The Original Rope Conjurors - Image courtesy of US Library of Congress original lithograph by Otis Lithograph Co. circa 1927
Another new and exciting addition to Wynnum's growing collection of gorgeous boutiques.
Remember the old rope conjurors from India in the early 1900's? Performing mind boggling feats with lengths of rope that seemed nigh on impossible? Well, I would like to introduce you to a new artisan of the rope, but there is no illusion here, this is all real magic and she is a creative genius!
Among the completely gorgeous shops that are breathing life into Wynnum lately is
Zillpa & Co, a studio and shop where you can witness an artisan at work as well as pick yourself up something wonderful.
Zillpa & Co. was borne out of the creative mind of Clare who felt an express need to create and craft. After many experiments tying rope, braiding rope, and crocheting rope, she stumbled over an old method of sewing rope together with scraps of fabric and everything fell into place.
At the moment Clare is making bowls, baskets, hanging baskets, place mats, pot holders, plant holders and dishes. She is also more than happy to take
commissions and I have asked her to make me a massive carry-all basket to throw all and sundry in when I leave the house with small children, so I'm super excited for the result!
The lovely Clare at work - image courtesy Zillpa and Co website
Clare's creations are available
online and at various
stockists around Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. The fact that her work is stocked by exclusive boutiques both in Australia and beyond I think is true testament to the quality of her craftsmanship.
Vibrant threads - image courtesy of author
The bowls and baskets Clare makes are sturdy as well as beautiful, and the seamless blend between form and function is part of what makes these pieces so good. A huge plus for me is that a large rope bowl cannot be broken, so my fruit bowl is going to last me a lifetime and not be smashed to smithereens when the kids pull it down looking for bananas (no that they do that of course).
A magical shop where kids can't break anything - image courtesy of author
Clare currently keeps the rope she uses in its natural, raw 100% cotton state, and uses her vast array of vibrantly coloured thread to colour her work. If you are commissioning something from her you can choose your own colour scheme, which is quite exciting. Clare then uses this thread to bind the rope together on her industrial sewing machine so the result is strong and sturdy whilst also remaining slightly flexible.
Baskets of various size and colours - image courtesy of author
The
Zillpa & Co Studio in Wynnum is filled with both Clare's creations and other delightful goodies such as old fashioned paper straws and "happy pills", she also has a
penchant for folding paper cranes, and it is the perfect place to find some surprises for anyone you might need a gift for. Supporting local artists is particularly important too, not only are you purchasing something unique, you are inadvertently supporting your community as well.
Baskets, bowls, mats and hold-alls - image courtesy of author
While you're in Wynnum, make a morning of it and stroll down to
The Collective Store, it was here that
Zillpa & Co. first displayed her wares and since then has been able to open a shop of her own. There are many wonderful things to be found on the Bay and the wonderful weather at the moment makes it a great destination for a day out; escape the city, take in the ocean views, stroll through the shops and have some ice cream.
Rope being conjured into baskets - image courtesy of author
Clare's basket of pretty paper cranes - image courtesy of author
