ISSUE 15 | SUMMER 2017/2018
CALIFORNIA NAILS: OMBRÉ PLASTER FOR VINTAGE DESIGN
DECORATIVE EFFECTS WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
FROM MELBOURNE TO MARRAKESH
STYLING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Summer 2017/2018
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New Splitstone effect using ROCKCOTE Marrakesh Photography: Ross Eason Artisan: Luke Russell
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The Natural Artisan
SUMMER 2017/ 2018
CONTENTS 04
COMFORT ZONE: JESS HOLDSWORTH
Deeper stories There’s something quintessentially contemporary yet beautifully traditional about handcrafted objects. Old is new again, interpreted in inventive ways to suit modern design and living. I’m relishing this new mindset where there’s a greater awareness of the impacts of fast fashion and mass produced items on the environment and our health. Many of us are seeking out products with deeper stories that resonate on a personal level, acknowledging the incredible talents of people in our communities that make their living from artisanal crafts and hand made items. This issue of The Natural Artisan celebrates the essence of the handcrafted – from the luscious pink ombré plaster walls at California Nails in Sydney to the rustic themes of Mykonos at Baskk. We take handcrafted finishes to a different level with the launch of our textured internal wall finishes, created with natural lime plasters. Mel Cahani pays homage to the skills of traditional European plaster masters in her story about a workshop with a local Tadelakt Malaam (Master) in Marrakesh. I hope this issue inspires you to seek out and support your local artisans. Check out Create. DO! Inspire. for some ideas.
Rebecca Park, Editor
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CREATE. DO. INSPIRE!
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CALIFORNIA NAILS: OMBRÉ PLASTER FOR VINTAGE DESIGN
14 DECORATIVE EFFECTS WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
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FROM MELBOURNE TO MARRAKESH
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STYLING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
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BASKK IN NATURAL FINISHES
Cover Image: The luxurious California Nails salon in Sydney, styled by TomMarkHenry with plaster finishes by artisan Chris Carr. See story on page 08. Cover photography: Damian Bennett
The Natural Artisan: bringing together ‘the makers’ of all kinds to celebrate and share the art of crafting beautiful spaces and objects. We do this with a collective intention to live in tune with nature.
EDITORIAL Editor: Rebecca Park editor@thenaturalartisan.com Design: Tiam Whitfield Editorial Consultant: Tony Thorogood Print Consultant: Steve Hall
As Tolkien said in The Fellowship of the Ring: “We put the thought of all that we love into all that we make.”
Summer 2017/2018
Published by ROCKCOTE 18 Machinery Road, YANDINA QLD 4561
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"I fill my kitchen with good food, different plants and things I find along the way..."
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The Natural Artisan
Jessica Holdsworth During my childhood, I spent time on an organic farm in Gippsland, Victoria. It was a Hare Krishna farm, with vegetarian Indian and Ayurvedic food. We were a hundred kilometres or so from any shop, so we cooked from what was available in the garden, and used a lot of spices. My love of cooking and the values I have around food started there. We had a great spice collection. As a kid, I got to experiment a lot and learnt to cook from the heart. I always had a fascination with India and Indian food but didn’t go there until I was thirty. As expected, I really connected with the people and their cooking practices. The act of preparing and sharing food brings them together as families and communities and I loved being part of that. While visiting a small village out of Mumbai, I observed organic farming and spent time with the locals, learning their methods for preparing and mixing spices. I always knew I would launch a business around food and it was here that Love My Earth evolved. We make certified organic dahl and curry mixes. The spice blending is already done, so you only add water, vegetables and protein depending on the product being used. The mixes are inspired by India and prepared to suit western taste preferences. My kitchen looks a little bare at the moment as I’ve only just moved in. As long as I have the basics, I can prepare tasty food that nourishes the body. I literally cook with spices every day, even for breakfast...I fry my eggs in spices! I fill my kitchen with good food, different plants and things I find along the way like my trusty wooden chopping board, and ceramic spoons handmade by my friend Eve from Licorice Moon. For me, being in the kitchen is calming and relaxing. Cooking is my way of giving. It brings me joy to make food for someone and for them to feel good after eating food I have prepared. You can see the goodness of the meal nourishing them and hopefully making them feel happy too. www.lovemyearth.net
