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You’ll spot this unassuming little paper shop in Mount Hawthorn, and be taken by the quaint shop front filled with gorgeous window displays. Paper doily garlands and concertinas, colourful Happy Birthday signs, and bright yellow zig-zag patterned bags have pulled me in most recently, and are sure to draw you in too! This is the sort of shop that vintage cards and brown paper packages tied up with string are made for, but poke around a little longer, and you’ll surprise yourself with just how much lovely papery goodness one can find here. To make the most of this fantastic little shop, we’ve invited Tess to have a quick chat about her shop, Paper Fusion. Thanks Tess!

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One of the very best places to get coffee in Perth is Little Willy’s, down William Street in Northbridge. Owners Annie and Rob worked together in a café years ago before starting up The Dancing Goat in Swanbourne. While it was a treat to grab their breakfast burrito and a cup of joe to go, on the way back from the beach, their decision to open the gem that is Little Willy’s, and to sell The Dancing Goat, has been well received. The central location is much more accessible for daily takeaways and lazy morning breakfasts. Read on as we chat with Rob and find out how he makes such excellent coffees!

1. Why does your coffee taste so good?

We use top quality beans and milk (Fiori and Banister Downs), an extravagant water filter system, and some well maintained machinery. We also wouldn’t let some chump pour your coffee, our staff are top notch, and that makes the biggest difference.

2. Why do you love your job?

We love food and coffee, so being surrounded by it at work is pretty great. We love our customers too, so its kinda like getting paid to hang out with friends. Which rules!

3. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

The beach. Swimming, surfing, lazing around… Perth has killer beaches and killer weather, nuff said! Coffee and breakfast would have to be a close second tho, plenty of great places to choose from now as well.

4. Where’s your favourite place to shop?

William Street. Plenty of nice shops, lots of variety, and run by a friendly bunch of people. Plenty of options for a post-shop beverage too.

5. Can you sum up Little Willy’s in one sentence?

We’re a café in Northbridge based around quality, friendliness, and simplicity.

You can find Little Willy’s at 267 William Street, Northbridge. Pop in and become pals with Rob!

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As we wander down William Street, we unfailingly feel the pull of Outré Gallery as the tantalising window displays catch our eyes, and the kitsch and colourful artworks draw us in to take a little time out of our day. This gallery houses a covetable collection of contemporary art and is our monthly feature for March. Read on for a short Q&A with Natalie, one of the very passionate staff members at this Northbridge favourite.

1. What’s the best thing about Outré Gallery?

Our bag! The fresh and hard-to-come-by selection of original artworks, limited editions prints, magazines, curios, mid-century inspired ceramics and collectible vinyl toys.

2. How did the decision come about to open up an Outré Gallery in Perth?

There is a lot of family history that links Outré to WA, and after two well-received “Outré Relocated” exhibitions at ARTRAGE’s Breadbox Gallery, we knew Perth would love us back. William Street is a hot little spot, sharing some of the internationally varied and generically fluid philosophies we have.

3. Why do you love your job?

Art as approachable and enigmatic as this gives you an instant break to chill and wonder and explore what you’ve got up in that brain for a minute. Working here is a whole bunch of those minutes all joined together. Real meaningful bliss!

4. What is your current favourite piece in the gallery?

Our newest Outré Gallery Press book “Tattoo Parlour“, or some special limited edition prints by the king/god of Pop Surrealism Mark Ryden.

5. Describe Outré Gallery in one sentence.

Australia’s original alternative gallery dealing in contemporary international pop, lowbrow, pop surrealism and underground art.

Thanks!

If you’re after a clever piece of artwork to pretty up your walls, then head into Outré Gallery, at 260 William Street Northbridge and take your pick.

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Alan of Crow Books joins us for the month of February with a short Q&A about his East Victoria Park bookshop. Having set up the great book store Planet Books in Mount Lawley, he decided to move on and live his dream – opening up his own bookshop. Shortly after picking a spot, Alan put it together in the space of a few weeks, with a bit of help from family and friends, and Crow Books was born. Stocking titles across a wide variety of genres, including hard to source books, he takes pride in creating a community bookstore where locals can pop in for a chat and a book recommendation. We couldn’t agree more, it really is a fantastic place to browse and discover your new favourite book!

