Blogged!

Thanks so much to Kim for writing a bit about her experience about our shop on her blog!
If you have a moment spare, why not pop over to her blog for a read and to leave a comment. You'll find the post here:
http://wibv.blogspot.com/2010/12/sandlewood-op-shop.html

Almost a Happy New Year!

I don't know if it's just me, but this year seems to have gone way too quickly!  It seems like only yesterday we were in the preparation stage of opening, and yet this year we celebrated our 1st Birthday of the Shop and also our 2nd Christmas.  We started up the website, and I tried to keep up (not very sucessfully I might add!) with the blogging to keep everyone in the loop of what was going on!

We've  been in the local Newspapers, and featured in local magazines like the Westender http://www.westender.com.au/

This year, we once again were able to assist many disadvantaged members of our community with the help of some wonderful friends. 

The lovely people at Givit http://www.givit.org.au/ assisted us this year in our Christmas Hamper Appeal by spreading the word on their website, and assisted us with the task of requesting donations of many non perishable food and household items. 

For those not in the know, Givit is a not-for-profit Organisation run by a team of hardworking and dedicated volunteers.  Their aim is to match up people in need with items that people no longer want or need.  I strongly urge you, if you have items of furniture or other items that you are considering donating to charity, please consider putting your unwanted item on Givit's website.   This allows organisations such as housing providers, crisis accommodation facilities, community mental health agencies and groups who help disadvantaged people in our area, to request and receive goods that their clients need.  

So anyway, the wonderful staff at Givit really helped enable us to help out families who really were in need at this time of year.  

Our wonderful friends Tom and Steph at Storage King Salisbury http://www.storageking.com.au/salisbury/  offered us up some space, and storage bags to pack all our parcels. 

 

With our volunteer troops Conwae, Cathy, Helen, Lee, Rosie and of course Desley, the team packed a total of 37 hampers and gift packs that helped out a total of 61 people in total.   I'm sure you'll agree that for such a tiny shop this is a huge feat and one we should be very proud of !! And so with that, Christmas was over, and it is ALMOST 2011!   I am so proud to be able to do such a wonderful "job" where I can be involved with such wonderful giving people and see all our hard work really pay off. 

So, at this point - I would like to thank a few people. 

First off, thanks to Desley, who literally never stops working for the Shop.  Even when she's not at the Shop (which she often is much longer than the opening hours), she's doing something for the Shop, or a client, or someone else who needs something.
A huge thank you to our volunteers this year, Grace, Ellie, Conwae, Cathy, Helen, Lee, Rosie, John and I would like to particularly thank Marie, who always comes rain, hail or shine and always has a smile on her face, no matter how big the daunting pile of donations she is standing in! 

Thank you also to Peter for stepping up and being the delivery/collections person most of the time until recently, despite also working a full-time paid job.  

A huge thanks also goes to all our regular customers, and our donators.  Without you, the shop can't continue to do the work it does and help people who need assistance.

So, I think that's just about it for 2010.  We will be open this week from 10am to 4pm and back as usual in the New Year after the Public Holidays.  

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

- Alani 

Spring is here!

The racks have been cleared with the Super Birthday Sale and we are currently in the process of bringing in loads of summer stock!  

We're also doing a little shifting around of things - so you may find that when you're next in things are in a slightly different spot to last time, so just ask us if there's something you're looking for.

Sandlewood Op Shop turns 1 !!

It's our 1st Birthday!!  We've come a long way from our humble (sparse) beginnings, but we are now followed by many and visited by heaps of regular customers. 

To help us celebrate our 1st Birthday, we are having a super sale! 
HALF PRICE off almost everything!

There are some exclusions to the sale
(silver & 9ct jewellery, vintage clothing and consignement items such as corsets/bustiers and pettiskirts)

NEW VINTAGE CLOTHING THIS WEEK

This week we have several new vintage/retro clothing items which have come in. 

We're currently in the process of laundering and marking - some is already out on the racks, but there is more to come!  If you are a vintage clothing lover, call in and take a look!

What's in the window this week?

