Our story — Meet ARTI
Before all this, I worked as a biochemist in Adelaide, spending years researching plant-based compounds. I’d always been intrigued by the intersection of science and everyday living — how the smallest details could shape the things we use daily. In 2017, a side project for my aunt’s birthday planted the first small seed for what would become Cliff Goods. I’d made a scented candle, tweaking it over nights in my kitchen, testing how different waxes interacted with native Australian botanicals. She loved it, and so did her friends. It got me thinking about how I could turn these experiments into something tangible.
For a while, I juggled research and tinkering at home. On weekends, I’d scour Adelaide’s Central Market for new materials to try, from beeswax to essential oils. I was still running tests in my tiny backyard shed, using a $40 double-boiler I found at a second-hand store. By 2019, I realised I needed to step back from full-time lab work to focus on this idea. Leaving the research world wasn’t easy, but the pull was undeniable. I wanted to see if I could create something that combined the precision of science with the warmth of home.
Cliff Goods officially started that same year, in Hahndorf, SA. I rented a small workshop just off the main street, close enough to walk when I needed a coffee. The name itself comes from the limestone cliffs of Australia’s coastline — places I walked often and drew inspiration from. I started small, with candles and frames. Everything was hands-on in the beginning, from pouring wax to sanding driftwood sourced from friends near Victor Harbor. A stall at the Stirling Market in late 2019 pushed me to scale up. I sold out of stock that day, and it finally felt real.
Now, Cliff Goods has a team of three and a modest workshop in Hahndorf. We’ve extended our range, but I still work on the formulas myself, testing new ideas. Every piece we make starts here, surrounded by the hills and gum trees. It’s not about keeping up with trends — it’s about making practical things that feel grounded, wherever they end up in the world. — ARTI
— Making small things, every day, for the better — ARTI, ARTI BHAVINKUMAR PATEL
Journal
How Hahndorf Inspired Our Sydney Coastal Candle
The Sydney Coastal Candle started as an experiment with memories of beach holidays and bush walks along South Coast paths.
When I first started experimenting with candles, it wasn’t because I had grand aspirations of turning it into a business. I was simply trying to capture moments. Specifically, the smell of eucalyptus after rain, mingling with salt air along the Royal National Park. If you’ve ever walked the Coast Track, you’ll know what I mean — it’s a very distinct blend of ocean and gum leaves.
I asked myself if I could recreate that feeling in a candle. I began with a simple soy wax base, tweaking the fragrance oils over weeks. Eucalyptus radiata, a pinch of lemon myrtle, and a marine accord. The breakthrough was when I found an Australian supplier near Wollongong who could provide the purest eucalyptus oil I’d come across.
The first batches were made in my kitchen here in Hahndorf, and, naturally, my neighbour came over to ask what I was burning. They leaned in, sniffed, and said, 'It’s like the cliffs in Kiama.' I remember laughing because they’d nailed it. The scent truly does drift past state lines — it’s anchored in memories from all over.
It took about 20 tries (if not more) to finalise the Sydney Coastal Candle scent. I’m not exaggerating when I say I dry-tested it in every room of my house, in different weather conditions. The South Australian humidity does strange things to candles, but it was all worth it when I lit the final test batch.
It’s still the candle I reach for when I’m homesick for NSW. Funny how wax and oil can do that — transport you somewhere else entirely.
Why We Chose Bamboo for Our Towels
Bamboo towels weren’t the obvious choice at first, but the material had several unexpected properties I couldn’t ignore.
When I first started looking into towel materials, I didn’t have bamboo on my radar. I was more familiar with traditional cotton weaves, but I kept running into issues. Cotton’s great, but high GSM towels often dry slower in cooler climates, and they can be unforgiving after a few washes.
That’s when I came across bamboo. A friend recommended it, saying it was amazingly soft and durable. I started researching and found bamboo fibres were naturally antibacterial (hard not to get excited about that when you’re a bit of a lab nerd). So, I ordered a test batch of bamboo blend towels from a supplier in Terang, Victoria.
The difference was immediate. Not only were they softer than the cotton samples, but they also dried faster — a crucial factor in regions like ours, where winter mornings can sit close to freezing. I even tested them myself, using one exclusively for two months to see how it held up. No fraying, no stiffness.
One thing to note: bamboo towels don’t come cheap. But I made peace with that fact when I found they lasted longer than the cotton towels I’d been buying for years. There’s also something satisfying about working with a material that feels innovative but unpretentious.
If you’ve ever been frustrated with towels that feel like cardboard after a while, bamboo might surprise you. It surprised me, and now I wouldn’t go back.
Behind the Scenes: Outback Leather Wallets
Our Outback Leather Wallets started with a strong connection to the materials, sourced from a tannery in Bendigo, VIC.
Leather is a material that demands respect. You can’t rush it, and you can’t fake it. When we started working on our Outback Leather Wallets, I knew I wanted to use Australian leather. It’s not a compromise — it’s simply the best choice given our climate and the way local tanning traditions work.
We source our hides from a tannery in Bendigo that’s been operating for over 80 years. Their vegetable tanning process is meticulous, which means the leather develops a lovely patina over time. They even showed me their drying shed when I visited — rows upon rows of hides hanging like washing on the line.
Production happens here in South Australia. I partner with a small workshop in Port Elliot, where everything is cut and stitched by hand. There’s something poetic about knowing who makes your goods and being able to call them to discuss details.
