LIFESTYLE
FOOD & WINE
E C O FA S H I O N
Edition Two Winter 15
editor’s L E T T E R Welcome to the second edition of Slo-fi - the official online magazine by fair trade brand The Dharma Door. Slo-fi is a celebration of the spirit of our brand and so this issue is earthy, textural and brimming with stories about inspirational people with purpose. Our fireside entertaining piece was shot on a beautiful property in Corndale (thanks Bruce Mann!). We had a fabulous time gathering an outdoor fire pit at sunset to enjoy delicious food (see pages 40-52) and wine with friends. A truly memorable experience. We have also discovered the stunning EarthHouse which is literally over the hill from our HQ in Clunes. I enjoyed learning more about this sustainable building, made with locally-sourced rammed earth and timber. The space is a stunning events venue and also the location for our recent product shoot as seen in the pages to follow. In March, I was fortunate to have attended an intensive natural dye course with textile and natural dye master Aboubakar Fofana. Aboubakar has a special message about the preservation of natural indigo on page 16.
“The desire to give of yourself is best tempered with the wisdom to know what others really need”
want to be featured? Be featured in our next edition show us your The Dharma Door product in your home #slofiliving
We also spoke with the couple behind Pampa who are fairlytrading with talented weavers in Argentina to bring beautiful handcrafted woollen rugs to Australia. And honouring local artisans, we’ve featured lovely ‘Earthbender’ Anna-Karina... read all about the inspirations behind her clay pieces on page 30. And finally we loved hearing about Jared Dixon’s relaxed winemaking style and his sustainably-built shed. We hope you enjoy our Winter edition. Make yourself a Mexican hot chocolate, snuggle up, relax and enjoy.
We would love to hear your thoughts... drop us a line at hello@slofimagazine.com.au
Shannon Sheedy
KATE HOLMES
Kate Holmes is an award winning freelance photographer from northern NSW. She loves leaves and trees and all things green. She lives with her son and husband on acreage in Newrybar with a bunch of chooks and fearie wrens. Kate is the photographic talent behind many of The Dharma Door product shoots and our fireside entertaining piece. www.kateholmesphotographer.com.au Melinda owns I Ran The Wrong Way, a consultancy to responsible businesses, is the co-ordinator of Fashion Revolution in Australia and New Zealand and a Board Member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand. Mel wrote our Fashion Revolution story on Page 36.
MELINDA TUALLY
VIKKI BARRACK
Louise Roche is the creative director at the helm of Brisbane’s creative studio The Design Villa. Louise is a product stylist, photographer & graphic designer. Louise lives in north Brisbane with her husband and mini foxie Ella. Louise is the creative graphic design talent behind Slo-fi Magazine. www.thedesignvilla.com
LOUISE PERKINS-ROCHE Ex-Sydney Model/ Choreographer Vikki Graham (Barrack) has called the Northern Rivers home for the past six years. Her vast and colourful collection of vintage clothing and American Indian jewellery lent itself to our fireside story. “I really enjoy styling! It has been a natural progression from modelling for me.” 0410 472 000
Talented food stylist and Texan gal Kristine Duran-Thiessen was the creative behind our beautiful food and fireside entertaining piece. Not only did she style the food, she also created & cooked the recipes! She lives on a 100 acre macadamia farm in the Byron hinterland, with her husband, two pugs, two chickens and angus cattle. www.kristinefoodstylist.com
KRISTINE DURAN-THIESSEN
Editorial: Shannon Sheedy Photography: Kate Holmes Photographer
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inemaker Jared Dixon walks, or perhaps strolls, to the beat of his own drum. “I tend to relax and not force anything in the winemaking process….just let things happen naturally. I don’t stress if things don’t look right and allow the wine to evolve as it wants to.” Jared developed an appreciation for wine during a pivotal time working as a chef in England and returned to Australia to learn the
art of winemaking through study. He found his early experience of working in the corporate wine industry necessary as a foundation however it also helped to shape his desire to forge an independent path with his own style. “There are two types of winemakers - those who rely on figures and machinery and then there are more artistic winemakers who go by feel, taste and intuition” explains Jared. Winemaking is an artistic outlet for Jared. “I love how wines reflect the maker and I hope
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Handmade. Relaxed. Textured. Jared’s living ethos is embodied in Jilly Wine Co. people can taste what I’m trying to express through my wines” he says.
in the skins for more texture and creaminess. A textural finish is important to enjoy the wine with food”.