Photography: Tiam Whitfield
Summer 2017/2018
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Handcrafted THE ESSENCE OF STONE: MARRAKESH SPLITSTONE EFFECT
Splitstone is a truly captivating wall finish, handcrafted by modern plaster artisans with ROCKCOTE Marrakesh lime plaster. Featuring intricate “veins”, this finish is created with a special technique. Coloured tints can be used for artistic effect. See page 14 for details
A PERFECT MATCH
Lobo designer furniture has joined creative forces with influential multi-medium artist Jules Hunt to launch Jules X Lobo. Combining Lobo's hallmark handcrafted timber style with Jules' new fabric range, the team has created objets d'art that are alluring, comfortable and elegant. loboworkshop.com.au juleshunt.design
TEXTILE TEXTURE: HEMP STRING BAG
Ideal for weekend markets and shopping trips, this hemp bag from Dharma Door is handmade by fair trade artisans in Bangladesh. Strong and flexible, the natural fibre allows the bag to stretch as it fills. It’s also an ideal way to hang a touch of texture in your home. thedharmadoor.com.au/products/ jumbo-hemp-string-bag-natural
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The Natural Artisan
OAK PENDANT LIGHT BY ROSS GARDAM
Each shade in the Ross Gardam pendant collection is handcrafted and defined by the grain of the oak selected. The body of the light is accentuated by the intersecting hole, which allows a variety of hanging options. Available in four finishes including Blackwood Oak and Natural Oak (pictured). Photography: Hadyn Cattach rossgardam.com.au/collection/oak
EXQUISITE GLASS ART
This exquisite handcrafted vase displays the strong hues, opacity and density of colour that attracted glass artist, Brenden Scott French to the medium. The vase features a lustrous matte outer and gloss finished interior. jamfactory.com.au/products/gypsy-vase
DESIGNER RUGS
Designer Rugs give the ancient art of hand knotted rugs a contemporary twist. Carefully handcrafted in the finest wools, silks and bamboo, the rugs take up to six months to create. Each step of the dying, weaving and carving process is done by human hands. Many styles are collaborations with iconic Australian designers and artists. designerrugs.com.au
Summer 2017/2018
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COVER STORY
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The Natural Artisan
A luxurious urban nail salon uses gorgeous plaster walls to achieve a vintage Venice Beach look.
The intention was to create an inviting space, using natural finishes, offering a healthier experience for staff and clients. Artisan: Chris Carr | Photography: Damian Bennett Summer 2017/2018
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THE TEAM AT TOMMARKHENRY DESIGN STUDIO HAS A FLAIR FOR OFFERING NEW TAKES ON THE EXPECTED, IMBUED WITH LAYERS OF MEANING AND INTERESTING QUIRKS.
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his exploration of layers is evident in their design for California Nails in Sydney’s upmarket Barangaroo development.
Welcoming and feminine, the salon challenges the cold, clinical setting generally offered by urban nail stores. By exploring interpretations of the business name, a contemporary, yet retro design concept with nods to vintage Venice Beach in California was born.
A colour palette of soft pinks and greens, retro décor, vibrant palms and plentiful curves deliver the concept flawlessly. Custom touches and installation art offer a tangible connection to the salon’s purpose. Both the design team and the client sought a space that was unlike other nail salons, according to TomMarkHenry designer Jade Nottage. “The intention was to create a very warm space that was a far cry from the traditional nail salon, which tends to be quite austere and not a space that you want to spend time in. We wanted this to be inviting, relaxing and an appealing retreat for clients,” Jade said. Walls and ceilings were hand rendered in ROCKCOTE Clay Plaster Décor by Artisan Chris Carr, providing textural warmth. To provide protection from product spillage and knocks, the bottom section of the walls is MDF, with a routed vertical line to continue the retro theme. CONTINUED
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The Natural Artisan
“We wanted this to be inviting, relaxing and an appealing retreat for clients.” – Jade Nottage
The Clay Plaster Décor walls are graduated in colour across the two substrates with decorative wall sconces amplifying the effect of the render.
