The Bread and Butter Letter

This is where I do my christmas shopping every year, they sell the cutest little hand made crafts and things. I like that it's supporting New Zealand artisans too. 

We came here when it first opened and have been back recently to see whether the high-quality had remained. Too often, we visit new shops who are roaring and friendly at the beginning and then after a few months or a year of being the "it" shop, backslide to becoming a "we´re too cool to talk to you", arrogant bizzo. Or maybe we´ve just been in Auckland too long. Never fear, this hasn´t happened to Bread and Butter Letter (BBL - our abbreviation), who keep going from strength to strength. Understanding and lavishing their attention on their devoted indie-hipster-art school market, BBL are unashamedly cool and friendly. With a variety of handmade and funky wares, BBL has something that will please you. Come and check it out next time you´re heading to Eden Terrace or Kingsland.

I love this little shop. I found it accidentally one day and it was a delightful surprise. A rail of retro/vintage clothes, carefully selected, lines one wall and a central table of handmade goodies stands in the middle. Pompom pencils, jewellery, handmade cards and much more. The back wall has interesting ceramic pieces and I remember a pile of antique suitcases begging to be bought - though I was not sure they were actually for sale or not, or whether they were creative storage solutions for stock. I bought an inspirational magazine called extra curricular - a magazine about, and for, creative folk. The staff here are always willing to help or just let you browse. There are so many treats to look at, despite its small size, that you will likely stay much longer than intended and undoubtedly will leave with a purchase or two in your hands.

Yes, there are a few vintage shops in the city fringe.  Yes, there are more than a few homewares stores around.  But how many vintage clothing stores in Auckland also sell homemade craft goods like jewellery, fashion accessories, stationery, toys, and homewares?  The Bread and Butter Letter, the fabulous new vintage clothing and handmade goods store at 66 New North Road, Eden Terrace, is such a store.  The two store owners, Sarah Firmston and Rose Howcroft, say that it will be unlike the others. "All these are designed and made by New Zealanders that are frequenters in the craft circle (Kraft Bomb, Auckland Vintage and Craft Fair, Cassette Number 9 Markets, etc)." All this originality, and cost effective too - The Bread and Butter Letter’s average price is under $30. Plus, an onsite parking lot with up to ten parking spaces. Want to make your own? The shop is also going to host regular craft evenings. "We’re doing this because we ultimately want to promote, encourage and to broaden the already buzzing Auckland craft and vintage community" say Rose and Sarah.  The other thing we like is how friendly and unpretentious it is, with a bottomless teapot on offer for a warm cuppa and a smile.