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This year to celebrate Valentines Day we are focusing on love for our ongoing series, The Edit. We are happy to feature our good friends Ophelia Mikkelson and Ryder Jones. Ophelia and Ryder are wonderful artists and makers who are to be married in March. They each shared with us five of their most loved pieces from the Everyday Needs offering.

 

1. Stanley stainless steel thermos

R: Every morning I walk from our room to put the kettle on without seeing, the light goes red and I put a dry tea bag in the mouth of the thermos, sometimes I seal it up if I have to leave the house, or leave it open if I stay. It makes this satisfying noise when I open it, like a miniature exhale and the smell of tea comes out.

O: We don’t have a teapot yet, so the thermos is our teapot. We take it everywhere, it’s filled with Earl Grey, always.

2. Brass contour key ring

R: I clip the key ring to my belt so I don’t lose my keys. I used to wear a wallet chain but this is better because it’s short enough not to touch your knee while driving the car. When I’m walking I sound like a dull bell clinking.

O: I have four brothers and six nephews; this is a lot of boys. The key ring is a very, very good present for boys in particular if you’re stuck. I am never stuck though, presents for boys are my specialty now, I’ve had 25 years of training. We are getting these for our groomsmen to gift to them on our wedding day!

3. Recycled sari twine

O: When I was little I studied Indian dance at school. My sari was yellow. I loved the feeling of wearing it and the way colours in fabric intertwined into each other making textures in the silk. This twine is made from recycled sari by a group of woman that trained in rope making. I love to think of the hands that made it when I use it. I use the twine for lots of different things - for wrapping and packaging up the socks I make and for tying tomatoes to their stakes.

4. Clover cast iron bottle opener

R: I like to put a beer in the freezer and take it out before it freezes, so it’s all frosty on the green glass. And then I walk to this special hook on the wall, that’s where the opener lives, the top hollow of the clover slots in there good, then I go back to the frosty bottle and snap it open.

5. Iris Hantverk mini nail brush

O: For over one hundred years Iris has employed the visually impaired to hand make these brushes. The tenderness within this knowledge envelops me.

R: I wash my hands before I go to sleep. There is this feeling I love, I call it being situated. Like when every thing is in its right place, like when you’re clean and your shoes laces are done up tight. I want this feeling all the time, so I scrub my hands, fingers and nails before I get into bed.

Photo of the couple in their studio in Tairua by Yasmine Ganley.

The Edit is an ongoing feature in which our friends share their personal favourites from the Everyday Needs range. The first Edit of the year is an introduction to our lovely new store manager, Lucy. Lucy is a talented artist who has a knack for finding the best vintage clothing. We love her and we know you will too.

1. Ruth Castle woven dish

Ruth is so talented and it’s amazing that she’s still so dedicated to making these dishes after 40 years. I have two hanging above my bed at home and it makes me happy to see them every day.

2. Martino Gamper salt and pepper spitz

I’ve been coveting these salt and pepper mills for a while now. My favourite thing about them is that each one is different depending on the lines of the woodgrain. I feel that these are an essential item in my life as I am a severe over-user of pepper.

3. Florentine Rosewater

I use this Rosewater every day and it smells so good! It’s refreshing and perfect for my sensitive skin.

4. Ophelia's linen baby socks

These socks are such beautiful little objects and the colours Ophelia has used in her new collection are all so pretty.

5. Belgian linen duvet cover in Brick Lane Floral

This linen is amazing quality and it has such a satisfying weight to it. Not to mention the Grandma-esque floral print and matching ruffled pillowcases.

Our friend Liam Bowden is the designer behind hugely successful local brand, Deadly Ponies. We are lucky enough to have collaborated with Liam on the Deadly Ponies x Everyday Needs diffusion line of utilitarian bags, of which new season styles and colours have just dropped. We spoke to Liam about his picks from the Everyday Needs range.

1. Stanley stainless steel thermos

Got one of these last year, they are the perfect bush walk companion.

2. Everyday Needs x Deadly Ponies garden bag

A little biased but these bags are so handy, I use the red one in the garden, green one as a picnic basket and now have a blue one to carry around all my samples.

3. Beeswax taper dinner candles

I go through candles like wild fire. These last for ages and smell great.

4. Folded metal bookends

I am a sucker for anything brass.

5.  Godmother Stansborough wool blanket

Constantly on my wish list, the problem is I can't choose just one. Amazing story and beautiful colours, maybe someone will take a hint and get me one for Xmas!