While the grapes are not organic, the process certainly is. Jared uses native yeast and avoids the uses of added enzymes and acid. Unusually he ferments his white wines on skins and explains, “It’s unconventional but aromatic white varietals require the compounds found
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Since his first vintage in 2012, Jared’s style has been brilliantly represented in his small batch, handmade production across everything from the wine to the raw-edge fabric labels and wax seals, which he applies himself. “There’s
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something very intimate and exclusive about creating just 400 bottles�, Jared explains as a motivation to source grapes from small vineyards and handcraft them on his property in the Byron Bay hinterland. His winemaking shed, a restored former dairy bails is a true reflection of his rustic and textural style. Crafted from repurposed recycled, locally sourced materials, he has created the ideal space within which his viticultural magic is made.
CONTACT: Jared Dixon jillywineco@gmail.com 0414 904 478 www.jillywines.com.au
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BUSINESS WORKSHOP Saturday 20th June HELD IN CLUNES - N.S.W -
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO PROSPER WITHOUT COMPROMISING YOUR ETHICAL VALUES? YOU ARE INVITED TO... •
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• • • •
COST Investment: $300 • Lunch and morning tea • Complimentary glass of wine & nibbles 4-5pm • Take home resource material • Complimentary 30 min mentoring session to be scheduled at your convenience.
Shannon Sheedy Shannon is the founder and co-owner of The Dharma Door, an endorsed Fair Trader of Australia. Since 2004 she has worked with Fair Trade artisans in India, Vietnam and Bangladesh to create sustainable trading relationships by developing a contemporary range of high quality homewares and lifestyle accessories. Shannon recently created Slo-fi Magazine honouring ethical, handmade, slow and lo-fi production. The Dharma Door won the Ethical category at the Gala Gift & Lifestyle Awards in
Learn from the experience of entrepreneurs who have grown a successful ethical business Explore the paradigm of the three pillars of sustainability : people, profit and planet Develop practical tools for operating an ethical business Examine the profound role of emotional intelligence in driving your business Learn how to deliver a premium quality product that leaves a premium footprint Share your experience and insights within a small group of participants (max 8 per group)
DATE TIME
Saturday 20th June 2015 8:45am arrival for a 9-4pm workshop (optional 4-5pm)
VENUE The Dharma Door HQ in Clunes, NSW (25 mins from Byron Bay, 12 mins from Bangalow)
2014 & 2015 and was a finalist in the Ethical Entrepreneur Awards. Shannon has also been a member of the Executive Committee of the Fair Trade Association since 2009.
Mick Sheedy Mick is co-owner of The Dharma Door and has worked in the business since 2011 within a customer service and logistics capacity. His background is in Mental Health Counselling (Groups and Individuals) and Management in the Customer Service field.
For any questions about the workshop, nearby accommodation and more please contact Shannon or Mick on 02 6629 1114 or hello@thedharmadoor.com.au
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MACRAME DOOR CURTAIN Our natural jute door curtains offer a boho luxe aesthetic blended with a touch of style. Intricate hand-knotting and macrame work create a stunning showpiece for your home…beautiful in a doorway, as a room divider or on a deck. Handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh. Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa
Aboubakar Fofana Indigo in his veins...
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pon meeting Aboubakar Fofana one could be forgiven for thinking he has indigo flowing through his veins. Such is his passion for the natural dye. As a boy in Mali, Aboubakar recalls a pivotal moment when his grandmother rubbed leaves between her fingers and like magic, her fingers turned blue. The seed of curiosity was sown and Aboubakar began his lifelong quest to revive the art of natural indigo dyeing.