1. Tell us about how Crow Books got going:

I wanted to keep working with books. If I could get Crow up & running, I’d hopefully have a great bookshop, feed my kids and support my habit (reading). Also, I feel strongly about the importance of literature in a place’s sense of itself and wanted to be a part of that conversation in WA – we’re home to the Burrup after all, the world’s oldest continuous written story. So we pulled in favours from friends & family, stripped the old shop, fitted-out mostly by ourselves and were open in 6 weeks.

2. What’s the best thing about owning your own book store?

Hopefully, I can keep doing what I love – reading, listening to music, drinking coffee. Good book shops become a hub for people who are interested about things & stuff – architecture, music, art, history, graphic design, literature, poetry, science, picture books… You develop relationships with people with a broad range of interests. Vic Park’s great for diversity.

3. This might be a little tricky to narrow down, but what are your top 3 books of all time?

Way too hard, though I think it started with Blinky Bill, and was most recently 2666.

4. Where do you go for coffee near your shop?

Depends how I’m feeling (other than desperate). East Vic Park has a few great coffee spots including The Imp, Antz Inya Pantz, and 868 Gourmet.

5. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

Kicking back in my hammock reading, listening to Out to Lunch. I’m also loving taking the dog for a night walk. After 9, things cool down. I’m looking forward to getting out to gigs again.

6. Describe Crow Books in one sentence:

Do you know Crows are smarter than most monkeys? Alan.

Cheers Alan! If you enjoy reading too, then check back on our blog every Friday during February for a guest blog post of Alan’s top picks across a variety of genres. Or if you’re a little impatient, then pop over to his website for more literary goodness.

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Natalie of Distracted has been a very busy bee. Not only is she behind the rather great spot that is Distracted: Merchants of Fancy, a mutli-faceted store offering a curiosity shop, hairdresser and coffee lounge, but she obligingly chatted to us about her Christmas celebrations over here, and is now hanging out with us for the month of January!

1. What’s the best thing about your shop?

I will never tire of watching someone come in for the first time. To have created something that people respond to with such joy is humbling. Sure, we’re not putting an end to world hunger, but we do encourage a momentary respite from hurried-up lives.

2. Why do you love your job?

Because it doesn’t feel like a job! When we started Distracted in 2005, it was a lifestyle choice. It seems illogical to me that people ‘hate’ their job. In this modern madness we spend as much time at work as with loved ones, so why not pile it all together in a busy mish-mash all our own? (Plus it’s really fun doing all the buying and window displays!)

3. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

Fish ‘n chips and sunset on a summer Sunday at City Beach.

4. Where’s your favourite spot for a coffee in Perth?

Besides Distracted?! On our days off we may be found sipping long macs at Tiger Tiger, Mrs S, Hobart St Deli, Boucla or Lowdown Espresso.

5. How can you best describe Distracted in one sentence?

Distracted is a place where serendipity nourishes the soul, smiles are free, and people know your name.

The gorgeous Natalie of Distracted.

Thanks Natalie!

You should check out their rather nostalgic website, pop over to their facebook page to say howdy, or even better, visit their store and take in all the goodness that Distracted has to offer!

Distracted: Merchants of Fancy is at 324 Oxford St, Leederville.

Images courtesy of Natalie of Distracted (thanks!).

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The lovely Yuka of Zakka Box will be hanging out with us for the month of December. Not only does she give some gorgeous answers about her shop, but she is also offering We Love Perth readers a 10% discount in store – read on to find out more!

1. What’s the best thing about your shop?

Zakka Box is filled with lots of unique and original treasures that have not previously been available in Perth. An extraordinary collection of homewares, fashion accessories and stationery are exclusive to Zakka Box and imported directly from Japan. You will always find a quirky and playful solution for many everyday products, whether it’s for sprucing up the home, hunting down a special gift or just spoiling yourself. Items are handpicked to fit in with the philosophy at Zakka Box that homewares and accessories should always be a little bit of fun as well as functional.

2. What made you decide to open up Zakka Box?

I wanted to share my love of cute and unique Japanese goods with Perth. I love the excitement of customers when they discover something new at Zakka Box and learn a little more about Japanese culture. In Japan ‘Zakka’ shops are common and frequented regularly for everyday products. It makes shopping fun and inspires you with ideas for the home and finding ‘out of the box’ gifts. I feel like with Zakka Box, I am bringing a slice of Japan to Perth.

3. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

I love food and travel and to experience new things. So in Perth I get excited about trying new restaurants and cafes or discovering new dishes with friends. We are so lucky to have so many quality international cuisines available in Perth. I am a big fan of Italian at Da Bruno’s, my favourite local and traditional Japanese at Izakaya Sakura.