Our good friend Kirsty Cameron is the woman behind ‘Godmother', a brand known for it's cult wool blankets and super cool range of sun hats. Kirsty is a filmmaker and costume designer who has worked on some of New Zealand's most loved films. We are excited to share with you Kirsty's most recent project, The Wool Lover, a digital journal that will pay homage to New Zealand wool with stories from art, craft and fashion, science and technology and cultural history. This week for The Edit we spoke to Kirsty about the products from our range that are her true Everyday Needs.

1. Deadly Ponies x Everyday Needs laptop case

I’m not very practical and after being too loose with previous laptops I double bag my latest one, and my outer is the laptop wallet EDN has made with Deadly Ponies. For all its good looks, it’s probably not the most beautiful thing in the store but something I can’t do without on a daily level.

2. Hario glass teapot

My brother sends down Vital Force tea from the far north, a delicious mix of homegrown herbs which I make in the Hario glass teapot in differing concoctions. That is when not making kukicha tea, a liquid addiction since doing a macrobiotic cooking course with Bevan Kaan many many moons ago.

3. Japanese incense

Living in a house built in the early 70’s, that feels a little like a boat or a playhouse, and with no electronic ventilation, incense is a daily practise. I like the idea that incense improves the vibrations of the place it is burnt in.

4. Maryse Treatment Balm

I have bought Maryse’s treatment balm for friends and assistants, and everyone has become, like myself, unable to live without it. Not a daily practise but an hourly one.

5. Olio cutlery set

In the kitchen nothing is more everyday, and in some ways more intimate, than cutlery. We are forever putting it in our mouths and it takes attention to clean it properly. The Olio cutlery set designed by Barber & Osgerby is beautifully simple and ergonomic.

Our good friend Harriet Were is a talented photographer who shoots exclusively on film. Harry's passion for the hand crafted has led her to open her own online store, Harry's Handknits. This week for The Edit we spoke to Harry about her picks from the Everyday Needs offering.  

1. Arnold Circus stool

Have always liked these. And I love how they were designed for Arnold Circus in London. Haven’t got any for home but my twin sister Carter has some for her shop in Grey Lynn. They are great because they stack, are comfortable and kid/outdoors friendly.

2. Martino Gamper pepper spitz

I was lucky enough to get given this pepper grinder for my birthday from Carter. Now I just have to save up for his wife: the salt grinder. So beautiful and functional. I have admired Martino's work for a while so I'm happy that I will have this forever!

3. Ruth Castle garlic basket

I bought one for my boyfriend Felix one year, and I’m glad I did because I am often on the chopping garlic and onion part of dinner, that’s because I don’t really cook. I really appreciate and love anything hand-made and these are just so good. I love that Ruth still makes them today.

4. Callie's South Island soaps

My Ma met Callie at a Christmas market in Blenheim, where she bought me some goat milk soap and wool off her. When I went down South in Summer I drove through the Sounds to meet her. She has been spinning wool for me and her soap is great and all natural. She milks her two cows daily, and has a lot of goats. I love it. She uses local natural ingredients. The wool/laundry one is so good for hand washing… especially my hand knits. And the goats milk is nice on my eczema prone skin.

5. Handknitted cloths

For a long time now I have been getting things hand-knitted for myself. This year I’ve met more knitters and have started my own little business. It’s always amazed me that lots of knots can make a fabric. These cloths are hand knitted in organic cotton and dyed with eco friendly dyes, which makes them great to use in the kitchen. They can be easily washed and used again and again, which saves me having to throw them out.

Nat Cheshire of Cheshire Architects works alongside his father Pip, and is much admired for his interesting and cutting edge projects. We love the twin cabins that Nat designed in the Kaipara Harbour, which won the 2014 Home of the Year. This week for The Edit Nat shared with us five of his favourite Everyday Needs pieces.

1. Martino Gamper '100 Chairs'

We all need this book to remind us just how potent and resourceful and cheap the creative imperative ought be. Martino Gamper is the exquisite antidote to excess.

2. Beaten copper tea canister

I wonder if this is the most beautiful thing I own. It could only be Japanese – an organic beaten finish, dark patinated copper, and impossible precision.

3. Japanese stemless wine glasses

The slightly swollen form of these Japanese glasses is almost perfect. They have no flat surface, gain stability as they fill and yet spin like a top. Somehow this is deft enough to seem a kind of genius, not a gimmick. Exquisite.