1940's VINTAGE FUR CAPE 

This is the most gorgeous fur cape with pockets. 

It is fully lined in satin, and the fur and satin lining is in gorgeous condition.

  

Mens Clothing - MASSIVE REDUCTIONS!

This week we are having an unbelievable special on our Mens Clothing

SELECTED
MENS CLOTHING

6 PIECES FOR $10 !!

Applies to items which have been marked
with a GREEN X or squiggle on the price tag.

Pop in and see what other great bargains we have in store this week.

 We have lots of Winter Clothing for Ladies and Children, Shoes, Books and More!

Everyone Loves a Bargain! HALF PRICE

With the weather cooling off considerably in the last few weeks we have had an influx of donations of Winter Clothes.  In order to clear our Winter stock, we're having a HALF PRICE WINTER CLOTHING sale. 
Mens, Ladies, Childrens.... it's all going cheap!

Pop in and check it out !

What's in this week's window ??

Thanks to our customers who regularly comment on how inviting and interesting our shop window display looks.

I try my best {even though I'm not a window dresser} to display a range of interesting items from within the shop in our front window.   I thought I might try and regularly blog what's in the window, in order particularly to give some of our interstate lookers a chance to see some of the wonderful items we get.

Above : Vintage ceramic Bookends,   Vintage Cake Plate now SOLD

Above : Vintage Teapot

Above : Painted Timber Sewing Box {school project circa 1946}, Vintage Candleholders & Dish, Vintage Oil & Vinegar jars, Vintage Cut Glass Sherry Decanter, Vintage Small Round Frame with roses {circa 1950's} 

We've also got a collection of gorgeous Olga Berg Vintage inspired handbags.  Most of them will convert to a clutch look simply by putting the strap inside.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Olga Berg, they make lovely bags - mostly evening bags.  Sitting behind them in this photo are some whimsical little wooden birdhouses.  Too cute!!

Amazing Limited Edition Prints & Artists Proofs !!

We have been donated a stack of Limited Edition Prints and Artists Proofs from a Deceased Estate.

Artists include Darcy Doyle, Rachel Lewis, Gordon Hanley and Brian Wood.

I have just spent (literally) all day photographing them and over the coming weeks we will be listing them on eBay.

If you don't already check our auctions - our eBay ID is sandlewoodopshopmoorooka

I'll update shortly with some pictures of what we will be listing soon!

The Op Shoppers Guide to Brisbane and Surrounding Areas

Sandlewood Op Shop is proud to have been included in the latest 'The Op Shoppers Guide to Brisbane and Surrounding Areas' published by Suellen Retschlag.

Click HERE to see the website and details on how to purchase the book.


The Book Launch for the publication will be held on Saturday 19th June 2010. 

Hopefully Suellen has visited our shop and knows that even though we are small in size, we are a bit like the tardis - full of treasures and great quality items inside !!

** Vintage Buttons **

 

I'm in the process of uploading some vintage buttons to our website's "for sale" page.

These are gorgeous vintage buttons circa 1940-1970's some of them are bakelite, some glass, all are gorgeous!!  Perfect for craft and quilting.  There are even some that are fabric covered, which would be superb with a bobby pin made into hair clips. 

I'm just working out a few bugs with the webpage formatting, but hope to have that sorted soon.  However, the prices and photos are now up, so feel free to take a peek.

If you see anything you'd like to purchase from our website, please drop us an email using our "contact us" page on the website - or our contact details are available on the website too.

** have you visited our website?? **

http://www.sandlewoodopshop.com.au/


We recently started a website, including information about the Shop and who we support, how to make a donation and other information about us.

There is also an "Items for Sale" page - and I will be listing things as they come in - in addition to our eBay auctions, this allows people from interstate to purchase items from us.

I have just uploaded 2 items - a great pair of vintage leather knee high boots- perfect for winter!, and a fabulous Country Road top that I just adore (if only it would fit me!!) .... so please stop by and have a look.... more items to come as time permits!

http://www.sandlewoodopshop.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=4

1950s flying, driving, biker gloves

Currently listed on ebay - auction #230462051199

VHTF and in beautiful condition for their age.  These WILL sell!

