old Onkaparinga Woollen Mills is playing host to a Gathered Designer Christmas Market.This iconic industrial space, with soaring ceilings, white washed walls and wooden beams is set to be transformed. 'By the Oak Tree' and 'Caso Lighting and Design' will be applying their considerable skills to create a beautifully styled space. Over 40 stalls including homewares, candles, flowers, jewellery, kids, art, clothing, garden, skincare and more have been carefully curated. Gathered Partners
So much more than just a market, Gathered is a destination. Acoustic tunes, local wine, beer, gin + martinis complemented by tacos, nuggets, bao, ice cream, wafels, sweet treats, divine coffee + more (GF, DF and V options available) complete the experience. Gathered Vendors
Market-goers can be confident that they are supporting small South Australian based businesses to thrive through their support.
Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd December 5pm-11pm
Fabrik at The Old Woollen Mills
FREE ENTRY
If a community style market is more your scene, the Lobethal Lights traditional Centennial Hall Christmas Market will be bliss. Expect to find local crafters as well as small businesses such as Gringo's Garden and Chilli Factory.
Open Nightly December 8th - 29th
Main Street, Lobethal
FREE ENTRY
Slow Fashion
Lobethal designer, maker and retailer, Tracey Prior says ' when you go into big department stores, you often feel like you don't want to be there. You can't put your finger on why ... but it's because those places have no heart'. Tracey's business has lots of heart ... and a soul. She aimed to create a sustainable business which offers her customers an enjoyable shopping experience and a day out in the country. We think she nailed it.
The Tracey Prior Creations shop has a girly, feminine vibe and stocks clothing by brands such as Violet Fish, Olive et Julie, Namaste, Cordelia Street and Orientique, in addition to clothing designed and made by Tracey herself. The clothes are alittle BOHO and described by Tracey as ' take me to the winery' clothing. The point of difference is the focus on slow fashion, which Tracey speaks passionately about. Her shop is a great place to purchase a quality Christmas frock made in a sustainable and non exploitative way. Gift vouchers are also an option.
It may also be worth a visit next year. Tracey said 'my emphasis in the new year to make more. When I first started I wasn't confident people would buy my clothes. Now people are asking'.
We look forward to seeing where the maker's journey leads her.
Vintage anyone?
'Vintage is my passion. I have been a collector since I was a kid. Every piece in my shop has a story' says Hannah of Hunted Home and Vintage. Her shop is a fabulous emporium of all things vintage, including furniture & homewares, both original and upcycled. In addition, Hannah stocks chalk paint products by Annie Sloane and is happy to source original pieces for customers and refinish items. Think French, farmhouse, rustic and shabby chic!
You will find plenty of small gift items such as classic fine bone china tea trios, gift packs of Annie Sloane paint products and vintage collectables. Local man, Mitch, originally from Holland has crafted fabulous leather products including belts, satchels and full length leather aprons. Smaller items such as leather table coasters and wallets would make perfect gifts. Soy candles hand poured in the Barossa by WICKed are available for purchase and scent the shop with evocative smells. Vegan friendly handcrafted Soaps by Sandy are also available. Hannah herself crafts handmade cushions using beautiful vintage fabrics and handprints vintage designs onto sumptuous Russian linen tea towels.
Looking for something fabulous to wear on Christmas day? Hannah does stock a small range of vintage clothing. Or perhaps you need a few extra chairs for visiting relatives on Christmas day... why not mix and match vintage.
'I love making people happy and seeing their eyes light up when they find something they love' says Hannah. If you or someone you love is a vintage fan, you'll definitely find something to make eyes light up at Hunted. Hunted Home & Vintage is extending its hours for the Christmas period. Check the Hunted Facebook Page for details.
Entering Lobethal Curios and Collectables is like walking into Aladdin's cave. This hidden gem sells quality, affordable antiques, collectables, art, vintage and retro wares, jewellery and more. Owners, Jason and Dini are a delight. Just quietly, this is a must visit for treasure hunters but does have restricted hours.
Every country town worth its salt has an Op Shop. Ours is a beauty. The CFS Op Shop will take you on an adventure as you fossick.
And still there is more ...
The Amberlight Motorcycle Cafe houses 'Beloved 5241', a little shop of gifts such as plants, books, candles, handcrafted baby clothes and cards & crystals.
Emma and Ivy Cafe have a small range of gorgeous plants and homewares .
The Lobethal Bierhaus may be the perfect place to source gifts for the blokes on your gift list. Who wouldn't love award winning craft beer for Christmas.
Award winning Adelaide Hills Cool Climate region wine purchased direct from the winemaker at the cellar door is also a thoughtful gift. There are 15 premium cellar doors all within a short drive from Lobethal to choose from.
A wander down the Lobethal Main Street will reward with many gift purchasing opportunities. You'll find community groups such as the Lobethal Retirement Village, who are selling christmas cakes and other goodies made by volunteers and other pop ups.
If you are visiting the Lobethal Lights Festival, think about 'shopping to give twice'. Purchasing from a maker or small business is a gift. Take a look around in your own community too. Shopping in your neighbourhood can bring a smile to the face of a local artist/maker or help keep a local business in business.
Merry Christmas and joyful sustainable shopping!
