Rata & Smudge

26/04/2026

✨ That’s a wrap for the season at Cromwell Farmers and Artisans Market

What a beautiful way to finish—surrounded by good people, friendly faces, loyal customers, and so much local support 💛

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, had a chat, sampled the oils, shared your stories, and took a little piece of Rata & Smudge home with you. From the bottom of my heart—thank you. Small business runs on connection, and I never take that for granted.

Cromwell has been such a special Sunday rhythm for me, and while the market now takes its winter break until October, I leave feeling incredibly grateful for another wonderful season.

From Gratitude’s warm hug aroma to Earthworker for the hardworking hands, every product carries a little piece of our Central Otago herbs, our saffron petals, and a whole lot of love 🌿✨

I’ll still be at other markets throughout winter and online at
https://ratasmudge.com
so I’m never too far away.

Please keep following along here on Facebook for market dates, new product launches, specials, and all the little behind-the-scenes moments from the plant harvests and Fiona’s herbal life 💛

Shop anytime at

https://ratasmudge.com/collections/all?page=2

Thank you for supporting local, choosing natural, and being part of this journey

Fiona

26/04/2026

A lovely article written by Julie Asher about our newest market right here in Roxburgh
Next month the 18th of May we are inside & outside the Teviot Union Parish church Helen Maisuria & I are taking bookings now teviotmarket@gmail.com as spaces inside will be limited

https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/building-community-within-community-one-stall-time #

Checking out the wares at the Roxburgh Market on Saturday are Georgia Miller and Macy Mae Patscharis.

24/04/2026

Cromwell Farmers and Artisans Market come and meet these two beauties We use their washing powder & their soaker So amazing and cleans the yuckiest farmer stinky clothes Their Dishwasher power and rinse aid leaves the dishes sparkling clean without the nastie chemicals
If we all support them on a Sunday you’ll see them regularly next season too

Soul Sisters are making their debut at the Cromwell Market this Sunday the 26th April🌟

We would love to see you all ❤️

💃 Bev and Ange 💃

24/04/2026

🌸FINAL CROMWELL MARKET THIS SEASON ✨

This Sunday is our last day at the Cromwell Farmers and Artisans Market before the market takes its winter break until October 🍂
So if you’ve been meaning to top up your favourites, smell the Gratitude, grab your After Dark, Earthworker, Magnesium or stock the winter wellness cupboard… this is your moment 🤍

I’ll be bringing all the herbal hugs, the saffron goodness, and a little end-of-season thank you…

🌿 FREE Roll-On with every Gratitude purchase
🌿 PLUS a special little gift with purchases over $60

Because honestly… winter calls for extra care.
Come find us, have a chat, smell the difference, and let’s send the season off beautifully ✨

Sunday | Cromwell Heritage Precinct | 9–1

Rata & Smudge
Where plants meet purpose 🤍

14/04/2026

You’ll find me right here in my beautiful little town of Roxburgh this Saturday 💜

Our wee market is something special 🌸… not just stalls, but real people, real stories, and things made with heart. The kind of place where you slow down, have a chat, and feel a little more connected when you leave.

I won’t be at the Autumn 🍂 Festival this year as planned. It’s been a big season, and I’ve chosen to stay close to home… right in the middle of saffron harvest, drying those precious petals from Wynyard Estate Saffron🌸
But more than that… I’m learning (gently) that looking after yourself matters. Burnout creeps in quietly, and so many of us know that feeling & most of you that know me, know I don’t slow down easily but with my beautiful Mum being unwell, it’s been a reminder I can’t ignore… life is precious, and those little nudges to slow down and listen to your gut? They matter more than we think.

So this weekend feels extra special. Close to home. Close to heart.

✨ Saturday — Roxburgh
✨ Sunday — Cromwell (as always, down at the precinct)

If you’re local, or passing through… come wander, support our incredible makers, and soak in a little Central Otago magic 🤍

I’d truly love to see you.

11/04/2026

You’ll find me here The bestest little Market in Central Otago Only 3 weekends to go now until the last market Anzac weekend 🌸

07/04/2026

💜 The part of saffron most people never see…

After the red threads are harvested at Wynyard Estate Saffron
we collect what’s left behind 👀

✨ petals
✨ stamen
✨ full plant magic

Gathered in chilli bags → stalk removed → gently dehydrated

💡 Saffron petals are rich in kaempferol — a powerful antioxidant known to support skin health, calm inflammation & promote a natural glow

And then… transformed into the oils, balms & blends you love 💛

Slow. Intentional. Whole plant 🌿 Wynyard Estate Saffron

07/04/2026

💜 you should smell the aroma coming from the shed It’s a wow 🤩 smell 💜🌸💜

Yesterday was our first day of collecting the Saffron and ohhh she’s a beauty.
Wynyard Estate Saffron
Most people know saffron for the red threads (the stigma)…
and that’s exactly what the beautiful team at Wynyard Estate Saffron harvest so carefully.

But once those threads are taken…
the rest of the flower still holds so much magic.

✨ petals
✨ stamen
✨ the full plant story

And that’s where we come in.
The petals are collected after harvest, gathered up in chilli bags and brought back to Rata & Smudge be transformed.

From there, each flower is gently prepared by removing the stalk at the base, then slowly dehydrated to preserve the colour, scent and plant compounds.

From this point… they begin their journey into our oils, balms and blends 💛

It’s slow.
It’s hands-on.
And it honours every part of the plant.

So when you open your bottle…
you’re not just getting saffron —
you’re getting the part most people never see ✨

💡 Saffron petals are rich in kaempferol — a powerful antioxidant known to support skin health, calm inflammation & promote a natural glow

And then… transformed into the oils, balms & blends you love 💛

Happy harvesting for whatever you are gathering at the moment Autumn is such a special time of year All the last of before winter garden rest and reset time

04/04/2026

Today was amazing in Alexandra even with a drizzle of rain Tomorrow is the Cromwell Farmers and Artisans Market
See you there 💕🌸💕

🐣🌸 Happy Easter from the Cromwell Farmers Market! 🌸🐣

Wishing everyone a joyful and relaxing Easter filled with good food, family time, and a little bit of chocolate too! 🍫💛

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct from 9am to 1pm 🌞

Come enjoy the fresh air, support local, and treat yourself to something delicious or handmade – there’s something for everyone!

🐰 See you there! 🐰

03/04/2026

🐣 WHERE AM I THIS EASTER WEEKEND? 🐣

Just home from the blue lotus ponds in Oz… and ohhh my heart is full 💙🌿
Now straight back into market life with all the goodness in tow ✨

✨ Saturday
Alexandra Pioneer Park
🕘 10am – 2pm

✨ Sunday
Cromwell Farmers & Artisan Market (Old Precinct)
🕘 9am – 1pm

Come wander, smell, and find your perfect Herbal Hug 💚
Because you know… Plants are clever—we just put them together 💫

29/03/2026

My link below is my trip to the Blue lotus pond I visited
Believe me it was stepping into the unknown here ☺️ but so worth it

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWdyc04gYvH/?igsh=dXN0aGVidmF0bWl6

26/03/2026

Cromwell Farmers and Artisans Market
To all my regular clients I will not be at the market on Sunday I’m sorry
I’m off for a wee break before Saffron season starts Wynyard Estate Saffron is nearly all go 🌸💜🌸
See you Easter Sunday.
Have an awesome week