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“...we sought to balance the toxins used in a nail salon with walls covered in a natural product to offer a healthier experience for both staff and clients.�
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The Natural Artisan
The rendered walls are graduated in colour across the two substrates, the ombré's dark tone at floor level becoming natural white towards the ceiling. Decorative wall sconces cast light onto the texture, amplifying the effect of the render. “The clay render is the hero of the space without a doubt,” says Jade. “We worked with the artisan to achieve a smooth finish with a visible texture that is easy for the naked eye to see and appreciate.” The natural, non-toxic and zero VOC formulation of Clay Plaster Décor contributed to the Green Star rating of the fit-out, a requirement for all stores and apartments in the Green Star rated Barangaroo complex. “We have Clay Plaster Décor in our own office and have experienced first-hand how it contributes to improved indoor air quality,” Jade said. “Here we sought to balance the toxins used in a nail salon with walls covered in a natural product to offer a healthier experience for both staff and clients.” Custom geometric designs throughout the salon feature a circle shape with a half moon, to represent the shapes found on a fingernail. An art installation in the front window, the divider at the front counter, privacy screens and custom door handle base plates, feature the same circle and half moon geometry. Pendant lights provide task lighting for the manicure tables and add sculptural geometric appeal, while burgundy and pink leather gaming chairs amp up the retro feel. - Rebecca Park
PROJECT DETAILS California Nails, International Tower 2, Barangaroo Sydney Designed by: TomMarkHenry
Artisan: Chris Carr
Photography: Damian Bennett
Summer 2017/2018
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DECORATIVE EFFECTS WITH NATURAL MATERIALS New perspectives on texture
INFLUENCED BY THE RUSTIC AND TEXTURED EFFECTS APPEARING IN CAFÉS AND RETAIL STORES, MORE HOMEOWNERS ARE SEEKING OUT TEXTURED FINISHES FOR INTERNAL WALLS. ROCKCOTE has launched a series of decorative effects for our Natural Materials range, with three stunning new looks that can be achieved by artisans. Distinctive and expressive, these effects offer a bold new way to think of plaster finishes. Artisans use creative techniques and specialist tools to achieve
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the looks, which are complemented by shimmery glazes from Giorgio Graesan. Artisans are pushing the boundaries of what has been done before and working with their clients to create truly captivating, personalised designs for interior walls and features.
The Natural Artisan
Splitstone Capture the essence of stone with Splitstone, a theatrical, tactile finish featuring handcrafted “veins� woven throughout. Created with ROCKCOTE Marrakesh, Splitstone displays areas of coarse texture alongside areas that are smooth to the touch. Tinted Giorgio Graesan pearlescent glazes can be used to bring out the effect of the veins, or work with the natural white of Marrakesh for a sophisticated, rustic look.
Design hints: Ideal for feature walls or entrance areas in homes, features and full interiors for shop and restaurant fit-outs.
Splitstone effect can be used in bathrooms, with restrictions (see page 17 for details). Artisan: Luke Russell
Splitstone column by artisans Calum Campbell and Jon Cook
Splitstone effect can incorporate several colours to bring the various elements of a space together, as in this bench by Artisan Chris Porep.
Summer 2017/2018
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Bamboo Drawing from the fluid geometry of bamboo grasses, the Bamboo effect is softly patterned and presented in vertical or horizontal format. This subtle, natural look is created with ROCKCOTE Velvetina, a fine-grained lime plaster that can be used to generate intricate finishes. Flattening with a trowel leaves higher, smoother bands entwined with textured, open sections.
Design hints: Perfect for areas where a soothing textured effect is sought, such as master bedrooms and medical or wellness centres. We recommend light or neutral colours, with Giorgio Graesan White Paint or Oro added for a slight sheen.
Orange vertical Bamboo by Donovan Allan
Gold horizontal Bamboo by Chris Porep
Giorgio Graesan pearlescent glazes Made of iridescent flakes and enriched with marble dust, Giorgio Graesan glazes deliver an elegant, shimmery finish. The glazes come in three different bases to complement the colour of the underlying texture.
White Paint: Mother of Pearl base for use over light colours and pastels Gioia: Ivory base for mid range to dark colours Oro: Gold base for use with deep colours
All three glazes come in 169 different colours, are compatible with Velvetina and Marrakesh, and can be purchased through ROCKCOTE Head Office.
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The Natural Artisan
Travertina Striking, edgy and contemporary, Travertina, created with ROCKCOTE Velvetina, delivers a strong textured look with deep etched lines. Paired with Giorgio Graesan glazes, this effect can achieve a truly glamorous look for residential feature walls, reception areas, commercial foyers and restaurants.
Design hints: Concrete grey vertical Travertina effect, with random distressed features pairs well with black, white and timber for a Scandustrial style. A “starburst� look can also be achieved with Velvetina tinted to blacks and greys, applied in diagonal lines, and embellished with Giorgio Graesan Oro glaze.
