Beehive Gallery

I popped into Beehive for a little look the other day and found myself in a state of sensory overload. With things packed into cubby-​type displays and vastly different styles coexisting all together, it felt a little schizophrenic. I am all for showcasing the work of many different artists in one space, but Beehive didn’t seem to pay much attention to layout, and what is the most conducive to a pleasing shopping experience. If I were less patient, I would have marched my little self right out of there the second I walked in. But looking close, there were some little gems to be found, so I stuck with it.
One little craft line I really enjoyed incorporated wine and and beer bottles that were flattened and turned into cheese boards. With the labels still intact and a cheese knife attached with twine, this would make the perfect housewarming or hostess gift when going to a dinner party. They had sets of beer bottle dishes as well that would be perfect for small crackers or nuts.
Another little display I really enjoyed contained jewelry made out of toys. Yep, dominos, scrabble tiles, Lego pieces, Micro Machines. The craftsman (woman)ship is good and the prices are pretty low here in Beehive Gallery, so if you can stand the overload, pop in a have a little look. You might just find that special something that will set you apart from the Sydney pack.

Coasters made out of felt that look like bacon. And eggs. And tomatoes. Only handmade will get you this kind of quirky.
Beehive Gallery is a showcase for artists and craftspeople to sell their work (there were signs advertising a few free spots) and as such, the quality varies enormously. From handmade leather boots to origami earrings, pottery to creepy dead-​cat-​in-​basket ornament things. I’m all for supporting handmade, but there are limits.
There’s also a bunch of Japanese fabric up the back which you can buy by the metre or just offcuts. And kimonos… My cryptonite… sigh. I think I know a bacon addict who’d get a laugh out of the coasters too.