Bali is well known for clever craftsmanship, not only in
the manufacture/design of fashion & homewares but wooden
furniture, stone and art. So, if it’s a handcrafted
piece then, check out the following:
Aura: a clever tailor who cuts a dash!
I always wonder about these shops that advertise ‘made
to order’ there are many around, but some not so good!
After a friend told me about this tiny shop on Jl Laksmana
21x (opp Villa Jodie) I decided to take a closer look. Mr
Harry spends much of his time measuring up/ showing color
swatches & engaged in conversation with his many customers.
His specialty is handcrafted leather & suede fashion in
jackets, shoes, boots & bags. If the choice is right you
can buy ‘off the rack’ or have something made
to measure. I took a look at a man’s suit that he had
copied for a client, excellent! Cashmere wool at the cool
price of approx Rp1.5 million. People love places like Aura,
met Jo, a chatty New Zealander who told me that she has been
a client of Mr Harry’s since 1979! And this was her
27th visit to Bali, she obviously loves Bali & Mr Harry
too! Aura is open 7 days a week, 10am - 10 pm, retail &
export, tele: 737 127.
Tropical Bale: handcrafted pretty glassware
You may never find this place unless someone tells you, so
now I am passing on the secret! An informal style restaurant
overlooking the rice paddies, that serves truly delicious
food & of excellent value. However, at the entrance lobby
all set before you, sits some unique glassware. Drinking glasses,
tableware including water jugs, vases, even tiny little bottles
(perfect for Spa products) A myriad of styles that feature
a mix of clear glass & soft colors, along with some smart
stainless steel cutlery, in various designs. Give your table
at home a new look by mixing glassware with your usual china.
The nicest aspect is that all the glassware & cutlery
is used in the restaurant which is a great way of showing
off to you how pretty their tables look. Retail & Export.
Tropical Bale, Jl Raya Sanggingan, tele 748 9601, open every
day except Tuesday, 11 am - 9pm & Tropical Boutique Bakery,
Jl Dewisita, 8am – 7pm, tele 745 8667.
Sari Api Ceramics: Essence of Fire! this is a good little
find, along a popular road called Dewi Sita Street in Ubud.
Contemporary ceramics, one of a kind that are ‘fun &
playful’ – a really great mix of styles &
color ways to suit all tastes. The big difference with Suzan’s
ceramics is that there’s not a mould in sight, purely
by hand – throw, paint, fire, glaze & fire again
in a gas kiln. Suzan says her method is ‘throw &
deform’, she takes delight in creating ‘her own
story’ plates, jugs/cups & vases, a dazzling collection
on show by a true artisan. RETAIL & WHOLESALE Suzan creates,
runs ongoing classes or tailored workshops and then MAKES
cakes/cookies/jams/dressings for the organic café adjoining.
Suzan is an avid participant in all things natural so you
can meet her at the Ubud Saturday Farmers Mkt which is held
in front of Pizza Bagus or the new Manik Organik, Thursday
eve from 4 – 8pm, Jl. Tamblingan, Sanur. SARI API CERAMICS,
STORE: 971 056 / STUDIO/WORKSHOP: 977917.
disini: smart homewares by stylish Dominique!
Recently re-vamped store to house some gorgeous new bedlinen,
love the ‘Jovy’ & the ‘Mandarin’
collections. Take a look on the left far wall at the unique
& brightly colored beaded ‘hats’ hanging,
these are actually food covers! A fantastic chunky legged
daybed occupies the front space & a long table full of
big fat African beads & Rumbai keyrings with suede tassels.
Jl Raya Seminyak 6-8, Seminyak. tele 731037.
For comments and enquiries, email: retailtherapym@yahoo.com.au
