Flip these pages!

We are excited to have a few new goodies in the shop from Helsinki-based Napa Books, an independent publisher of art books, graphic novels and flippbooks.
There are beautifully illustrated books by Terhi Ekebom about romantic but dangerous voyages to an imaginary rain forest, honeymoon stories and also a variety of cute flippbooks that will make a great wee Christmas present for a very special person!

Here's a new reason to make the trip out to Sumner. Lyttelton refugee Milou has found a new home wedged between Flock and the Supermarket. Owner Lorelei Jenner lost her shop in the earthquake, and has now made the move over the hill to set up by the beach. Those familiar with Milou will know it sells boutiquey gifts and clothing and cool stuff.

Harvey Norman starts advertising Xmas in April or something insane like that, we are fashionably late this year. The endlessly talented and dedicated Christine and Jette who work in the shop have decked our windows with balls of papier mache decorations and a giant recycled-paper-book-wreath to get into Chrissy mode. They made them all themselves, setting the standard for window displays in Sumner.

Beads and Arrows

I don't know about you, but when it comes to hanging art on my walls at home, everything I have seems to be rectangular, which is fine for the most part, but some spaces seem to scream out for objects that have different shapes, textures and materials, adding diversity and interest to a room.

The problem is finding the right objects. Ohio based outfit Fredericks and Mae offer some hope for over-rectangularised environments. We are expecting our first shipment of arrows,
worry beads and calenders to arrive in the next couple of weeks. These objects are handmade using such materials as wood, feathers, thread, gold and silver. Fred & Mae make things as limited runs and then move on, so we can only stock what they are making at the time. Be quick before they all end up at my place!

Can you fix a broken city with a crochet stich?

As Far As Eye Can See is a wonderful charity craft project dreamed up by Stephanie Morison and Lorinda Curnow from Adelaide.With the help of friends they crocheted this amazing wall hanging. On their website people can donate money and are able to pick a virtual square or bid for the whole original art work . The money raised goes to Gap Filler, a Christchurch based organisation that creates short-term art and community projects to enliven empty spaces in our broken city.
Best of all, As Far As Eye Can See has come to Christchurch to display their art work from the 9th to the 30th of November at The Colombo in Sydenham, check it out!

Let it rain!

Our first New Harvest order has arrived in the shape of a cloud! Well really, it is a DIY kit that contains nearly everything you will need to make a beautiful soft and squashy cloud.
It makes the perfect gift for a crafty person or a fun project for you and your children on a rainy day! We think it would be cool to make the cloud sigh on one and smile on the other side after all rain is a good thing and sunshine always follows!

Zig Zags and Triangles!

We are proud and excited to announce that our first shipment of Harvest Textiles products is about to arrive from Aussie any day now. It was love at first sight when their bold designs and colours leaped from our web browser. In store soon you will find a range of their home-wares including cushions, tote bags, and DIY kits. Harvest Textiles are a team of three women who share a passion for quality handmade textiles, the joy of learning, community and sustainability. They try to use organic, recycled or locally produced fabrics where possible to reduce their impact on the environment. Find them at http://www.harvesttextiles.com.au/about.html

If only life could be so simple

A perfect cup by Heath Ceramics in California....

New jewels instore

Handmade silver witticisms from Genevieve Packer and Bohemian Chic from Nga Waiata instore now! From Wellington and Napier respectively, these designers inspire with their unique design and quality craftmanship.

Emma likes Emma

Emma, the lovely clothing label from Wellington has just opened another store on Cuba Street in their home town. The location and the beautiful character building they found is perfect for Emma, known for their whimsical, individual womenswear with a touch of nostalgia. The shop also stocks local jewelry, accessories and and craft to go with their beautiful clothes. So if you happen to be in our capital city pay them a visit! Failing that, you can always pop in to Flock to try on Emma's new collection and celebrate summer in style!

Sustainable Style from Kowtow

We believe this Wellington clothing company makes very cool clothes while at the same time practicing sustainable production which is even better.
When you buy a lovely piece of Kowtow clothing you can rest assured that the people who have made it get a fair salary, safe working conditions and support for their families and communities.
Your garment will be made from 100% organic cotton, which is not only healthy for the environment but also for the people that grow, harvest and manufacture this plant.
The gang at Kowtow work to keep everybody happy; the people in developing countries and you, the lucky person, wearing the clothes and looking good!
Now instore - an extensive range of clothing for men and women from Kowtow.

A Bright Future

Fabulous summer clothes have arrived in a blaze of glory with colours that pop!
New in store are Standard Issue's knitwear, Chalky Digit's creative lifestyle clothing, Mister's bright and happy women's and men's range and beautiful clothes by Emma!

