Why we've been quiet here..

The Untold Story of Why We’ve Been Quiet ...
Or lessons I've learnt whilst packing up our antique life

If you’ve noticed things have been a little quiet around here lately, there’s a good reason..

We’ve been busy behind our much-loved doors, condensing our antique life into a container and a jam-packed workshop. These past few months have been a blur of boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and the kind of sentimental chaos that comes with dismantling an addiction to collecting and downsizing our working lives.  Naturally, what started as a practical task quickly turned into something slightly more reflective.
That’s why packing takes more time than you think. Start early. 

Read more..

Peeling Away The Layers ... 

There’s nothing like opening the doors of a gorgeous French buffet (found at a flea market in the South of France) and stumbling on a stash of ‘must-have’ props or some rainy-day projects.  Amidst the packing, a reluctant stocktake has been undertaken and a few treasured pieces have been added to the online store. The Norwegian ceramics and the Milsons Point sign were a tough call. 
Letting go of material things frees up physical space and head space.

One of the things I’ll miss about having a bricks-and-mortar store is the chance conversations and friends we've made along the way. Wanderers who love the vibe—happy travellers raving about Byron, locals who stumbled upon us, and loyal folk who have followed our pivots through the past 20++years. Some customers have become lifelong friends, a few we'll be happy to never see again 😊  It is a reminder of how the community ultimately loses when small independent retailers close, regardless of the reason. 
Shop local, support the small businesses in your hood. 

Amid the boxes and goodbyes, I managed to sneak in a road trip down south to visit my mum before the Christmas chaos set in. It was a much-needed pause—and the solid 13-hour drive  (with a stop in Sydney both ways) gave me plenty of time to reflect and plan our next steps.
It's always good to step away and come back.

We’ve seen a lot of change in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate since 2018.  When we first set up here, it still had rough edges—as evolution from a tip and industrial zone into a bohemian creative hub gave the area its imperfect charm. But, like so many places reshaped by the post-Covid economy, that character is slowly being homogenised. Byron is in a state of flux, and it will be interesting to see where and how we land, both as a place and a community.

Thankfully, we've packed the last box just in time for Christmas and the summer season. We have unearthed a few favourite treasures along the way. The online store has been updated…. And we can hear the call of the beach, look out for a summer-time post in the New Year, or say hi on @elements_I_love_byron