Tell us a little bit about your store?Lark's new shop is tucked away in a laneway in pretty Daylesford, Victoria, and opens every day except Wednesday from 10.30-4.00. Dayleford is just over an hour from Melbourne.
Lark is well-known for its own range of hand-knitted baby toys and vintage accessories. The new shop extends this to include goods from around the globe for all ages, including jewellery, homewares, stationery and t-shirts. Expect to find beautiful art prints by London's Belle & Boo, Japanese zakka and books, picnic sets from the ethical Danish label Rice, handmade children's clothing, craft kits, zines and a host of handcrafted products from Melbourne designers including Beci Orpin, Victoria Mason, Betty Jo, Little Shop Of and Twiglet. Very friendly service, free showbags, and advice dispensed on what to do around Daylesford for visitors!
When/Why did you open your store?We felt that Daylesford was much in need of a handmade/crafty store, plus we were also excited by the idea of meeting our customers in person as well as 'virtually' so when a huge old factory came up for lease in town we took it on. As well as the shop, Lark now has it own office, studio and warehouse all under one roof.
What labels designers do you stock in your store? See above! We also sell the work of crafters from around Central Victoria. When I first moved to Daylesford three years ago I noticed a real lack of outlets for local crafters to sell their work. My friend Kate and I started up the Daylesford Makers Market, which has been really popular, and hopefully the Lark shop will provide a further opportunity for talented local makers to sell their work.
Why do you love handmade so much?I love handmade because it is so personal, expressive and unique. Buying handmade usually also means that you are supporting small businesses, local makers or fairtrade groups, rather than lining the pockets of large corporations.
Name five feelings that your customers will feel when they enter your store.Welcome, excited, nostalgic, charmed, surprised.
Visit Lark at
4a Duke Street, Daylesford (behind the MS Shop) (03) 5348 1853Open 10.30-4.00 - Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun (closed Wednesdays)
For more directions visit their
website
blue willow pattern art print by sweetwilliam
Heart on My Sleeve (yellow) - screenprint by alyoisius
white trees PRINT by gretchenmist
Provincial Fare - painting by artandwool
Little Lemon Drop - 4 X 6 print by matouenpeluche