When he was ten Aboubakar moved to Paris however for holidays he returned to Mali and Guinea to visit relatives and each time learnt more about the amazingly diverse properties of plants and trees, including medicinal and natural indigo. He soon discovered that when synthetic indigo was introduced to Africa, most artisans stopped working with the labourintensive fermented leaf indigo vats. Over time the craft has disappeared within Africa and
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My dream is to develop a sustainable indigo operation in Mali based on tropical permaculture. information was not easily obtained. Aboubakar sought out elders who recalled memories from their childhood of observing their mothers and grandmothers dyeing with natural indigo. Aboubakar pursued his education and career as a graphic designer in Paris however his passion for natural dye only intensified. His holidays and finances were spent pursuing
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knowledge and experimenting with natural dye in Mali. Ethnology & history museums, reading and visiting cultures, such as Japan and India that have a living history of indigo dyeing all provided invaluable knowledge. Time in Japan exchanging knowledge with indigo and shibori Masters resulted in a decision to import thirteen 350L clay vats from
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Japan to his workshop in Mali. An example of his pure dedication to the craft. “Everything that I was trying to achieve in Mali was already a living dition in Japan so my time there was very special. In Japan it is a cultural thing to give distinction to artisans who are dedicated to their craft and of a high skill level. They are regarded as Masters. As national living treasures. In Africa, there is not recognition for artisans who are preserving culture and heritage” says Aboubakar. The fermented indigo vats, much like winemaking, require scientific precision in their preparation and daily attention to ensure for the living blue organism remains alive. Each time Aboubakar left Mali and returned
to Paris, “the vats would spoil because there wasn’t anyone to look after them.” He decided to train people to care for vats and one woman has been learning from the Master for twelve years. This imparting of knowledge is vital to the revival and future of natural indigo dyeing. And therein lies Aboubakar’s motivation, “My hope is to recapture the lost heritage of my country. I must train more people so the art is not lost again. I also want to spread the technique around the world with other artisans, in other cultures, where natural indigo is also being lost”. An accomplished Textile Designer, Calligraphy Artist and Natural Dye Master, Aboubakar has worked with high-end fashion designers,
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The seed of curiosity was sown and Aboubakar began his lifelong quest to revive the art of natural indigo dyeing.
interior designers and held exhibitions of his work around the world. Whilst he enjoys these opportunities to express his creativity, his heart and vision are firmly fixed on the resurrection of natural indigo. Aboubakar explains, “Because of ebola in some regions I haven’t been able to source natural indigo from regular suppliers so there are only very low volumes available. My dream is to develop a sustainable indigo operation in Mali based on tropical permaculture. I have twenty-four hectares and I want people to be able to use it for growing vegetables and keeping animals. Indigo is a cash crop and would provide an instant return for the growers while other crops are growing.”
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“Another goal is for recognition of natural indigo through a label or certification process.” declares Aboubakar. He believes this would uphold the integrity and provenance of natural indigo and provide credibility to the work of indigo artisans worldwide. And maybe just maybe, one day this Master uncompromising on quality and detail, will discover his ultimate shade of blue.
CONTACT: johanna.macnaughtan@gmail.com Instagram: @aboubakarfofana
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JUTE BOWLS
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The baby sisters in The Dharma Door Jute Basket family! Crafted using premium jute, they are wholly hand woven and hand stitched. Colour is derived only from natural sources including tannin, iron and pomegranate seeds. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, plants, toys‌ Bringing positive change to artisan communities through Fair Trade since 2008 with this collection.
e g a r o t s clever
Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au
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Handmade. Fairly Traded. Preserving heritage.
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business start up is tough in anyone’s language. If however it’s something you embark upon after moving to an entirely new country and with products sourced from remote villages, it presents another layer of challenges altogether. Pampa shares their journey with us...
WHY DID YOU START PAMPA? Vicki: Carl is from Australia and we met in the Atacama Desert in Argentina. I was doing a photo journalism article and Carl was travelling. Things moved quickly after we met and after only four months I moved to
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Australia. The move was really hard for me. It was like a disaster and I cried and cried for weeks! Pampa was born out of my homesickness. It was a way for me to reconnect with my culture in order to be happy. One day I was walking through Brisbane and saw some Peruvian rugs in a store and thought “wow, this reminds me of home”. I have an aunty who runs a social enterprise so I took plane back to Argentina and travelled to weaving artisan communities after talking with NGO’s. The communities are very hard to access. We prepared our first collection of 40-50 of ready-made rugs in late
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2013. We knew nothing! Our first collection was a mix of different communities and there was no consistency or flow. But I fell in love with the possibility of what we could do with the communities.
WHAT TRADITIONAL SKILLS DO THE ARTISANS USE TO HANDCRAFT YOUR PRODUCTS?