4. Wooden cooking spoon

Ok, it’s just a wooden spoon. But its proportion is everything. And it’s six dollars fifty.

5. Cast iron kettle

I once made a little house based on a cast iron teapot. Such mute heft. This one got snapped up so I keep watching the shop for its replacement. I’m struggling to imagine a better one, but Katie Lockhart has not ever failed me…

Martino Gamper is a London based designer who visits New Zealand each Summer. We caught up with Martino before he jetted back to London to chat about his favourite Everyday Needs pieces. 

"My selection is very much based on what I use and appreciate EVERY DAY! Its also a collection inspired by some people that I've met over the last years spending time in NZ. On my way home now and sad to leave this very special place and people!"

1. Rush table mat

A table mat for every occasion! To protect your table from the heat of a hot pot or a tea pot! Or just as a decorative centre piece. 

2. Ruth Castle garlic basket

Big fan of Ruth Castle, we use this basket every day, for ginger and garlic. Also love her woven dishes.

3. Rowsaan curved hook

I love hooks, can never have enough of them - and especially nice ones - a hook for any situation!

4. Godmother Stansborough wool blanket

Love these simple blankets, very warm and stylish, local and natural.

5. Wee-willie-winkie candlestick holder

The candle stick and the candle are just a perfect match, but I also like the wild clay approach and of course Laurie Steer, who is a very generous potter friend from the Mount. Laurie, we're back next year for more playing with clay!

Photograph of Martino in his studio by Ben Quinton.

Jeremy Hansen is a writer and the editor of excellent architecture and interiors magazine, HOME. This week he shares with us his personal picks from the Everyday Needs range. 

1. Arnold Circus stool

I’ve admired Martino Gamper’s work for ages, and was lucky enough to visit his London studio last year. These stools are wonderfully stackable and multi-functional. They have the perfect blend of elegance and wit, a combination Martino manages better than almost every other designer.

2. Rush mat

One of my favourite possessions is a beautiful mid-century dining table and chairs formerly owned by my grandparents. They kept the timber top immaculate for 50 years, although I fear I have been less meticulous at doing so. Mats like this are perfect for protecting it from hot things.

3. Modern Originals by Leslie Williamson

Leslie Williamson’s photographs have a thoughtful stillness that perfectly captures the intimacy of the homes in this, the follow-up to her fantastic first book, Handcrafted Modern. I bought this book as soon as it came out last year and often find myself immersed in it.

4. The Heron Migrates by Bruce Martin

I visited Bruce’s marvellous Hawke’s Bay home and studio by John Scott a few times as a kid, and have always loved the pottery he created with his late wife, Estelle. This book charts the amazing beginnings of their life in ceramics: they chucked in their jobs to become potters and made numerous working and study trips to Japan in the 1970s. Bruce’s eternal open-mindedness, curiosity and quiet sense of adventure comes through beautifully in this diary of their travels.

5. Godmother Stansborough wool blanket

The nights are getting cooler, so one of these New Zealand wool blankets designed by Kirsty Cameron feels like just the thing to wrap myself in while reading on the sofa.

Our first edit of the year is by our good friend Lucy Vincent. Lucy is the creator of Sans [ceuticals] a hair and skin care range that is a favourite of ours, she is also a brilliant cook and is pictured in her kitchen testing some of her fermented goods. Lucy shares with us her most used Everyday Needs pieces.

1. Japanese Kami wooden beer glasses

I buy these for my kids (disregard title) because they are indestructible!

2. Martino Gamper salt or pepper spitz

This is hands down the best grinder I have ever used. Looks incredible but best of all, it never fails to give a generous grind as the mechanics are so good. I have spent countless dollars on grinders in the past to only be disappointed. This is a must for all foodies!

3. Alpaca and Mohair blend socks

I'm a massive fan of these – so much so, they are the only socks I wear. They wash exceptionally well (meaning they don’t resemble a felt toy sock after two or three washes), are made from 100% Mohair and Alpaca and are great both in summer and winter.

4. Weck jars

I'm a mad fermenter and pickler and have tried all sorts of storage vessels – Weck win hands down. The lids don’t rust, they come in assorted shapes - brilliant for stacking into small places (I have the smallest kitchen known to man!) and allow the right amount of air to escape for fermented goods.