4. Where’s the best place to have coffee/tea near your shop?

My favourite is my skinny cap from Cantina, perfect with a chocolate macaroon. But I am anticipating the opening of Planet café across the road from Zakka Box. Can’t wait to see what treats they offer!

5. How can you best describe your shop in one sentence?

A treasure chest for those who love the unique and irresistibly cute!

Thanks Yuka!

Head into Zakka Box during the month of December 2011 and mention We Love Perth to receive a 10% discount throughout the store (excluding gift vouchers and sale items). And keep an eye out for her popping up with a guest post over on our blog during the month too!

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After many years in the vintage and collectibles trade, Deb and Steven have realised their dream of opening their own store. They have filled their emporium with all sorts of second hand goodies: clothing, homewares and collectibles. Bluebird Vintage is found down Cambridge Street in Wembley – number 288 is the place. Get on down! But in the meantime meet Deb who will be hanging out here for the month of November.

1. What’s the best thing about your shop?

It’s small but perfectly formed! We don’t have a lot of space, and because of the eclectic range of vintage items we stock, it does feel quite cosy, which I like. Our stock selection is quite personal, so it’s a little like our house, except you can buy stuff from it and the door’s always open. (Unless I am getting a coffee and stuck the ‘Back In 5 Minutes’ sign up!) I think our mix of fashion, retro homewares and antiques is really good too.

2. Why do you love your job?

I love the romance of vintage clobber, the way the clothes take their own little trip with different owners. Some of the 1950′s dresses we get are so lovely, usually custom made, so when it fits a customer like a glove, I get a little weepy! It’s also nice bringing rustic old junk to life again and finding it a new home. Plus we get a smorgasbord of customers, so eavesdropping on a wheatbelt farmer with a footlong beard discussing whether “blue and green should never be seen” with a teenage fashionista can be quite enjoyable. Best of all, I’m my own boss, so I can’t be sacked for breaking a Murano vase or chatting on the phone!

3. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

I know we have wonderful beaches, natural wonders at our doorstep, a fertile arts community and a nightlife scene that’s getting better all the time…but it’s all about op-shopping for me! Just when you think it’s getting a little too ‘corporate’, the next stop yields a pre-loved bargain dished out with some lil-old-lady wisdom and free lemons. We love going to the footy (everyone should do it at least once), vintage markets, antique shops… the art gallery is always nice on a rainy day. can’t beat a summer BBQ with friends, sangria and a game of ‘What Biscuit Am I?’… and getting coffee of course. Perth is the best city in Australia for op-shops and coffee by a country mile.

4. Where’s the best place for coffee in Perth?

We love the long macs at Toast in East Perth, and their awesome 1950s kitsch meets French shanty town decor. It’s all about cake too, so let’s add Boucla (French Plum cake) in Subiaco, Sherbet (Red Velvet cake) and Mrs S (best meringues in town), both in Maylands, to the list.

5. How can you best describe Bluebird in one sentence?

I could paraphrase Kurt Vonnegut or Coco Chanel here, but I think I’ll go with “Awesome vintage goodness for young and old!”

Thanks Deb!

If you’d like to read more about Deb and her rad shop, head to our blog where she’ll be guest blogging during the month too!

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Cabin Fever is a little oasis in the middle of the city. Wander down to the end of Bon Marché Arcade (off Barrack Street) and you will stumble across this adorable little café-come-gallery. Delicious coffee and delectable treats are served up on beautiful, mismatched crockery. It’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable enough to sit there all day and pass the time. We love that someone has read an entire book while sitting in the calm surrounds! This month we chat with the bubbly Ruth Leigh, who set up Cabin Fever, and who runs it with passion and love!

1. What is the best thing about your café?

I think the best thing is probably the way it brings all sorts of random people together in conversation. I’ve witnessed so many people talk to each other who normally wouldn’t cross paths! This is at the craft nights we host and also just in the café day to day.

And also all the amazing people I get to meet, personally. I’ve met some beautiful people and made some amazing friendships.

2. Tell us more about these craft nights!

First we were doing them in conjunction with a craft collective called Made on the Left. They have a huge pool of craft people that they could draw from to facilitate the night. Some of the themes have been book binding and yarn bombing. The most recent one we held was crocheting with Granny Funk and we will have more with her because it was a really successful night.