AND HOW DO YOU WORK OUT PRICING WITH THE ARTISANS?
Vicki: The communities have their own sheep or they buy wool if it’s a hard year. The sheep are hand clipped, the wool is hand spun and hand dyed (some natural and some synthetic). For natural dyes they source native plants from around the area, the grey colour is from ash, roots are used as well as yerba and onion skins. They are also trying to resume indigo in Argentina. The weaving work is done at home on hand-looms. The looms are the width of arm, which is why our rugs are sections joined together. These are called ‘unions’.
WHY IS ETHICAL PRODUCTION AND PRESERVING HERITAGE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
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Vicki: It’s for a better world. Products seem to have lost their soul. Giving opportunities to the artisans is important. The world is changing and artisans are asking ‘do we have to change as well?’. A lot of men have to travel to cities for work and women and girls are having to travel to work also. Families are split as a result.
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Vicki: We learnt this from organisations that have previously worked with the communities. The artisans set their own pricing based on labour, time and the skill required to produce the rug. Pampa encourages communities to keep timesheets and the cost of raw materials so they can accurately gauge the cost of each rug. We never bribe or haggle with communities. When we visit we have group meetings with the artisans and pricing is discussed openly. Designs and quality are also discussed so everyone can learn from other artisans who are good producers.
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It’s continuing the tradition and a sense of pride in their weaving and culture. There was once was a negative stigma around weaving in the previous generation, but now they are big earners and there is a positive perception.
WHAT POSITIVE IMPACTS OR SOCIAL BENEFITS HAVE YOU OBSERVED FROM TRADING WITH THE ARTISANS? Vicki: The communities that are doing well are self-sustaining, even the husbands are learning to weave and get involved in the process. This is keeping families together to be involved in weaving careers.
Some children are now going to university as a result of weaving income. Many older generations are illiterate and at the school now that the kids attend have newly started weaving classes. Not all communities are progressing. They need involvement from Pampa to help them also, and in time this could happen however as we are a small business we cannot help everyone at the moment.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Vicki: A connection with home and my culture. If we don’t go there (to communities) no one will give them a chance. When we first started it was like an adventure, exploring and taking photos but
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now it’s not just us, its us and the families. We know each individual artisan who makes the rugs and when we sell a rug it’s not just a sale for us its one for them also. Every sale that we can make in Australia is not only a sale for us but for the artisan and ultimately the community. Carl: The same things as Vicki. Also preserving a skill that has been around for hundreds of years so it’s not lost forever. It is so close to extinction and that’s why the artisans are so hard to find. It’s not easy to source our rugs because the skills are so rare and the communities are so remote.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF PAMPA? Vicki: We have so many ideas! In the short term, selling in a more constant flow to guarantee each weaver a stable career. We feel a sense of responsibility and it will break my heart if things don’t work. We are determined to make it work! www.pampa.com.au
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STRING BASKETS with leather handles
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The Dharma Door has merged the textures of knotted jute string with the luxe of leather. Timeless in it’s appeal and handcrafted to the highest quality this piece will not only look great as a laundry basket or plant pot, it will also endure the test of time. This new collection, designed by Shannon Sheedy, has been handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh. Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa
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The beauty of EarthHouse is it’s ambience... Photography: Kate Holmes Photographer
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here’s an intangible feeling upon entering EarthHouse. A sense of calm. Of feeling grounded and enveloped by the textured earth walls. An indefinable energy. Munro Black, with his mum Jackie, are the proud owners of this unique event space in the Byron Bay hinterland. Jackie and her late husband Alistair bought the 100 acre property ten years ago and built their rammed earth home and a bed & breakfast with two queen rooms. They touched on the idea of an event space all those years ago however it wasn’t until Munro returned from a long stint of working on superyachts that the idea was revisited and brought to fruition.
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The building is truly a labour of love. Earth in the walls is sourced from nearby Pottsville and crafted by a local builder who is one of only four in Australia specialising in this building style. Impressive timber beams, built using traditional blacksmith pins compliment the walls and lend a luxe European feel. Munro sourced and helped fell twenty-four old cypress pine trees, each weighing a tonne, to ensure the character of the beams and fireplace mantel suited the building. “Everything in the EarthHouse is simple but to a very high standard, from the antique tiles
to imported fixtures in the bathrooms” says Munro. The 180 degree view across rolling green valleys to the northern ranges provides a stunning backdrop for events. The beauty of the EarthHouse is it’s ambience. Nestled in a private location, the property features a magnificent fig tree ideally suited to presiding over wedding ceremonies. With capacity of up to 120 people, this exceptional space offers a blank canvas for guests to create events with their own distinct style.