** we need your help **

We are currently fundraising for a 38yr old client who has Cancer & Huntington's Disease and is desperately in need of a motorised wheelchair for her independance.

If you or anyone you know (businesses etc) can help with a donation of funds, please contact us...  Our goal is $3500

** are you a collector? or looking for something specific? **

We have a "wish list" at the shop.

Simply drop us a line at  sandlewoodopshop@bigpond.com to let us know what you're looking for.

Some examples of things currently on our wishlist are

• vinyl/LPs
• vintage handkerchiefs
• dinky/diecast toys
• retro clothing (we seem to get quite a bit of retro clothing in!)

Don't be shy - if there is something you really want, we're happy to get in touch with you if we get it in.

Last week we were able to help a lady find 2 items she had been looking for - a medieval style dress and mens tails (formal jacket).  She was thrilled! 

As op-shopaholic's ourselves, we know what a buzz it is to find what you're looking for, at a reasonable price. 

** vintage gold rings now in store **

Last month we blogged about some Estate jewellery that was heading our way. 

Well it's finally here.  There are some stunning pieces, including opal rings, an amethyst ring and a garnet ring to name just a couple. 

They have all been checked out and professionally cleaned by a jeweller, so if you happen to be in the area, pop in and check them out !!

** renovations are almost done!! **

Our refurbishment is almost complete!!  Thank goodness I don't have to paint any more!

We now have additional space in the adjoining shop where we've moved all our books, shoes, records and cds.

Homewares etc are to be moved into the back section in the future (just as soon as we can find the light switch LOL)

We also installed new racks in the shop for kids clothes last week, and I think it's looking a lot more organised and together!!

Also, more winter clothes will be available soon.  We have started to put out a selection of Winter gear, but most of it is currently at our storage facility.  I'm hoping to get there later this week to do some sorting so I can bring back more winter gear as it seems to be in demand!

** welcome to our newest client - a real bundle of joy **

Sandlewood is pround to announce the shops newest client, Deborah 4 weeks old,  first daughter for her proud parents who are refugees from the West African Country of Togo.

** VINTAGE JEWELLERY HERE SOON **

We have a number of vintage rings on their way to us.  They include two stunnning estate opal rings and an oval shaped signet ring.  They will be all reasonably priced at around $100 so keep watching this space.

** have you heard our exciting news? **

We're expanding!

Such has been the generous nature of our many customers, we have sooooo many donations that our tiny little shop is overflowing !!! 

We recently were able to secure a lease on the shop next to us, and we are in the process of fitting out the 2nd shop and adding in an office, to be the HQ for the over-arching organisation, Sandlewood Aboriginal Projects Ltd.  

With a bit of luck, next week we'll get back into the job of putting up walls and knocking through a doorway between the two shops!!  

Stay tuned for updates!

** vintage crystal necklace with matching earrings **

SOLD

This beautiful Genuine vintage (1030s?) 3 Strand Crystal Necklace has matching earrings, the longest of the strands measures 43cm (17 inches).


This stunning necklace is in immaculate order. These Aurora borealis crystals sparkle brilliantly, and are very GOOD quality (vintage swarovski?).

The necklace fastens with a silver tone hook and silvertone links.

The clip on earrings are also in great condition and are in the form of a flower (7 crystals), both silver tone clips are in good working condition. There is very little wear to the aurora borealis finish on any of the pieces. I cannot see any wear to the silver tone clasp. All hardware works.

** vintage dressing table stool **

SOLD

Look at this beautiful old dressing table stool which is a well made and heavy piece of furniture. It has an upholstered top which could do with a clean or replacement and is in pretty good condition for its age - the timber does have some bumps and bruises but nothing major.


I cannot be sure of its age - but it has the clean lines of an art deco piece. Unfortunately I cannot offer postage for this item as it is much too heavy.

