Sue Stubbs
Creative new venture Stackwood, at 10 Stack Street, Fremantle, comprises a concept store, seven maker’s studios and an event space – all housed inside a former diesel workshop.
Thanks to Sarah Bell, the brainchild behind the creative space, the collective supports local makers and service providers. “We want to teach people skills that are dying,” says Sarah. “You get more satisfaction doing things yourself. It’s in our DNA.”
Stop 1: Stackwood
Concept Store
Stocking a carefully curated range of handmade vessels, homewares and indoor plants, the concept store (along with Stacked Cafe) is the only dedicated retail space at Stackwood. Managed by collective facilitator Sarah Bell, the store stocks standout local items, such as Leo And Spargo men’s leather goods, Learn To Weave kits and stunningly irregular ceramics from Yuniko Studio, amongst others. From further afield, there are divine Sackcloth & Ashes Peruvian-style cotton blankets – which are also a feel-good purchase, as, for each blanket sold, Sackcloth & Ashes donates a blanket to a homeless shelter in the US.
Must-haves: Milk And Sugar ‘Chester’ pot with a grey star plant, $45.95.
Open: Tues-Sat, 9.30am-4pm; Sun, 11am-3pm.
Bookmark: stackwood.net.au.
Stop 2: Lyndley Mill
For photographer and stylist Lyndley Mill, Stackwood is a place to house her ever-expanding collection of props from around the world. “As a growing concept store, I meet new faces every day – I never thought work could be so socially rewarding,” says Lyndley. Her studio contains everything for a product shoot – backdrops, camera equipment, natural light, a large white space and one of a kind, pre-owned, handmade props. All of which, add a rich timeless element to product images, so fellow photographers, stylists, PR firms and business owners can tell the story behind their products.
Must-haves: Her enviable collection of preloved props are for hire only.
Open: Mon-Fri, appointment only.
Bookmark: lyndleymill.com.
Stop 3: The Little Posy Co
Owned by Helen Pow, this online flower delivery business offers unique bouquets on weekdays for $35 including delivery. “Since we offer just one kind of posy each day, we never have flowers hanging around,” explains Helen. “Everything is fresh from the markets that morning.” Initially working from her living room, Helen jumped at the chance to join Stackwood. “I was over clearing out eucalyptus from under my couch, but I also loved the idea of being in a creative community,” she says. “There is always someone to bounce ideas off – usually my sister in the next studio!”
Must-haves: Gorgeous locally grown lilac hydrangeas, $35.
Open: Mon-Fri. Perth residents can purchase online, on the day, before 12pm (locals can grab a posy from the studio between 8am-1pm weekdays – unless they’ve sold out). There’s also a branch in Brisbane.
Bookmark: littleposy.com.au.
Stop 4: Stacked Cafe
Enthused by the idea of community collaboration, owner Joseph Duggan quit university to open Stacked Cafe. As an experienced barista, Joseph sells direct trade coffee, supporting smaller micro-lot coffee farms over larger growers, and donates his waste grinds to Life Cykel. They use them to grow gourmet oyster mushrooms, which Joseph also stocks. “Coffee is my passion, so Stacked Cafe is a true coffee shop,” says Joseph. “We sell coffee, tea, choc and chai, along with beautiful pastries, doughnuts and cookies.” They also cater for ‘man’s best friend’ with organic dog treats by Benny’s Bites.
Must-haves: Honey chai with coconut milk.
Open: Tues-Fri, 7am-1pm; Sat-Sun, 8am-1pm.
Bookmark: Follow Stacked Cafe on Instagram @stackedcafe.
Stop 5: Hubble + Duke
In just three years, children’s wear label Hubble + Duke has gained almost 120,000 Instagram followers. And you can see why. The vintage-inspired premium leather footwear and natural material clothing range is refreshingly different. One of the first to join the Stackwood family, Hubble + Duke director Rosie Flynn thinks it consists of a brilliant bunch of people. “I also love that my studio looks into my sister’s space, The Little Posy Co,” says Rosie. “We play a very supportive role in each other’s business, so it’s a pleasure to see her team and the gorgeous flowers every day. And, of course, now we have coffee.”
Must-haves: Ruffle Romper in Dusty Pink, $70, worn with SoHo T-bar Mary Janes in Palamino Tan, $70, and ‘Lamby’ knee high socks, $17.
Open: Online or pick-up by appointment.
Bookmark: hubbleandduke.com.au.
While you’re there
Learn a new – or old – skill with all sorts of activities at Stackwood Hall. With its white-washed brick walls, raw concrete floor and exposed steel trusses, it is a pretty inspiring space to create and connect with others. You could potter – literally – with Winterwares ceramic artist Simone Nabholz, make a Hang With Me ceramic planter or kokedama ball, weave a basket with Siân Boucherd or transform a photo of your pooch into a custom lino print in the Tiny Print Press studio. Thinkers might like to contemplate life in a Collective Happiness Gathering, while foodies might prefer passata-making day. For more information on workshops and events, visit stackwood.net.au.