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FOR EARTHHOUSE WEDDINGS & EVENTS EarthHouse is an official venue partner of the Byron Bay Wedding Fair. Check out this beautiful space between 10am-4pm on 20th & 21st June. Entry is free.
CONTACT: Munro Black events@theearthhouse.com.au 0427 484 837 www.theearthhouse.com.au
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WOVEN BASKETS with leather handles The beauty of these baskets is the simplicity of the natural jute weave complemented by hand stitching on the leather handles. Available in three sizes and ideal for any decor style. This new collection, designed by Shannon Sheedy, has been handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh. Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa
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TRIO OF WOVEN POTS Bring understated style into your home with this textural trio of Woven Jute Pots. Perfect for plants, in the bathroom, the playroom and general storage. This new trio, designed by Shannon Sheedy, has been handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh. Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa
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Anna-Karina how clay found it’s way into her soul... Photography: Kate Holmes Photographer
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years ago Anna-Karina began her craft Contemporary,Six designs with the intention of only making a beautiful with a functional bowltwist. for herself. Clay found it’s way into her
here’s a whole psychology around embracing imperfection in Anna-Karina’s work. “Initially I wanted to make something so completely perfect but then when I did that it felt soulless.” Her pieces, beautiful in their imperfection, individuality and natural colour palette are a true reflection of this self-described Earthbender.
soul and she now has a studio in the lovely village of Bangalow, where she creates plates, bowls and vessels for restaurants, shops and her small retail space. Whilst the pieces Anna-Karina currently makes are functional, she has a strong desire to produce more
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“I like to play with shape & texture and to contrast the heavy & bold with light & fine” she has a strong desire to produce more artistic and sculptural work. “I feel that I need to exhaust this subject - functional ware - until I’m ready to share the deeper part of my psyche that will be on show with more artistic pieces. I think I need to be a little bit more braver. I have a lot of respect for anyone in any creative industry. You’re wearing your heart on your sleeve and exposing yourself”, she shares.
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Anna-Karina was left with an insatiable thirst for knowledge after studying ceramics at TAFE. “There were a lot of things that were not taught that I wanted to learn. I wanted to know that if I’m going to put food on a plate that I’ve made, what is in the pigments, the glaze.” And so she started researching glazing at a deeper level by reading voraciously and emailing ceramic artists all over the world. “Using clay
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“This work is a way of inventing an identity, a path, a kind of history for me.”
is never a precise art but I wanted to know the nitty-gritty of certain ingredients. Now, I make every single glaze”, she says.
things that are made by hand, by an artisan. Old artefacts, vessels, tombs, calligraphy and ancient hammered jewellery.”
When delving for her inspiration Anna-Karina reflects on her personal identity, “I have mixed race and I don’t identify with any of the cultures that I’m from. And sometimes I don’t identify as Australian. This work is a way of inventing an identity, a path, a kind of history for me.”Travel and history also have a significant impact on her creative process, “The places that I love to go to when I’m travelling are always history museums. I am drawn to
Perhaps her relationship with landscape offers the greatest insight into Anna-Karina’s work. “The neutral colours of my glazes are a reflection of my surroundings. I live on a farm and I don’t have any curtains so I’m surrounded by the beautiful shades of nature everyday. If I used a colour it would be a soft pink from the sunset. I suspect I would make completely different work if I was in an urban situation”, she says of the this key influence.
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“The neutral colours of my glazes are a reflection of Anna-Karina’s studio is located in Station St, Bangalow, New South Wales, my surroundings’ Australia. She has stockists in Sydney, Adelaide and New Zealand and is currently building a website. Follow her on Instagram: @annakarinae. To see Anna-Karina’s pieces in use, visit our campfire food piece on page __
And what motivates this Earthbender? “I enjoy everything about creating each piece. When you create with clay you are part of the clay. It has a physical aspect. It is me imprinting myself physically in the clay. I’ve had so many jobs in my life and I feel the most comfortable and authentic when I’m here doing this. I aim to reflect the honesty of me. Everything that I create is a natural extension of myself.” And for those lucky enough to acquire one of Anna-Karina’s pieces it is heartwarming to know, “I literally will not let a piece go unless I really love it.”