This season's clothing comes in rich striking shades and amazing neutral tones. They can be either worn as contrasting colours and work extremely well when combined with neutrals.

So come on in and brighten up your wardrobe and have a lots of fun this summer!

End of Season SALE Now On!

SALE ON NOW

IN THE BOUTIQUE IN SUMNER

30% OFF ALL CLOTHING LABELS

20% OFF EVERYTHING ELSE INSTORE

PLUS: NEW SEASON COLLECTIONS ARRIVING DAILY

Aroha for Sumner

New at Flock!
Aroha Silhouettes Seismic brooches.

Made by awesome jewellery design company Aroha Silhouettes, the design is the actual seismogram of the 6.3M earthquake that rocked the city in February. It is cut from a semi-gloss stainless steel and has the date etched into the front of the piece to make it truly unique to Christchurch. 100% of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Christchurch recovery so spread the word!

All you knit is love

Tree Sweater by Carol Hummel

Pothole filling by Juliana Santacruz Herrera

The Knit Graffiti Movement

Also known as grandma graffiti, or guerilla knitting, yarn bombing takes the traditional craft of knitting and crocheting and transfers it to the urban landscape. The practice is believed to have originated in Texas with Texan knitters trying to find a creative way to use their leftover and unfinished knitting projects, but since has spread worldwide. We think, what a beautiful way to brighten up people's lives and Christchurch has so many potholes to fill!

"It Was Me" - Jewellery for you

We are delighted about our new and gorgeous-looking jewellery from Sydney based artists Pic and Bec. It Was Me bangles and rings are entirely handmade and crafted from resin. They feel and look beautiful, especially in the fresh mix of pastels, earthy and vibrant colours. You can choose between chunky bangles inlaid with resin and splashes of contrasting colours, or slimmer organically shaped versions. Or why not wear them all together.

SUPER market!

We really like the originality of Supermarket Sarah, a web shop that started in Sarah Bagner's living room in London. A rather interesting concept, Sarah has a shop in her home where she posts things up, literally, to her walls and then invites you, dear web friends, to click on her wall and purchase what you see. How brilliant is this? Sarah's walls have now spread into public spaces, galleries, shop fronts and bars and even made it to Selfridges London Concept store.

Be in to win!

If you like to drink your tea with style click on the face book link and be in to win this beautiful Amanda Shanley Scribble cup. Competition ends on the 31 of July. Good Luck!

Sweet Treats

Treat time!

Since it is cold and the days are short, and we want to see you again, we
are offering you a week of special deals instore at Flock.

Monday 4th: 20% off ultra fine and very beautiful Jane Henry merino
scarves and shawls

Tuesday 5th: 30% off all mens and womens Silkbody clothing

Wednesday 6th: 20% off all Elk bags

Thursday 7th: 20% off all Genevieve Packer design - gorgeous cushions,
lampshades and fun jewellery

Friday 8th: 20% off our brand new range of jewellery from It Was Me

Saturday 9th: 20% off all Hedonista natural perfumes

Sunday 10th: 30% off all mens and womens Silkbody clothing

Put the details in your diary and come in to treat yourself - last day of
deals is Sunday July 10th.

Softer than soft

If you and your family need some extra comfort at the moment then these luxurious super soft Jane Henry scarves are perfect for you to snuggle up in.

Made from the finest New Zealand merino wool available, these designer scarves and shawls come in natural shades from silver to black. No dyes are needed to create the vibrant hues of nature. Naturally coloured Merino sheep are rare and especially superfine.

There are woven, knitted, squared, striped and plaid versions to choose from but be aware once you wrap Jane Henry shawl around your neck you won't want to take it of!

Nga Waiata, rings that make you sing

Here is a treat for you.These rings are so gorgeous that we would like to have one for every day of the week, a different colour for each day to fit our mood. Will it be smoky quartz for inner joy and great relationships, pounamu for strength or citrine for radiance or....the wish list goes on. Nga Waiata is a painter and designer from the North Island of New Zealand whose jewellery designs are now sold around the world. Her name is pronounced naaaa-y-a-taa, it is a maori name which means the songs or music.

Escape to Lonely Wood

Forest Hunter

Flying Lesson

The Ferryman (detail)

The Ferryman

Alaina Rhind's art work reminds us of modern and quirky fairy tale illustrations for adults, just like the title of her recent series, Escape to Lonely Wood. One can imagine the characters are on a long and dangerous journey to a far away enchanted forest, to maybe join a secret tea party or play hide and seek.

If you want find out more about Alaina Rhind, the latest issue of Homestyle New Zealand magazine (June/July 2011) has just written a great article about her, or you can visit her website.
The Ferryman (above) is pencil and acrylic on Arches watercolour paper and is now available as a glicee print here at Flock.