A space for celebrations: Sprig + Fern Merivale
When the holidays near, an after-work drink, or meal out with friends, family, or colleagues no longer needs justification, because it’s Christmas. Sprig + Fern Merivale shows no signs of stopping when it comes to creating exciting, tailored celebrations. A favourite of theirs is Football Shirt Sundays, which can be “exceedingly busy” according […]
Homemade chocolate truffles
Making your own creamy chocolate truffles could not be easier. Add a bit of butter to make them extra creamy. Ingredients 225g of 70% dark chocolate 2/3 cup cream 1 Tbsp softened butter 1 Tsp pure vanilla essence Method Warm the cream, and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let the cream and […]
Book ahead: Chim Chim Master Chimney Sweeps
The days and nights are getting warmer. We can forget about lighting the fire and keeping it clean until next winter right? In fact, postponing your annual chimney sweep means getting in the winter queue. Jonny from Chim Chim Master Chimney Sweeps says, “before and during winter this year we were booked eight […]
An heirloom to treasure: Nile Rugs
Telling the tribal tales of exotic lands, Persian rugs are a treasure to have underfoot. Hand-knotted in a slow, careful technique, these authentic rugs are crafted with literally no modern technology involved. Iranian women weave into the rugs emotions, stories and history, often embellishing them with names, animals, or birds. Unlike uniform, machine-woven […]
Scratch builder Ghostcat
Mike Beer, a carpenter from Birmingham, discovered in the rubble of the Christchurch earthquakes, his place among the vibrant collective of urban artists. With a lack of scratch-builders in Canterbury, Mike found a niche he knew he could hack, and Ghostcat was born. Shadow Town, Ghostcat’s first exhibition, was a hit. The “worst […]
Home truths with Kevin McCloud
BAFTA award-winning broadcaster, television host, writer, environmentalist, amateur balloonist, and storyteller, Kevin McCloud will visit Christchurch in February 2024, for an evening of insights, entertainment, and anecdotes. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch looks at what drives him. Chances are if you enjoy watching home shows, here and abroad, you will have seen British design […]
Have you any wool? House of felt
The answer is a colourful ‘yes’. Championing 30 years of passion and expertise into a creative educational outlet is artist, and lover of all things wool, Loretta Sloan. This eight-time finalist at The World of Wearable Art Show invites curious felt enthusiasts of all ages, to a stimulating pop-up felt fibre workshop wonderland, […]
Wrap it up
Is the badly wrapped present under the tree immediately identifiable as yours? Have you never quite worked out how to wrap a present nicely? Here are some quick steps to surprise your family and friends with your present wrapping skills. Gather together your gifts, wrapping paper, scissors, and tape, on a clear flat […]
Blooming for over 80 years: Court Florist
From weddings and birthdays to Valentine’s Day, and Christmas, a talented florist can add to any special occasion. A stunning floral design can brighten any event, and also makes a meaningful gift. Christchurch’s Court Florist has an enduring legacy of supplying gorgeous arrangements, since it was first established in 1937 by the Hopkins […]
Editor’s note: Patience is a virtue
Heading into the annual festive ‘silly season’, life for many of us will be more hectic than usual, tempers will fray, and emotions will get the better of some of us. None of this is unusual, yet there are a few practices that can make life easier. Many of them are clichés. As […]