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ANNA-KARINA’S STUDIO Station St, Bangalow, New South Wales, Australia. Anna-Karina has stockists in Sydney, Adelaide and New Zealand. Website coming soon. Instagram: @annakarinae. To see Anna-Karina’s pieces in situ visit our fireside food story on page 44.
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RIPPLE BASKETS
The extent of intricate detail alone makes these baskets exceptional. Beautiful handwoven designs and rope handles offer texture, while the natural jute tones ensure they will slot right into your bedroom, laundry or living room effortlessly. This collection, designed by Shannon Sheedy, has been handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh who have been practicing the art of macrame since the 1970’s. Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa Chair by BohoBleu
INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHTS @tabletonic
@shelleypantonstore
@hipdigs
@southwoodhome
@katedixondesign
@freedomwig @vicandvelour
@theyellowroombytinac
@misterwhite_
We asked and you shared! Here are some of our favourite instagram posts featuring The Dharma Door product in your home or store.
Editorial – Mel Tually Photo by Matt Hoggett
Photo by Moonbird Designs
“…we encourage citizens to ask the brands they love #whomademyclothes”
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ess than two years since an idea spawned a movement for increased transparency in the fashion sector, Fashion Revolution Day has become a volunteer led global campaign in over 70 countries.
anniversary of the collapse, we aim to highlight the fashion industry’s most pressing issues, from exploitation to pollution, and engage local communities to demand greater transparency throughout the supply chain.
On April 24 2013, the Rana Plaza garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed killing 1133 people and injuring 2500. The building was found to have illegal floors added, which buckled under the weight of heavy generators and machinery used to produce clothing for some of the biggest brands in the world. This accident was the largest but certainly not the first in the garment sector. Fashion Revolution Day says enough is enough.
In an effort to shift our focus from the end product to the people behind what we wear, we encourage citizens to ask the brands they love #whomademyclothes, creating a platform for open, transparent conversations and serving as a reminder that human hands still make all that we wear today. This year local retailers and brands KitX, David Jones, CUE, Nobody Denim and Ginger & Smart joined international brands including American Apparel and Stella McCartney in supporting the movement. Doco screenings, panel discussions, fashion parades and swaps, shopper nights and online forums
Through a social media campaign and series of international events that take place on the
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Photo - RMIT students
took place around the world which proved a wonderful opportunity for businesses that produce responsibly to promote themselves and share their stories. Over 90% of clothing sold in Australia is made offshore. This doesn’t mean that when we outsource our production we can outsource our responsibility. Just as we now demand to know the provenance and ingredients of what we eat, we are demanding to know the conditions of how and where our clothes are made. Despite the complexity of the supply chain in the fashion and textile industries, everyone deserves the dignity and respect to work in a safe environment. No one should be losing their lives in the name of fashion.
JOIN THE REVOLUTION AT FASHIONREVOLUTION.ORG AND SUPPORT BRANDS BRINGING YOU RESPONSIBLY MADE THREADS LIKE: Bhalo: www.bhaloshop.com Kowtow: www.kowtowclothing.com Liminal Apparel: www.liminal.org.au Moonbird Designs: www.moonbird.com.au Nico Underwear: www.nicounderwear.com Nobody Denim: www.nobody.com.au Sinerji Organic:www.sinerji.com.au The Social Outfit: www.thesocialoutfit.org Vege Threads: www.vegethreads.com Yevu: www.yevuclothing.com
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BONE BEADS The perfect styling accessory for a beach house, a tribal vibe or any natural vignette. Our bone beads have been handcarved from ethically-sourced bone and strung on thick natural jute twine. And you can wear them too! Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa
Editorial - Shannon Sheedy
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ute Baskets are the flagship collection for The Dharma Door. Working closely with artisan partners located in remote villages throughout Bangladesh, we ensure Fair Trade standards and quality are consistently upheld.
who has been making jute baskets since 2012. Her husband Alo and 18 year old son are both agricultural labourers. She has another son and daughter who are both school age. Her family doesn’t have any cattle, poultry or agricultural land to care for.
