Saturday, November 28, 2009

Christmas shopping in Them Thar’ Hills!

Yesterday saw me and my DD Rosie, taking a drive in the Dandenong Ranges to my most favourite hill-side suburb, Sassafras.  There are some absolutely beautiful shops in this country-style setting and the shop-owners kindly agreed for me to take some photos to share with you.

Our first stop was the Sassafras Sweet Co

Sassafras lolly shopfront

…an old-fashioned lolly (sweet/candy) shop where sweets are stored in glass lolly jars on wooden shelves. 

Sassafras lolly shop 1 Sassafras lolly shop 2

Being an expat, it is the place for me to visit when I need “a fix” of English sweeties!  For you expats out there – do you remember these??

Sassafras revels

Revels, Star Bars, Lion Bars and Drifters were among the British confectionary for sale!

Next stop was for my sweet Rosie.  This is an amazing toy/puppet shop called Gepetto’s Workshop

Sassafras gepettos sign 

I used to buy my son’s favourite dragon puppets from this store, although he has outgrown his ‘dragon’ phase now (I haven’t!).  Gepetto’s sells a full range of Folkmanis puppets and they are exceptional in every way possible.  Check out this link if you want to see more from Folkmanis (and don’t forget to scope out the dragons!!!)

Sassafras puppets

Sassafras kitty puppet

This kitty puppet really wanted to follow us home… who knows… he might sneak a lift with Father Christmas some time soon! :-)

We left the store with one small purchase and lots of Christmas inspiration, and took a walk past Miss Marples Tea Rooms to our final destination.

Sassafras miss marples

This quaint store – aptly named, Tea Leaves -  is full of the finest china and an endless array of loose-leaf teas, coffees and chocolates… ornate tea strainers, mugs, and even miniature porcelain tea services for display in dolls houses!

Tea shop outsideSassafras teashop counterSassafras teapots 2

Sassafras teapots

Gorgeous hey?  Tea Leaves also has an online store that you can check out here.  I came away with a little bag of goodies, sorry I cant’ show you as they are intended for Christmas gifts!

Ooh – I also really wanted to show you these delightful ornaments by Jim Shore that were on display in the Gepetto’s store window:

Sassafras Jim Shore

I have a small collection of Jim Shore Christmas ornaments and WOW – would I love to add these to it!!!  If you are interested in seeing more, check out the Jim Shore website, here.  His designs are whimsical, beautiful, endearing, detailed and utterly *magical*!

Gosh I’ve got so much more to catch up on but instead of writing an incredibly long post, I’ll write more regularly this week instead!  How’s your Christmas shopping going?  Are you ‘nearly there’?!!

Until next time – festive hugs!  Vikki x

22 comments:

Allie said...

Oh Vikki - oh my goodness - what a magical place. Miss Marple's Tea Rooms? MUST VISIT. Tea Leaves? Yes, must visit! And I adore Jim Shore's work. I so want to go shopping here with you!!!!

I Purr-Furr to Craft said...

Love this post Vikki!!
other great place to go and see next time you are up there is William Ricketts Sanctuary.i went there once about 10 years ago and have never forgotten it.

Vicki ♥ said...

I have been oooohhhhing and aaaahhhhing over these shops Vik :) I must talk my DH and Inlaws to go up there for a visit. I am sure we will have a wonderful day. I am seriously thinking about getting a Jim Shore piece too..I love them so much and have been waiting for the Aussie dollar to be good against the American dollar to dive in and buy something..actually I have one piece picked out already :) Would love to see your collection :)
hugs sweety :) Vicki

Deb said...

Hi darling Vikki, what an absolutely beautiful array of photos. Those shops are my sort of shops, I love anything olde worlde.
I think I am going to have to talk DH into a trip to Melbourne. It has been many,many years since we lived there (approx 40) but its between you and me ssssshhhhhhh.
Thank you so much for the beautiful tour hun, loved it and can't wait to see more.
hugs Deb xx

Liz said...

Hmmm, haven't been to Miss Marple's for years, must take a trip one day soon, like in the next decade?? Can't believe where the times going!! Great pics Vikki, Sassafrass doesn't seem to have changed much, my favourite is the tea shop too!
Lizzie
XXX

Gloria J W said...

Looks like you had a lovely time with your DD. The shops looked whimsical and pretty. Nice day!!
Rainbow smiles... Gloria

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

As you know, I just love Sassafrass Vikki. I can't believe you weren't tempted to pop in to Miss Marples. LOL
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Abby and Stephanie said...

Such a fun outing! I nearly drooled over Tea Leaves!!!

Unknown said...

What lovely shops you visited . Getting there slowly with Christmas shopping , I'd better get a move on !

Maggi said...

What a fantastic place to visit. Not sure which photos I enjoyed most although the puppets were so cute. No Christmas shopping to do for me, I make everything.

Maria said...

I can see why you love to visit Sassafras. What a wonderful place.There are just so many glorious things to see and enjoy.Just love all the teapots.

Unknown said...

Mercy me, good thing I don't live in Australia, grin, I would be going everyday to Miss Marple's Tea Rooms, I collect teapots and teacups, and am an avid hot tea drinker, thanks for sharing that lovely site. BarbM

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

Oh how wonderful Vikki, what a most amazing place to visit.Looks like a real place to have stroll and enjoy. Thanks so much for taking us there,

Simone de Klerk said...

What a wonderful day you must have had. It all looks so romantic. As in a fairy tale!
Have a lovely Sunday!

Julia said...

It's gorgeous up there in the Dandenong Ranges ... Sassafras is beautiful.
I loved it up in Olinda,,beautiful spot..
Julia ♥

Joy said...

Oooooh, what a fabulous day you and your darling girl had!!! I would absolutely LOVE to visit those places, how quaint and gawjus they are!!!
Hugs to you Sweety!!!
Joy :o)

Micki said...

I loved all of the pics and the shop hopping looked like great fun!
Micki

Micki said...

I loved all of the pics and the shop hopping looked like great fun!
Micki

Jenny of Elefantz said...

I wonder if drooling into my keyboard will be a problem? ;-)

Jude said...

I can see why you want to go shopping, it`s a beautiful area and I would like to visit as well.

Srinity said...

Lovely photos! I want to visit that Gepetto's Workshop! :) That Advent Calendar is gorgeous.
I have done my Christmas present shopping but still have a couple of cross stitch and knitting projects to finish for the gifts. No need to go to grouded shops anymore. :)

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