5. Japanese copper scissors

I’ve had these for 3 years now and they are still as sharp as the day I bought them – amazing since I use them in both garden and kitchen. They still cut paper exceptionally well!

Andrew Barber is a painter whose work is well known for transforming a space. This week we visited Andrew at home to talk about some of his most used Everyday Needs pieces, as well as documenting them in situ. 

1. Arnold Circus stool

They're a bucket, a step ladder, throw a piece of wood over two and it's a bench next to the fire. They kick around the place and are always used wherever they end up.

2. Hario glass teapot

Perfect for one. Those nights when the kids have gone to bed, enough for one cup and a top-up. And a beautiful object I feel I don't need to clean up and put away.

3. Hinoki bathroom stool

All my children have used this around the bathroom to reach the things they couldn't until they grew, probably will have to be destroyed they've used it so much, if I can disinfect it somehow though, it will be a family heirloom passed through the generations.

4. Iris Hantverk toilet brush

Literally the only toilet brush I've seen on these islands that doesn't look like it should be disposed of after use. And practical too - the Tampico bristles!

5. Godmother Stansborough wool blanket

My dealers Sarah and Danae gave me this for my birthday last year, it has been everywhere I go since. From the beach, to the television, to under the plum tree, it's there around me.

Gallerist Michael Lett shares with us his favourite Everyday Needs pieces.

1. Japanese Incense // Brilliant Peaks

This amazing incense instantly invokes a sense of calm.

2. Japanese Kami wooden beer glass

Once you drink beer from one of these incredibly light wooden tumblers, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

3. Beeswax candles

Since I can’t have my own hive at home, burning one of these is the next best thing.

4. Godmother Stansborough Grey Wool Blanket

My grandmother used to wrap my brother and I up in any number of mohair blankets. These woollen versions are rather more luxurious than my Grandmother’s, but I can’t help but equate the sensation of being cocooned in one these rugs with the memory of her.

5. Bamboo plant cloche

Believe it or not we have a rabbit and a peacock problem at our cabin up north. These keep our more fragile seedlings safe from harm.

Our good friend Rufus Knight is an Everyday Needs regular and Associate at Fearon Hay Architects. We asked him to share with us his favourite Everyday Needs pieces. 

1. 100 Chairs by Martino Gamper

Martino Gamper’s benchmark work ‘100 chairs in 100 days in 100 ways’ was, and still is, a huge influence for me in the way I approach interior and object design. Collecting discarded chairs from London streets over a period of two years and creatinga ‘three-dimensional sketchbook' that questioned authenticity, function, reproduction, and ergonomics. The project is fullof vitality and executed in such a human and gregarious fashion which, to me, characterises all of Gamper’s work.

2. Iris Hantverk body brush

In the late 1800s a small initiative started in Stockholm for visually impaired artisans and aimed to support their ability to live off craftwork – brush binding & basket building crafts were, and still are, central to this movement. In 2012 local government withdrew the disbursement of aid and small handcraft companies like Iris Hantverk had an uncertain future. The company has since been purchased by a small group of long-term employees and still produce all products by hand using local Swedish timbers and natural bristle materials like horse hair and coconut and agave fibres.

3. Sori Yanagi kettle

Born 1915 in Tokyo, Sori Yanagi was one of the most celebrated post-war designers in Japan. His adage of ‘true beauty is not made, it is born naturally’ is clear in icons of modern design like the brushed stainless kettle. Notable that Yanagi worked for a number of years in the 1940’s with Charlotte Perriand as his organic forms combine western industrial design with Japan’s native artisanal traditions.

4. Auböck brass bookends

Werkstätte Carl Auböck was founded in Vienna in 1900 and developed a design language that became an essential part of Austrian Modernism. From the mid-20th century the workshop has been directed by the fourth-generation of Auböck and has produced objects that continue a lineage of quality, formal beauty, and humour. These patinated brass bookends capture the Auböck signature perfectly.

5. Auböck brass bookends

Bing is something of an anomaly in the New Zealand design & art community. His prolific output of ceramics, metalwork, and timber sculptures is unmatched and has always had a sophistication that seems to borrow from local influences but extend beyond the traditional New Zealand design vernacular – a lot like Mrkusich. Similarly, these gestural postcards remind me of the vibrant European avant-gardists like Jean Arp or the salient forms of Brancusi but whose colour palette seems to speak specifically of New Zealand.