Features
We head to diedododa in Edinburgh today and learn how-to make a distressed frame with Dodo.
How did you get started?
About two years ago my friend (and now business partner) Stu and I were in the same situation looking for new employment. Then one night (during cocktail hour, of coure) the question "what would you do with your life if you won the lottery tomorrow?" was raised. The answer to that was always very easy for me: paint, make things and experiment learning new skills all lovely day long. So when Stu came across an old wine cellar turned shop in desperate need for new tenants,we sat down together to hatch a plan of how we could turn my passion for creating and his adventurous nature into a real business. Obviously it's been a steep learning curve (and still is). What has taken longest so far was figuring out how to make everything fit in with my style which is best described as a technicolor adventure through botany, anatomy and wildlife with a dark twist.
Where are you located?
The shop is located in the southern part of Edinburgh called Newington.
Which products do you specialise in?
We specialise in original artwork, painted and/or redesigned furniture, lighting, home decor but also handmade jewellery and stationery.
I love bright colours and designs that are a little bit eccentric which is very much reflected in the items that I choose for the shop.
Being a painter and maker myself all the artwork, most of the furniture and all the jewellery are made by myself on site.
I also have the work of a number of local makers and a few things from designers more further afield for sale.
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
Good question! Obviously I only make or source things that I personally would love to have in my flat but "all of them" would be a bit of a cop out...so if I could only have one thing from the shop it would be this huge dressing table featuring a whole heap of anatomical decoupage.
What's on the stereo?
I always have a hard time choosing music myself, so I tend to put on some internet radio - Soma FM (Poptron or Indie Pop Rocks) to be precise.
Where else should we visit in your area?
Oh well, let's see there's quite a number of places.
For mind-bogglingly beautiful and tasty chocolate and cake creations: Zukr Boutique.
For quality pub food in a very down to earth atmosphere: The Reverie or Clerk's Bar
My favourite place for food shopping: Bona Deli, a polish supermarket/delicatessen...I don't always know what I'm buying but it's all delicious ;)
Ans last but not least: the former veterinary college turned powerhouse of the arts and sciences called Summerhall...they brew they own beer and distill their own gin - need I say more?
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
I don't currently host any of the above. A number of people have shown interest and have enquired though, so I am very much considering as on option for the future.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
The shop is not only a sales and display space but one half of it doubles as my studio.
I have always liked multifunctional spaces and wanted to create an atmosphere of bustling creativity which encourages people to interact, comment on work in progress and simply gives insight into the how and where things are conceived and made.....sometimes I am a bit ashamed though because I can be an awfully messy worker ;)
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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