Each wallet takes about 3-4 hours of work from start to finish, not including the tanning process. Some of the offcuts are turned into key fobs or smaller accessories — I hate waste, and leather especially feels too precious to toss aside.
They’re robust wallets, built to last decades, not years. That’s probably why they remind me of my grandfather’s old billfold — scuffed but still going strong after all this time.
Low Summer Evenings and Picnic Blankets
Autumn is closing in, but summer evenings in Kangaroo Valley still feel like a perfect place to sit for hours.
One of my favourite memories is an evening spent in Kangaroo Valley last December. It was one of those days where the sky stays light until almost nine pm, and the air smells faintly of grass and warm earth.
I had one of our picnic blankets with me — a test sample at the time. It’s a wool blend with a waterproof base, made for exactly this type of setting. My friends and I spread out on the blanket near Hampden Bridge and shared a picnic of olives, cheeses, and a bottle of Barossa Shiraz.
It held up beautifully. No damp spots, no slipping on uneven ground. I’d tested it at home with glasses of water to make sure it was as water-resistant as the supplier claimed, but there’s nothing like the real world to confirm these things.
The design was inspired by traditional tartan blankets that often feel too heavy for Australian summers. I wanted something breathable, yet sturdy enough to handle a bit of wear. The blanket’s carried all the way through autumn now — no sign of pilling yet.
It’s funny how something as simple as a picnic blanket can anchor an experience. That day in Kangaroo Valley was nothing extravagant, but it’s stuck with me. I’d take evenings like that over anything fancy.
How Autumn in SA Inspires Our Home Goods
Autumn in South Australia is crisp and vivid, and it’s the season that shapes many of our designs and materials.
There’s something about autumn in South Australia that feels especially alive. The crisp mornings, the burst of colour in vineyards and gardens alike. It’s my favourite season to take long walks through the Adelaide Hills, soaking up ideas.
A lot of our designs — consciously or not — draw from this period. The warm neutrals in our Kangaroo Valley blankets were chosen after a morning spent wandering a gum tree grove near Stirling. It feels like everything slows down at this time of year, giving space for more deliberate choices.
Even something like our candles takes cues from autumn. The Sydney Coastal Candle was inspired by the cooler edge the ocean gets as the seasons shift. It reminds me of standing on the cliffs at Victor Harbor, watching the waves churn against darker skies.
Materials are a big focus too. This is the season when I meet up with suppliers to discuss batches for the coming year. Leather, wool, even bamboo — the texture of these materials matches the tactile feel of autumn, where you want everything to feel grounding in your hands.
By April, when the chestnut trees in Hahndorf drop their leaves, I feel grateful to have a business that lets me tie the beauty of this region into what we make. It’s all connected, somehow.
How to Care for Bamboo Bath Towels
If you’ve got bamboo towels at home, knowing how to wash and dry them properly can add years to their life.
One of the questions I get most often is: 'How do I look after bamboo towels?' They’re hardy, but like any natural fibre, they do best with a bit of care.
First thing’s first: avoid fabric softeners. Bamboo is naturally soft, so adding softener can actually cause build-up and reduce absorbency over time. I learned this the hard way with an early test towel, which ended up almost water-resistant after a few washes.
Wash in cold to warm water — no hotter than 40 degrees. Heat tends to wear on bamboo fibres faster. I recommend using a mild detergent too; something without harsh enzymes or bleach. It’s always a good idea to separate towels from heavy items like jeans or jackets in the wash.
Drying is straightforward but avoid high heat in the dryer. I air-dry mine on a simple rack, which works well even in winter thanks to bamboo’s fast-drying properties. If you must tumble dry, use the lowest setting possible.
Done right, bamboo towels can last upwards of five years. It’s a small ritual to care for them, but I think they’re worth it. They feel as good in year five as they do in year one.
Customer reviews
Sophie T. — Brunswick, VIC — 2024-03-08 — 5/5
Towels are so soft!
I purchased the Bamboo Bath Towels, and they’ve been amazing. They’re soft, highly absorbent, and feel great on the skin. Delivery was faster than expected!
Ben C. — Norwood, SA — 2024-10-15 — 4/5
Nice wallet
Ordered the Outback Leather Wallet and it's beautifully made. The leather feels durable, but it did take 5 days to arrive instead of 3 as I'd hoped.
Emily K. — Fremantle, WA — 2024-06-20 — 5/5
Perfect picnic blanket!
The Kangaroo Valley Picnic Blanket is a perfect addition to our outings. It’s lightweight but warm, and the design is lovely. Arrived in just 3 days!
Callum R. — Paddington, QLD — 2025-01-04 — 5/5
Smells amazing
I ordered the Sydney Coastal Candle Set for a gift, but I kept them for myself! The scents are unique and relaxing. Packaged securely.
Jessica L. — Bondi, NSW — 2024-11-12 — 4/5
Frame looks great
The Coastal Driftwood Frame fits perfectly with my decor. It’s simple but classy. Shipping took a little longer than expected, though.
Liam M. — Newtown, NSW — 2024-05-18 — 5/5
Great for gifts
Bought the Sydney Coastal Candle Set as a present, and it was a hit. Smelled incredible and was beautifully presented!
Rachel W. — Subiaco, WA — 2025-02-21 — 5/5
Lovely towels
The Bamboo Bath Towels are my new favourite! They dry quickly and are so soft. Excellent value for money.
George P. — Hobart, TAS — 2024-08-30 — 4/5
Good wallet
The Outback Leather Wallet is sturdy and fits everything I need. Quality feels great, just wish it had arrived a little sooner.