6 minute read

Framed with love

WORDS Hayley Pearson PHOTOS Wayne Pearson You’re never fully dressed without a frame!

Agood piece of art is meant to last forever and when framed correctly, it should survive a lifetime. Parkside’s Frame Works Plus Gifts knows that the best way to share your treasured piece is by putting it on display — and picking the right frame can make all the difference.

Passionate about supporting her local community, owner Amelita knows her custom-framing business is a bit left of centre. “We’ve purposely created a space where the lighting reflects what a real home is like, not an art gallery, so people can actually see what their special piece will look like in their own homes.” Whether it’s framing a photograph, a piece of art, a certificate or something special, believe me, you're in the best hands at Frame Works Plus Gifts.

Guests are encouraged to stay and play around with different colours and frames to make sure they find the perfect fit for their masterpiece. “We have access to more than 4,000 frames, with the most popular being black, white or oak. And if you want something really unique, I’m all for that!”

An artist herself, Amelita is delighted to also support not only local creatives, but another very special kind of person, too! “We have so many women who want to do something a bit different and make their mark. They come in with pieces they have painted themself or bought from their favourite artist, and they get so excited seeing it fully dressed.”

Amelita is much like an original abstract painting herself — she’s bright, bold and

Photo: Supplied.

has a story to tell. “It’s taken me a long time to find a life that’s full of colour, and I feel so lucky to be where I am now. I’m supported by my amazing business partner, Sergey, who is incredibly talented — and his attention to detail on every frame is phenomenal!”

And you really do feel that warmth and genuine care as soon as you walk in.

“My favourite part of what we do is our old fashioned big reveal. Guests close their eyes and we display their framed work on the table for them to see. Some people even cry, overcome with emotion! That’s why we love what we do so much.”

@frame_works_plus_gifts

JOIN THE ARTIST CLUB “We want to support local artists to make their dreams come true, so if you bring in your own art, we’ll offer you a special price on your framing.”

WORDS Em Worthington PHOTOS Wayne Pearson

Ever been tempted to get a tattoo but scared of permanent ink? You need to know about Linked for Life!

Mums and daughters, brides and bridesmaids, boyfriends, girlfriends and best friends are flocking to Class A Jewellers to bond in a totally unique way. This family-owned and run jeweller in Walkerville has 50 big years under their belt and your celebrations of love down to a fine art!

As the go-to destination when proposals are on the cards, Class A Jewellers knows the importance of getting it right with their custom designed engagement rings, wedding rings and meaningful keepsakes. Their latest offering, a jewellery soldering service called Linked for Life, is new to SA and

Photo: Supplied. LET’S GET ROMANTIC This local biz turned 50 on Valentine’s Day this year, and the story behind it all is laced with love. “In 1984, I was just 15-years-old when my friend Julie’s dad, Frank Hayter, offered me a job at his jewellery store in Walkerville. About a year later, Julie and I started dating… fast forward to today and we have two of our boys working here, another running Yolk cafe next door and one more at school,” says Brad.

Brad’s pride in purchasing the business when Frank retired 18 years ago is palpable. “‘We love helping people from all over Adelaide, Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula — even some who’ve relocated interstate or overseas. We want every person to feel great about what they get and not feel any pressure along the way.”

AS THE GO-TO DESTINATION WHEN PROPOSALS ARE ON THE CARDS, CLASS A JEWELLERS KNOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING IT RIGHT.

Lauren and her mum jumped right in. “Mum got the Starlight Trio bracelet in yellow gold and I got white gold. It has three diamonds to represent Mama Jules, baby Sofia and I together for life!”

“Our jewellers seamlessly solder a bracelet or anklet directly onto you for the perfect fit, so you’re always linked. There’s no clasp and it will stay on forever or until you decide you don’t want it anymore. It’s less risky than a tattoo, but it symbolises a special moment or person in your life. You can even go solo to celebrate an achievement!” says owner and Managing Director Brad Mucklow.

LET’S TALK FOREVER With one of Adelaide’s biggest on-site workshops and a team of highly qualified and experienced staff, Class A makes hearts flutter. “Our jewellers hand make each piece or use the same state-ofthe art technology as the world's finest jewellery houses. You can watch them at work and see pieces come to life — it’s a real art form! Every piece is personalised, not something out of the box; and you can be part of the whole process, which adds to the story,” Brad explains.

Another thing setting Class A apart is their Ring Bench! It has over 400 different designs that you can try, without the pressure of a salesperson hovering. But when you do want help, the friendly team walks you through pricing and customising to your style and budget. They also have two benches of men’s rings and unisex wedding bands with varying patterns, finishes, widths and colours.

@classajewellers classa.com.au TAKE IT FROM TOM Our Tom Rehn knows well that Class A Jewellers is in a league of their own. “My Grandma, Shirley, started going to Class A many years ago and since then, generations have followed. The team is exceptional at helping people like me (who have no idea about jewellery) to make meaningful choices,” Tom says.

“On my twenty-first birthday, Grandma gave me a ring from there — I still wear it every day. I didn’t know what to get when I proposed to Sara, but I knew exactly where to go. The Class A team made her rings (which were spot on) and even remodelled my dad’s ring to fit me. Since then, I’ve bought anniversary earrings and birthday presents, and we love popping in to see the team every time they clean or polish each piece. It’s an incredible family business filled with people who make you feel like friends every time you visit!”