Behind the Curtains with: The Shopping Sherpa

From cruising around the Blogosphere one of my very regular blog reads is authored by Canberra's own fabulous monochromed frugaller and talented crafster, The Shopping Sherpa. Anna-Maria invites us into her Dickson duplex to have a look behind the curtains...

Images by Ninaribena

Anna-Maria describes her style as "black and white, understated, modern and classic." With a keen eye for absolute value for money, and proving her Shopping Sherpa title, she is a proud frugaller and bargain hunter, never failing to select items which will improve her collections but not date. But while black and white may seem cold, Anna-Maria has created a warm and inviting atmosphere, adding natural textures and timber for pure style.

Images by The Shopping Sherpa

Many of the quirky collectibles here are from her native New Zealand, her former home of which she is immensly fond and proud. Above Koru, from NZ.

Anna-Maria's collections are testament to her passion for travel with many unique pieces from all around the globe. Quirky postcards and her own photographs from her travels are dotted around her home.
"Postcards, photographs, images from magazines - anything in a frame can be art, and it's inexpensive. When I get tired of one thing, it's easy to replace it for something new"
Above left: Venetian graffiti takes centre stage in the kitchen; Right: Street art, a Dragon in Barcelona.

Images by The Shopping Sherpa

A keen knitter and maker, Anna-Maria runs her small business 'in her spare time', making Shopping Sherpa folding shopping bags, tote bags and messenger bags which she sells online.

Images by Ninaribena

Images by Ninaribena

And just in case you're wondering if there is any colour at Casa Sherpa... Anna-Maria lives out a 20th century modern colourful existence in her absolutely AMAZING collection of doll houses, just announced as the exhibit for the Cabinets and Curiosities collections at Canberra Museum and Gallery from October through to January (CONGRATULATIONS!). To have a bit more of a look at what she does with mod style and miniatures, have a look here - fabulous.

L: The Shopping Sherpa; R: Ninaribena

Image by the Shopping Sherpa

Visit The Shopping Sherpa's website for more information about buying her work and reading her blog. And stay tuned for "Behind the Curtains with The Shopping Sherpa - in miniature!"