Ophelia af m Jones & Ryder Jones

Artists Ophelia and Ryder have carved out a beautiful, inspiring and creative life. Making engaging and interesting works across multiple mediums. Ophelia was Everyday Needs' very first employee 10 years ago when we first opened up shop on Ponsonby Road.

"We work together taking photographs and art directing. Ryder makes sculptures and writes. Ophelia takes photos and draws. We live in Northland by the ocean with our son who is one. We love being at home in the garden, cooking, pushing our baby in his swing in the willow tree and going to the beach to swim."

We are happy to share Ophelia and Ryder's edit of five Everyday Needs pieces that they use and love daily in their home along with their little one.

1. Wooden Whale Toy

Ryder - Once I found a bookmark of a blue whale just like this. I picked it up and I thought I wanted to be like that whale, steady and calm. Then I bought this little wood whale for my son and he likes it very much. I think the bookmark whale and the wood whale are brothers.

2. Vadoek Cotton Tea Towel // Pesto

Ophelia - I love these tea towels so much. They are thick and absorbent. I like to tuck them into my trousers when I am doing the dishes- like it's a half apron- just for an excuse to wear one.

3. Interior Portraits

Ryder - I love when art and life overlap inside a house. All of Leslie Williamson's books are so inspiring to me. Ray Kappe’s sunken lounge, those bold blues and that mossy green carpet! Also the Tor House. Robinson Jeffers gothic seaside castle! I see candles flickering as a storm rages outside.

4. Chocolate Bar // Mangawhai Sea Salt

Ophelia - We live a 5 minute drive from Bennetts chocolate shop where this chocolate is made. I love going there as a family and sitting in the courtyard and drinking hot chocolate. I love that in this bar they use salt that is harvested from the beach nearby. It is salty, creamy and delicious. It is my favourite treat. It is also the perfect size to send in a birthday card to a friend.

5. Kamenoko Tawashi Cleaning Brush

This is my go-to scrubber. Music and this coconut scrubber elevate the mundane experience of dishwashing to pure satisfaction. Clean dishes glittering in the rack! Tiles wet and clean! One time I heard someone say you should wash each dish like you're washing a baby Jesus!