Our partners work from their homes or craft centres, hand weaving and stitching beautiful baskets for our customers to enjoy in their own homes. We spoke with Lily Begum, 41,
“We don’t even have any own land. We live in a small hut on government land because we lost our agriculture land and house due to river erosion.” Lily says.
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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
lily DESCRIBE WHAT A TYPICAL DAY IS LIKE FOR YOU? “I wake up at 6am, clean our home and prepare food for all of our family including my mother-in-law who lives with us. I then do some jute craft work at home and help the children prepare for school. Most days I work in the jute craft centre with other women from our community between 10 am to 4pm and then return home. If there are days when I don’t have jute craft work I make popped rice (Muri) to sell. I then take care of dinner and chores for the family and sometimes if work is available, I continue making jute baskets and go to sleep at around 10pm.”
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WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR WORK? “Many women work together, which is enjoyable and we are all earning a good wage. If I can earn, I can spend for family, especially for our children’s education. I like that there’s no need to ask to my husband for money. These earnings are helpful for our family and our future.”
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE POSITIVE IMPACTS FROM JUTE BASKET WEAVING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? “It is an opportunity to earn for my family’s needs. My husband is very happy due to my earning and it means our children can be educated. We (jute basket artisans) now have savings and loan opportunities through our self-managed Saving Loan Group.
We have a future from jute basket work income and it and increases my dignity in our family as an earning wife.”
WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE? “I want to work to earn more and we will invest in cattle with my savings. We will be a happy family with this type earning source. Continued jute basket work will improve our livelihood. I would like to to see some assistance for us to arrange a system for when we become old and can’t work anymore.”
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US? “Thanks to people who are supporting our work by buying the baskets we make. We would like to work more for the future of our families and community development.”
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STRIPED JUTE BASKETS Classic natural and charcoal stripes to enhance your living space. Our baskets are durable, eco-friendly and will work well in most decors. Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Malawi chair from African Trading Port
JUTE BASKETS
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Handmade. Fair Trade. Natural Dyes. The flagship collection for The Dharma Door, these Jute Baskets are exclusive in their quality. Crafted using premium jute, they are wholly hand woven and hand stitched. Colour is derived only from natural sources including tannin, iron and pomegranate seeds. Bringing positive change to artisan communities through Fair Trade since 2008 with this collection!
Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa
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Recipes & Food Styling: Kristine Duran-Thiessen Styling: Vikki Barrack & Shannon Sheedy Photography: Kate Holmes Photographer
slo-fi WINTER ENTERTAINING
Clothing: Adult knitwear from Lazybones. All other clothing and jewellery model’s or stylist’s own. With special thanks to Bruce Mann for the beautiful location, Anna-Karina for ceramic tableware, Jilly Wine Co, and to the models Zack, Llan, Vikki, Ali, Kristine, Martha, Otto, Daisy and Bart the Wonderdog.
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Mexican (Tex-Mex) Campfire Chilli Pork Topped with cheese , avocado, tangy pickled jalapenos and fresh coriander to serve. SERVES:4-6 PREPARATION: 20 MINUTES COOKING: 1 HOUR 1.5 kilos free-range, boneless pork shoulder chopped into 4cm chunks (ask your butcher) 2 tbsp macadamia oil 500ml salt-reduced beef stock 1 x 400g can Italian whole tomatoes, crushed 250 ml tomato passata 1-2 tbsp chipotle chillis in adobo sauce 1 tbsp Mexican chili powder 1 tbsp paprika 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp raw sugar ½ tsp. cracked pepper 1 x 400g can borlotti beans, rinsed Garnish: Finely grated tasty cheese sour cream 2 ripe avocados pickled jalapenos ½ bunch coriander leaves Corn chips
1. Preheat oven to 170°C or 150°C fan-forced. 2. Bring a heavy-based large saucepan to a medium/high heat, add a third of the oil. Brown pork in three batches all over along with a little more oil until caramelized in color. Remove each batch of pork to a plate. When the final batch is caramelized, return rest of pork to pan. Add remaining oil and garlic, sauté for one minute. 3. Add stock, tomatoes, passata, spices and sugar, bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes, remove from heat, cover in foil and place in oven for 1 hour. 4.Remove pot from oven, carefully remove the foil and lid ( be careful as there will be a lot of steam) 5. Using two forks, gently tear the pork pieces apart, they should tear apart easily. 6.Stir beans through and allow to stand until beans are warmed through and serve with garnishes of choice.
slo-fi WINTER ENTERTAINING
TIPS: Serve with warmed flour or corn tortillas to make tacos at the table. Try www.donacholita.com.au for delicious (naturally gluten-free) certified organic, non-gmo corn flour tortillas.