The stool measures approx: 46cm tall x 53cm wide x 38cm deep

Currently listed on ebay - auction # 230430908000

** vintage cast iron Spong No 2 coffee grinder **

SOLD

This is a rare old piece of cast iron. The company name and country are embossed on the piece, along with the no. 2.


The design of this mill has remained the virtually unchanged since they were first made around 1860. This particular mill was made earlier in the century. It features a wooden handle and can be mounted on a table, shelf or mounted on the wall.

It is in excellent original condition.

Spong made five coffee mills, based on the famous spice mincer and numbered them according to size from 0 through to 4 (0 being the smallest and 4 being the largest). Each mill works in the same way; the whole beans enter in the hopper, are ground by the spindle and blades as handle turns and the powder falls and is collected in the bottom of the machine.

$85 ONO

** New Arrivals - Saturday 30/1/2010 **

Wow the donations kept pouring in today.  We received loads of vintage glassware; clothing; vintage light shade and lots more.  Please keep an eye out for new items.

** SWAROVSKI Crystal Swan ** SOLD

SOLD

This stunning swan was among a number of crystal pieces which were donated this week.  RRP $210, you can purchase this one for a modest $50.

** wedgwood pink jasper ware bowl **

This delicate pink Wedgewood Bowl arrived this week.  It is in beautiful condition and would make a great addition to any Wedgewood collection.

** Mills & Boon - near new & half price **

If you are a Mills and Boon reader, we received a box of near new novels in the store yesterday.  They are all now half price and range in reduced prices of $1 to $4 each.

** vintage childs tea set - made in Japan ** SOLD

SOLD

How rare is it to find a complete vintage childs tea set in near mint condition?  Made in Japan, age unknown, probably manufactured between early to mid 20th Century.  This lovely set was donated this week along with crystal glasses; crystal bowls; a large European rug and many other goodies.

If you are interesting in any of these items please do not hesitate to contact us - unusual items are usually snapped up quickly.

** Cyclone ! **

Usually I try not to bring my toddler into the shop! 

As cute as she is, she's also very destructive!
Anything that's not pinned down gets pulled out of the shelves, price stickers are ripped off things, and although she does act as the welcoming committee for the shop, she just generally gets in the way.

Today, since my babysitter is unavailable, I have had to bring her to the shop.  When I hadn't heard a peep from her for a few minutes, I thought I had better check on what path of destruction she was on....

This is what I found!

** SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Rare Silver Vinyl 2LP Bee Gees **

                                                                            SOLD

This fab 2 record set just arrived and will not last long.  The rare 2 silver vinyls are in excellent condition and can be posted to you anywhere in the world.  There is one set now listed on ebay for BIN$95 - but we are open to offers.  Please contact us if you are interested in making an offer.

** New Arrivals **

SOLD   - Vintage Formal Gown

Arrivals this morning include a beautiful vintage formal dress.  I will post pics as soon as possible.  It is a beautiful pale pink halter dress with a three layered skirt comprising of pink chiffon, fine white tulle and cream taffeta.  The bodice is chiffon over taffeta and features a pleated band of cream taffeta across the bustline.  Although it has no label it is size 12 and was worn by its previous owner as a ballroom dancing gown.  Priced at $65, it would be beautiful for any formal event.

** bookshelf for sale ** SOLD

Sandlewood Op Shop  also has a grey office bookshelf for sale.  It has 1 fixed and 3 adjustable shelves.   The bookcase measures 180cm tall x 91cm wide x 30cm deep and is available for pick up from our shop in Moorooka.  Please contact us with an offer over $25.

** ex music shop CD DVD stand for sale ** SOLD

SOLD

ue to a reorg of the shop, we have a CD DVD stand surplus to requirements.  It would be suitable for a retail shop or a serious CD DVD collector.  Please excuse the photo as our inhouse photographer didn't think to dust the stand before she took the photo!!!  The stand measures 1500 tall x 1125 wide and 760 deep.  Please contact us with offers over $60.

** new stock arriving daily! **

This week we've already got some new and interesting things into the shop.

For those vinyl collectors, a huge selection of vintage vinyl has arrived in store. 
If there's something specific you're looking for, please let us know and we'll add you to our wishlist.