Starburst Travertina effect by Tony Thorogood
Distressed Travertina effect by Tony Thorogood
Technical considerations These decorative effects are suitable for internal use only. They are ideal for feature walls, columns or interior entry areas in homes, commercial premises, hotels and restaurants. Splitstone, Bamboo and Travertina effects are unsuitable for areas where water pools, including floors, shower floors, bath tubs or hand basins. They should not be used on shower walls due to the presence of open sections of plaster. See picture of bathroom of page 15 for an example of how a Splitstone effect can be achieved for a bathroom: the Summer 2017/2018
Splitstone areas give way to a smooth finish in the areas where water may splash or run. These finishes should only be applied by a ROCKCOTE Certified Artisan who has attended our advanced training course. Standard technical requirements for Marrakesh and Velvetina apply, available at www.rockcote.com.au. Contact ROCKCOTE on 1300 736 668 for referral to an Artisan to discuss your project or provide custom samples. 17
by Mel Cahani
Marrakesh, the birthplace of Tadelakt is an assault on the senses. From the moment you arrive, your nose is filled with the smells of exotic spices, your eyes become wide with wonder and your body tenses as you are approached by locals offering everything from mint tea to handmade craft. Render It Oz owner and ROCKCOTE Master Artisan, Gorni Cahani, recently travelled to the birthplace of Tadelakt to learn more about the history of the decorative finish which is making huge waves on the design scene in his home town of Melbourne.
“The Marrakesh area is rich with limestone so the people started experimenting with lime to try and create paint-like finishes. Initially they mixed it with dirt and applied to the walls but it was rough and they wanted smoother finishes," he said.
"During the day we
Gorni attended a workshop with a local Tadelakt Malaam (master), immersing himself in the stories and techniques for several days.
To achieve a smoother finish, egg whites were applied over the top of the lime mix and rubbed in (or 'delakt' in Arabic). This proved quite expensive so they kept testing different things to make the walls shine and finally found the best solution — black soap, which is used extensively in hammams or bath houses across Morocco.
wandering the ancient
The locals were master storytellers, with riad owner, Said Zinoun sharing amazing tales about the history of Tadelakt and its application. Zinoun explained that in the beginning Tadelakt was a cheap alternative to painting which only the wealthy could afford.
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were working with Moroccan Tadelakt and at night we were streets of Marrakesh." - Gorni Cahani
“Black soap was a better glue than eggs so it became normal to use black soap and ‘delakt’ with a stone to create the shine.” Said says.
The Natural Artisan
Tadelakt is only polished using stones in Morocco
Moroccans like to experiment with colours with their Tadelakt
Tadelakt Workshop
The Moroccan Master
The workshop took place in a beautiful Moroccan riad near the main market square where snake charmers and monkey tamers were on display. Participants were introduced to all aspects of traditional Tadelakt finishes.
The Malaam (translated as "he who knows") who ran the workshop was M'jid, a thirty-something artisan who knows a lot about Tadelakt.
“The experience was amazing. During the day we were working with Moroccan Tadelakt and at night we were wandering the ancient streets of Marrakesh and soaking up everything the city had to offer,” said Gorni. “It was interesting to see the differences in the application of a traditional Tadelakt which I found labour intensive and time consuming compared with ROCKCOTE’S Marrakesh product, which is easier to use and designed for our climate.
Summer 2017/2018
His father was a local builder in Marrakesh and he started working with Tadelakt when he was 14 years old by rubbing it into the walls with a stone. The stone is still the only tool used to finish the product in Marrakesh – no polishing trowels allowed! He worked for five years before he was allowed to apply Tadelakt by himself and has spent almost 20 years honing his craft on the walls of riads across Marrakesh.
Workshop set to begin with Said, Gorni and M'Jid
Marrakesh retreat with Render It Oz We had such a great experience in Morocco, Render It Oz has decided to organise a five-night Tagines and Tadelakt retreat in Marrakesh in September 2018. We’re inviting all ROCKCOTE artisans, their partners, designers and fans of Tadelakt to join us for five nights, four of which will be spent in a riad and one night in a luxury Moroccan desert camp. Check out www.renderitoz.com for details.
“M’jid showed me some simple and effective application techniques, taught me how to do traditional Moroccan designs to add flair to walls and was generous in sharing his knowledge of the product – he even said I taught him a thing or two so that was a bonus.” said Gorni. 19
Green Earth Homes uses the latest eco-friendly products for interiors in this build, including cork flooring and EcoStyle Paints.
AN INNOVATIVE BUILD ON THE SUNSHINE COAST SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR ECO-FRIENDLY HOMES ON SMALL BLOCKS.
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his three-bedroom beauty by Green Earth Homes has been cleverly designed to make the most of the small block, as well as maximise natural light and ventilation.
Unusual yet stunning finishes unearthed by the Green Earth Homes design team represent the latest environmentally friendly products available for interiors.
The design, called the “Peregian” after its location in highly sought after Peregian Ridges estate, is crafted for the Queensland lifestyle with large, open-plan living areas opening out onto a breezy deck.