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h c t a m t c perfe
2014 White Wolf is a super light fresh aromatic red made from 100% New England Nebbiolo. Aromatics of roses, dry herbs and cherries lead into a soft silky smooth palate of black currant and plum.
www.jillywines.com.au
slo-fi WINTER ENTERTAINING
TIPS: These are best made and eaten the same day.
Tortilla chips (‘Totopos’) MAKES 36-40 SMALL CHIPS SERVES 4 PREPARATION: 15 MINUTES COOKING: 30 MINUTES 12 Dona cholita corn tortillas, or good quality Mexican white corn tortillas, cut into triangle shapes 1 Litre vegetable oil, or macadamia oil salt to taste 1.Fill a deep, heavy based saucepan with vegetable oil, about 2-3cm deep. Bring to a medium-high heat. When you add a bit of tortilla it should immediately start to fry. If it does not bubble up it is not hot enough and will just absorb the oil. 2. Add ‘chips’ in batches of around 10 and fry for 1.5 minutes until lightly golden brown and they stop bubbling as much as they first did. 3. Remove each batch to a plate or wire rack lined with paper towels , lightly sprinkling with salt for each batch. 4. Layer paper towel after each batch, and remove chips to a large bowl. Keep uncovered until ready to serve. Serve with pork chilli.
Keep the kids (and adults) happy with delicious cacao and coconut hot chocolate
slo-fi WINTER ENTERTAINING
Mexican Cacao and Coconut Hot Chocolate SERVES 4-6 Preparation: 5 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Dairy free 400 ml coconut cream 400 ml coconut milk 1/3 cup cacao powder (not cocoa powder) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 60ml honey pinch of sea salt
NOTE: Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cocoa and removes the fat (cacao butter). Cocoa looks the same but it’s not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures. Roasting changes the molecular structure of the cocoa bean, reducing the enzyme content and lowering the nutritional value. Seek out Fairtrade certified or direct trade cacoa.
Combine coconut milk and cream in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to a boil, being careful it does not boil over (this can happen quickly). Return to a low heat and add cacao and cinnamon whisking until dissolved completely. Whisk in honey, serve immediately with Mexican wedding cookies or a biscuit of choice that is not too sweet. 
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slo-fi W I N T FE OR OEDN T&E W R TI N A IE N I N G
Mexican Wedding Cookie MAKES 32 PREPARATION: 15 MINUTES COOKING: 15-20 MINUTES 200g unsalted butter, room temperature 3/4 cup icing mixture, sifted , plus 1/3 cup more for rolling 1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract 2 cups flour 3/4 cup macadamia nuts, chopped roughly
Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside. Using a fork in a large mixing bowl, whisk butter, vanilla and the ½ cup icing mixture until lighter in color, fluffy and smooth. Whisk flour into mixture slowly once incorporated , and then whisk in nuts. Using your hands, knead into a soft dough. Roll dough into 3cm balls and place evenly onto prepared tray. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cookies become a light golden brown color. Remove and cool for 10 minutes on a cooling rack. Roll cookies in reserved icing mixture whilst warm and place back on rack until thoroughly cool. Enjoy with Mexican hot chocolate. Store in an airtight container.
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TASSEL BASKETS
Cloaked in jute tassels this playful basket offers an instant stand out piece for any room. A perfect option if you want to introduce boho luxe or tribal into your home in practical style. This new piece, designed by Shannon Sheedy, has been handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh. Find them at www.thedharmadoor.com.au Rug by Pampa Malawi chair from African Trading Port
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The Dharma Door designs & sources Fair Trade, sustainable homewares and lifestyle products. Products that tell a story with every stitch and every fibre. www.thedharmadoor.com.au
Facebook/TheDharmaDoor
Instagram: @thedharmadoor
Endorsed Fair Trader of Australia
Pinterest: thedharmadoor