Pushing pause on a busy city life created a pathway to a slower life here in Tenterfield – and one that ultimately led to a new and even more creative venture. Today they are the partnership behind Manual Arts DEpt. and its newly launched sister company – Northern Exposure. For David and Carol, it starts from the ground up here in the New England!
Please explain Manual Arts DEpt. history?
After a four-year stint operating our popular espresso bar/store in inner-city Brisbane, we were aching for a lifestyle change. Tenterfield came onto our radar and the minute we walked onto this overgrown four-acre block of land just outside of town, we knew this was where we would begin the next phase of our lives. Building our own home – out of wood of course!- and working with timber, led straight into the unfolding of a new venture. Our vision included creating memorable, keepsake wooden wares – and Manual Arts DEpt. was born! Today you can find us crafting hardwood cheese platters and serving boards, plus our range of pod vases in varying sizes.
Do you have a favourite wood?
Spotted Gum Australian hardwood is the material that we predominantly work with, due to its stability, robust quality and beautiful appearance. But we can work with all types of wood and consult with clients for special orders. Just ask.
Why do people buy your products?
Our serving boards can be personalised, and people love ordering them as gifts to mark special milestones. However, as they are made to last a lifetime, we encourage customers to use and enjoy them as much as possible, don’t just save them for fancy occasions!
How do you create your wooden wares?
There are many stages involved in the creation of our products: from the first design phase to preparing the material, producing the basic shape of the item, to the painstaking hand-sculpting process. We confirm details with our customers before we start the job and depending on the complexity provide updates as we go – customer service is important to us. Customers often comment on the super-fine finish of our work, and that takes a lot of time and elbow grease!
Where to buy Manual Arts DEpt. wooden wares
Our products can be found on our website: manualartsdept.com and on the Etsy marketplace amongst others. If you are visiting Tenterfield you can experience a couple of our products when you stay at Mirumiru Bubbletent, plus we’ve recently launched at the Galah store in Tenterfield Village.
We love shipping parcels internationally and are always thrilled to discover where our next order may be heading. The top 3 that come to mind are Spain, Finland and Puerto Rico. But of course, sending items far and wide across our own country is just as wonderful! Our products are much greater jetsetters than we are!
What’s new for 2023?
In 2023 we intend to continue crafting our range of Manual Arts DEpt. hardwood wares. We are also considering adding some small furniture items to the range – watch this space.
In addition, we anticipate our recently launched micro-farm, Northern Exposure, which is developing well, will continue to expand. We are currently growing and harvesting small-batch flowers, branches and foliage.
We are bracing ourselves for busy and exciting times ahead!!
It’s a wonderful time to be in Tenterfield which is experiencing an influx of creative, energetic people providing quality venues and experiences, thereby encouraging visitors and locals alike to explore and appreciate our glorious and historic destination.
For more about Manual Arts DEpt. and Northern Exposure you can learn where its wooden wares are stocked by visiting their website.
Stay in touch with updates at Instagram for Manual Arts DEpt. and Northern Exposure.