It is our birthday in November and we are hoping to celebrate the fact with loads of craft nights. We also have chilled out music nights, a bunch of small gigs that have been really nice. We just had Amber Fresh playing and there was a jazz quartet once, really varied stuff. We hope to concentrate more of these events into our birthday month!

3. Why do you love your job?

I guess definitely one of the things is the amazing people i get to meet. The largest part of my job is talking and I constantly get to interact with people. Of anywhere I have ever worked before, these customers are the friendliest. Things like getting postcards from people that have been on holiday, or bringing in cakes they’ve made, or leaving a note about what a lovely time they’ve had. There’s such a nice sense of community! It’s also been a creative outlet putting the place together.

4. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

I am a real summertime person. I love summer, and the beach, and the Perth International Arts Festival. That’s when I’m happiest in Perth, the time of year I feel that Perth comes to life. I love night time in the summer, wandering round in shorts and singlets – it seems like such a cruisy, decadent time.

5. Where’s the best place to do a little shopping near your café?

That’s an easy one! hahah. Obviously Pigeonhole is great to have a gander while waiting for your coffee, or cruise over with your coffee. It’s been dangerous for me having a shop next door.

6. How can you best describe Cabin Fever in a few words?

Creative, inspiring, community. Oh and good coffee! Because that’s something we always strive for and is really appreciated. And really affordable snacks… oh and such a relaxing atmosphere!

Thanks Ruth!

Images courtesy of Cabin Fever/Pigeonhole.

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When we find something we really like, you’ll hear us rave about it endlessly. Future Shelter is one of those things! In fact, we like it so much that we mentioned it as one of our favourite design stores over on The Design Files recently. Future Shelter is a small design store located in a cute suburban street in North Perth, fronted by a local couple who create loads of nice and useful products. Jane, one half of Future Shelter, joins us this month to spread the cheer.

1. What’s the best thing in your shop?

The billion dollar view lampshade is my favourite product we make in the shop. It emcompasses lots of places I have either been to or would like to go.

2. Why do you love your job?

I’ve always liked cutting & sticking & drawing which is exactly what we are doing except on a bigger scale and with more organisation! I really like meeting the people who buy and enjoy our products.

3. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

Going to the beach when the sea is calm on a hot day

4. Where’s the best place to have coffee/tea near your shop?

We are totally spoilt for choice being on Angove St. We have Milk’d, The Pantry Door and Il Circolo which all produce gormet quality coffee. I also love Distracted Shop on Oxford St, Leederville…. they recently created the best coffee I’ve ever tasted!

5. How can you best describe your shop in one sentence?

A modern day workshop designing, manufacturing selling our very own quirky designs created for the people of Perth and the rest of the world.

You can see more Future Shelter products over on their website. Should you find something you fancy, you can purchase it in their online shop. Visit their blog for lots of nice designer related goodness, with updates on new products as well as finds from around the globe. Thanks Jane!

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Local girl, Anna Macoboy, is the proud owner of Mr Sparrow, a bright little space in Subiaco, stocked with a range of lovely things for both the home and garden. The shop not only includes a range of beautiful products, but she’s also managed to squeeze in a water feature in the form of an old bath!! It definitely gets my vote for best in-store display in Perth! This month she chats to us about the store and her favourite local coffee spots.

1. What’s the best thing in your shop?

Right now the products that have me most excited are Japanese designer Oji Masanori’s beautiful wooden cups and brass bottle openers and trivets.

2. Why do you love your job?

It really is my dream job! I get really excited about finding a new and different product and sharing it with my customers. I also love that I get to meet some wonderful, interesting people.

3. What’s your favourite thing to do in Perth?

Having a barbeque down at City Beach with friends is pretty hard to beat.

4. Where’s the best place to have coffee/tea near your shop?

Spring Espresso is right across the road from me and has fantastic coffee. I also like Boucla, which is a few blocks away.

5. How can you best describe your shop in one sentence?

Mr Sparrow is a haven for lovers of beautiful things, whether old or new, designer or hand-made.

For the month of August 2011, Anna is kindly offering a 10% discount in store, if you mention We Love Perth!

You can read more about Anna and her store on the Mr Sparrow website. As expected, she also has a really great blog where she shares her latest online finds and new products that pop up in store. If you can’t make it to her shop in person then you can browse the Mr Sparrow online store at your leisure. Make sure you check it out! Thanks Anna! Jelena x

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