I needed to get some decent frames for a couple of prints that I purchased while I was in Europe,…read moreand I decided that I would try this place. Well, it turns out that frames actually aren't all that cheap, though the staff here were pretty helpful. Mind you, like a lot of these places, they generally sell originals, not prints, or if they do sell prints, they tend to be for artists that don't happen to be dead. That's a bit of a shame, though it could be because stores generally only have so much space. It was good though, and they do have some interesting works here as well.

Have reliably gotten picture framing done from Studio Craft over the years, and I just visited…read moretheir new location near Auburn Road to get a timber box frame done for my home. Pleased to say I was served by the same friendly staff, and the turnaround only took a week!

Panelpop is one of those strange little idiosyncratic ideas that somehow turned into a business…read more The first question upon entering was, of course, what is a Panelpop? As it turns out, it's a kind of frame/art canvas made from recycled materials, primarily reclaimed wood, polystyrene and stone. Panelpop sells plain panelpops for artistic/framing purposes, will mount your photographs and artwork onto a panelpop for between $70 and $150, and host workshops on making panelpops. The space is also semi-used as a gallery for local artists whose work is mounted on panelpops, so it's a good place to scout for your art collection. The theme at the moment seems largely to be based around fables and fairy tales. The panelpops are visually pleasing and a great idea that will appeal to eco-conscientious art lovers. A good space to drop into from time to time.

Panel Pop has to be the coolest way to make a home, a shop or just a space more decorative…read more Eco-Friendly, using mainly materials rescued from landfill, Panel Pop provides a glassless, and paperless way to display art; and i have to say, it's pretty darn cool! You can get them to upload your art and photos onto their 'Panel-Pop' style for around $70 (Being the smallest 6 x 6) and $150 (The largest at 12 x 17). The way the images and art come up are very different and attract so much attention. I had some artwork send through to them and done up, looks great on the lounge room wall and every one is quite intrigued by it.

The Picture Box is a successful custom framing shop and sellers of fine prints and artworks. They…read morehave three stores in Melbourne and I was fortunate to have brought my first two pieces of purchased art here for framing. Not having been in the position to buy custom-made picture frames before, I was quite clueless about what I wanted or even what would suit the works best. This was no problem though as the staff member who helped me was patient and showed me my options, made wonderful suggestions, and tried to show me as much possible, how the artworks would look in various frames. It took about two weeks for the frames to be made and they cost a pretty penny, but they really enhance each artwork and I still love looking at them hung up in my house so I'm sure it was money well spent. I will definitely go back to the Picture Box when I'm next flush enough to do so.

If you're into homewares and colour, mud is definitely one to go and check out. Australian made…read moreceramics, they are rough and textured out the outside with super high gloss on the inside in a bunch of amazing colours. I love bright things around the house, so I came across mud when admiring some of their gorgeous mugs and plates. Unfortunately...a cup is going to set you back in the realm of $40-$50. Each. Ouch. I was too scared to look at the rest as this falls out of my price range. BUT if you have some cash to splash or are looking for a special present for someone, this high end range of crockery is gorgeous. I don't know how much the going rate is for nice crockery because I am clumsy and too scared to buy anything more expensive than IKEA for fear of destroying it. So while I may not purchase something here for myself, it is a lovely spot to look at and a great pick for a list of lovely mum gifts. The service is helpful, the displays are pretty and if you don't find something in the colour you want let them know so they can source it for you.

I am a sucker for ceramics and porcelain so when I came across the Mud store in Gertrude Street, I…read moreknew it would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. This is a brand that we can be proud of; Mud is made in Australia and has some beautiful colours including duck egg blue and soft coffee shades. This Mud store stocks Kobo candles as well (yay!). The setting is minimalist and sleek; the focus is all on the beautiful plates, bowels and cups as they sit on top of the surfaces. Like I mentioned before when I visited another ceramic store - take your bag off your shoulder and carry it low and steady, you really wouldn't want to knock anything off here. I thought the service was really good - the sales assistants were very friendly and happy to walk me through the products and give you some information about Mud.

Gayle and I recently slipped along Drewery Lane between Little Lonsdale and Lonsdale Streets during…read moreour walking tour. A variety of street art brightens the lane and its offshoots, from paste-ups and murals to a well-known pottery mosaic tribute to those left behind by servicemen lost in war. Along with some of this alternative art, came even more interesting people watching.

Il Papiro is a beautiful store with even more beautifully crafted pieces and a rich history of…read moreFlorentine tradition. I ordered a journal to be embossed as a gift and spoke with Romina, who was prompt, helpful and assisted me in choosing the right embossing and font for the gift. 48 hours later I needed to change the order (due to a break up!) and Romina was so accommodating. She checked if it had already been embossed, and when learning it hadn't- offered me a credit instantly. I am so grateful to Romina for her service and now looking forward to spending my credit on some beautiful Christmas gifts for my family.

unique and special store in Melbourne famous lane. Incredible selection of paper from Italy. The…read moreworkshops are great too.

I really have never been a big fan of designer wrapping paper, or personalized stationery, but this…read moreplace makes you want to start hand-writing personal messages to friends. Kami has some of the most beautiful papers and gifts that have to do with this type of hobby. Cool notepads, pens, and stationery sets. It's a great place to find a nice, unique gift for someone that seems to have everything, or just get something for yourself to resurrect the lost art of handwriting and personal contact.

As someone who keeps every card and letter they're given, I firmly believe that a beautiful card is…read morean investment. And if you're after a beautiful card in Melbourne there is no place better to go than Kami, meaning 'paper' in Japanese. A card, paper and stationery retailer specialising in absolutely beautiful Japanese inspired and locally designed wares, Kami is one of Fitzroy's most magical little boutiques. From the omnipresently beautiful window displays - rendered in paper of course! - to the incredibly vast range of cards on offer, Kami is an aesthete's dream. I spent far too long to confess at Kami yesterday choosing a card for a loved one and settled on one of Kami's 'Katazone' square cards with an abstract floral motif individually printed on the card. At around $5 - 8 a pop Kami's cards aren't cheap but considering how beautiful and bespoke they are, they're a virtual bargain.

Yay, stationary! One of life's unnecessary and enjoyable pleasures. CandC stocks a super cute range…read moreof cards, wrapping paper and bits and pieces that are worthy of collection for their own sake, not just for wrapping someone else's gift. They always stock heaps of sweet little items that you never knew you needed in your life until right now. Since I got my own place I have bought quite a few of the cards and wrapping paper designs and framed them to hang on my wall- their stuff is, on the whole, worthy of display and makes a very sweet decoration idea.