Cork flooring has made a comeback in this build, with the flooring choice a significant conversation point among visitors, according to Green Earth Homes operations manager, Grace Staal.
Blacksmith gates at the entry, a bold spotted gum feature wall and black window frames are perfectly balanced with crisp, white painted walls, and white cabinetry for an impressive, contemporary interior.
“Cork flooring has come a long way since the 1970s,” Grace says." It is beautiful to walk on and doesn’t have the cold, hard feel of tiles.”
The Natural Artisan
A Marrakesh wall behind the mirror makes for an elegant feature
"Marrakesh is an appealing natural alternative to tiles and plasterboard in bathrooms.” – Grace Staal
“We wanted to showcase the possibilities for using cork flooring in a modern home. It is versatile, and highly durable with a 25-year warranty. It also has thermal properties to help maintain more consistent indoor air temperatures,” Grace said.
Detail of Marrakesh finish
EcoStyle Paints in half wan white adorn the walls and ceilings throughout, the paint of choice for the Green Earth team. “It is important to our clients to know what choosing a very low VOC paint means for their home and their overall footprint. Low VOC and non-toxic paints make for a healthier living space and improved indoor air quality,” said Grace. The ensuite features a single Marrakesh wall in light concrete colour, the natural lime plaster finish providing a textural break from the painted walls, complemented by bronze tapware. “Marrakesh is an appealing natural alternative to tiles and plasterboard in bathrooms,” Grace says. “The first thing you notice in this room is the plaster finish especially when the pendant light is switched on and the light reflects off the lightly polished plaster wall.” The home demonstrates that attaining a small contemporary home, which treads gently on the earth, is readily achievable with the right team and the right products.
PROJECT DETAILS Eco-friendly family home, Peregian Ridges, QLD Designed and built by: Green Earth Homes Painter: Paul Grubner
Artisan (Marrakesh feature, bathroom): Igor Stainwald
Photography: Green Earth Homes and Tiam Whitfield
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B A S K K INFUSED WITH THEMES OF COSMOPOLITAN MYKONOS AND ATHENSINSPIRED FINISHES, BASKK AT KIRRA POINT WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO ANOTHER PLACE AND TIME.
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his lively Gold Coast meeting place embraces texture and oozes natural materials: from the handmade Balinese furniture to lime washed walls, recycled railway sleepers and a polished Venetian Plaster feature wall.
The hero of the space is undoubtedly the bespoke distressed concrete look walls, handcrafted by Artisans Chris Porep and Matt Jamieson, and the team from Gold Coast Render Technologies. A distressed, aged look was achieved by applying Lime Plaster Basecote over existing bricks, leaving areas of raw brick exposed, with the edges of the render feathered for smooth transitions across the surface.
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Brushing Lime Wash over the top completed the look, and gives the exposed raw bricks a whitewashed appearance. An exquisite, smooth Venetian Plaster splashback provides an effective contrast to the rustic walls; the high polished plaster giving the space a sense of depth and refinement. With the sound of crashing waves nearby, luxe cocktails and a menu that celebrates the sea, Baskk offers of moment of calm akin to basking in the sun on your favourite tropical island. Check out Baskk at 52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta or online at baskk.co
The Natural Artisan
PROJECT DETAILS Baskk Restaurant and Bar, Kirra Point, QLD
Artisans (Lime Plaster Basecote, Lime Wash, Venetian Plaster): Chris Porep and Matt Jamieson Photography: Ross Eason and Chris Porep
The bespoke distressed concrete look walls are a feature of the Baskk restaurant. Artisans: Chris Porep and Matt Jamieson. Image: Ross Eason
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SUMMER 2017/2018 FEATURED ARTISANS: Chris Carr, Chris Carr Solid Plastering www.centralcoastrendering.com.au
Igor Stainwald, So Solid www.sosolid.com.au
Chris Porep, Gold Coast Render Technologies www.gcrt.com.au
Paul Grubner, Habitat Painting paul@habitatpainting.com.au
Matt Jamieson, Render X www.facebook.com/renderxmatt
Grace Staal, Green Earth Homes www.builderssunshinecoast.com.au
Luke Russell, Trowel Art www.rustystrowelart.com
Gorni & Mel Cahani, Render it Oz www.renderitoz.com
LOOK FOR THE ARTISAN LOGO ROCKCOTE Certified Artisans are licensed tradespeople who have completed our two day Natural Materials Workshop and on site requirements for working with Natural Materials by ROCKCOTE. ROCKCOTE highly recommends using Certified Artisans for projects featuring Decorative Finishes from our Natural Materials range.
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The Natural Artisan