For Carol Jackson and David Bunic – the creative team behind local biz Manual Arts DEpt – it was an escape to the country a few years back that reignited their passion for creating things. Having previously owned a espresso bar in Brisbane, the couple yearned to go rural and the results are amazing.
Their range of homewares and accessories mirrors the aesthetic they’re now surrounded by and I’ve become one of Carol and David’s most-recent devotees. They describe their wood work as charming, quirky and joyful – and I’ll add unique, innovative and unexpected to the list, too.
“Our designs are a culmination of many phases, with the first inkling of an idea bubbling around in the brain for some time,” David tells me, when I ask where their inspiration comes from. “Followed by an onslaught of discussions, sketches, prototyping, testing and eventually if all goes well, a final design is put out into the world!”.
Below: The fishtail soundbox is Dave’s personal fave due to its technical aspects and functionality.
Carol explains that the pair always keep the customer in mind when they’re creating pieces, which are made using a combination or machinery and traditional woodworking craftsmanship.
“We believe designing and working with a joyful spirit will translate to the work we produce and in turn bring joy to the recipient,” she says.
The homewares in this collection all feature a simplistic and no-fuss vibe, allowing the wood grain to shine and the shapes to create interest. My faves picks are the teapot trivet at the top of this post, the wine bottle holder (below) and the coffee and tea coasters (also above).
Carol tells me that their more personalised pieces are also resonating with customers.
“The text message personalised keepsake (above) is definitely proving to have an emotional response with people who are taking the opportunity to send a heartfelt message in their own words,” she explains. “The recipient can treasure [it] as a memento for a lifetime”.
Together for 21 years, Carol and David are soon to embark on some new Manual Arts DEpt creations.
“We are currently working on some exciting concepts relating to the wedding industry,” they tell me. “There are also a couple of those ideas at brain-bubbling stage and about to be prototyped any day now!”.
If you’d like to check out the Manual Arts DEpt Etsy store, just click here.