Also, for those of you who come into the store this week, you may notice some changes - we have new shelving units along the right hand side of the shop, making it look a little less cluttered {I did say a little}.

It will however, make it a LOT easier for all the readers to find books - since the books are now mostly put into order by genre.   I've also tried to group together multiples of books by the same author, so if you're looking at a particular author, Robin Cook for example, you'll find a stack of her books all together. 

One last thing for tonight - I want to send a huge thank you to Desley and Grace.  While I was away today they worked like troopers to tidy up our back room, which looked very much like a disaster zone for some time.  With customers constantly coming in and out of the shop, it made it very difficult for us to keep up with this ever-growing pile of clothes and other items and it seems that today they got it largely under control! YAY!

** Stunning Indigenous Artwork now in Store! **

Yellowbelly Dreaming - M.Mcguane

We currently have in the shop a range of original Indigenous Artworks, by a young Indigenous Artist from Queensland.

Tomorrow we're having the local newspaper in, and they will be doing a feature article on us! {Well, more the fact that we have the Artworks in the shop!}

They are reasonably priced at $120 each - in fact, the artist does them especially for us at this size as usually his work is larger and obviously more expensive... he also does stunning pieces on Kangaroo Skins, and Didgeridoos - if you're interested, please contact us and we can let you know prices etc.

Keep your eyes peeled for our newspaper article :)

** we're now on facebook **

Yep, trying to get the word out about the shop, so I've started up a Page for Sandlewood Op Shop on Facebook !!

Now, if only I could work out how to link it to here LOL!

** BOOKS 1/2 PRICE **

All books in store are half the marked price!

I just took another 3 full boxes of books down to the shop today, which will hopefully be priced and put out this week.

We've got a great selection of books including

• Fiction
• Biographies
• Science fiction
• Chic-lit
• Mills & Boon {an assortment of vintage and newer titles}
• Cooking
• Craft {a great selection of vintage crochet & knitting patterns, smocking, sewing, Topkids)
• Childrens titles

In the boxes of books yet to be put out there are books on gardening, assorted books on birds and fish, several novels, and a selection of classic literature.

** WELCOME **

Sandlewood Op Shop opened it's doors in August 2009.

There was a lengthy process involved in opening up the shop. It took over four months for Sandlewood to receive the Sanction from the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General (under the Collections Act 1966) before we could open and trade as an Op Shop.

During these four months we viewed several premises, and finally, once the Sanction was obtained, we began fitting out the shop.

While we were setting up the shop, we would frequently get knocks on the door by locals welcoming us to the community and wishing us well. The Newsagents, Gerda, Trevor and Steve, were constantly being bombarded by their regulars, asking when we were going to open!

Initially, the shop was stocked solely by donations from friends and family. We raided our wardrobes, linen cupboards, bookshelves and kitchens in search of anything that we didn't need.

The shop looked complete, but a little sparse by comparison to how the shop looks today, when we first opened.

My how things have changed in such a short time !!

Our loyal customers and the greater community are constantly donating goods to us. {Keep 'em coming!}

Since the photo was taken above (in our first week) we now have 3 extra freestanding clothing racks in the centre of the store!

Sadly, we are running out of room, and fast !! We are lucky to have a vacant shop beside us, and we are currently looking at the possibility of leasing it for expanding the shop, and housing the parent company's CEO's office. {keep your fingers crossed for us!}

** About Sandlewood Op Shop **

Sandlewood Op Shop is a community based not for profit shop currently run by volunteers.

Profits from this shop benefit disadvantaged members of our community.

Sandlewood Op Shop operates with a Certificate of Sanction issued by the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General under the Collections Act 1966.

The overarching organisation (Sandlewood Aboriginal Projects) currently supports the following :
· Mater Childrens Hospital
· Royal Childrens Hospital
· Princess Alexandra Hospital
· RSPCA
· Sporting grants for disadvantaged community members
· Educational grants for disadvantaged community members
· Individual help for disadvantaged individuals/families (referred by Agencies and assessed on a case by case basis)