Stringybark
Owned and operated by local artists Ruby Green and Andrew Moynihan, Stringybark Graphics is more than just a clothing brand; it’s a living legacy of Australian craftsmanship, sustainability, and artistic integrity. Proudly based in Braidwood, Stringybark represents the heart of local, handmade craftsmanship in Australia.
For both Drew and Ruby, the brand is personal. They grew up wearing Stringybark clothing, a staple in Australian Geographics and Wilderness Society shops since the late 1980s. When the company’s second owners retired, there seemed to be little online presence, and its future was uncertain. A simple inquiry about whether the business was still running led to an unexpected opportunity—the chance to buy and revive Stringybark. Together they took on the challenge of rebuilding the brand from the ground up. Their shared passion for textiles, Australian design and craftsmanship has driven them to meticulously restore and uphold the legacy of Stringybark, ensuring that it remains a true Australian-made brand.
One of the key focuses of the revival was restoring Stringybark’s authenticity. Over time, the production process had shifted toward cheaper materials and labels, which diluted its original essence. Determined to honour the brand’s heritage, they returned to using Australian-woven cotton fabric and Australian made inks, ensuring the materials stayed locally sourced. They also reinstated the original, larger labels and continued the eco-friendly screen printing techniques that set Stringybark apart.
Screen printing remains at the heart of the process, with the designs meticulously applied to high-quality fabric. Inks are sourced from a small family business in Newcastle, renowned for their longevity and vibrancy. Quality control is also paramount; every aspect of production, from dyeing to sewing, is handled by Ruby and Drew with care to ensure durability—a quality for which Stringybark has long been known. Customers often share stories of their well-loved Stringybark shirts lasting decades, a testament to the brand’s commitment to slow fashion.
Stringybark was originally created by Sandy and James Ryan, who met at RMIT while studying graphic design. They built the brand in Kurri Kurri, a mining town in the Hunter Valley, where they transformed a small shopfront into a thriving production space. Their designs featured Australian wildlife, and their unique aesthetic resonated with conservationists, nature lovers, and those passionate about sustainable fashion.
For Ruby and Drew, the artistic and environmental ethos of Stringybark remains a driving force. With a background in textile conservation, Drew is deeply invested in preserving the integrity of the original designs while also considering the possibilities of future creative expansions. As an experienced sewer and lace maker, he brings his expertise in garment construction to the business, ensuring that every piece meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
For Ruby, she loves the fact that these items are wearable art; “I am really motivated by the fact that it's fabric and that it's art, and that it's wearable and goes on journeys with people,” says Ruby.
“It connects back to conservation, to our local environment. It’s not just about making clothing; it’s about storytelling, about movement and time, and about the way people experience nature.”
In an era where fast fashion dominates, Stringybark stands as a counterpoint. Every piece is carefully hand-cut, dyed, and screen-printed, preserving a traditional craft that is increasingly rare. The process is slow, but that is part of its value—each garment is a piece of wearable art, crafted with intention and skill.
Operating from Braidwood, a town known for fostering creative small businesses, Stringybark is not just a brand but a community effort. Ruby and Drew take immense pride in being part of a local movement that supports sustainable and ethical craftsmanship. Braidwood has long been a hub for artists, designers, and makers, and Stringybark fits seamlessly into this fabric of creativity and dedication.
Despite the challenges of maintaining a small-scale, handmade business, Ruby and Drew’s passion for Stringybark remains unwavering. The couple balances production with other professional and artistic pursuits, ensuring that Stringybark continues to thrive without losing its authenticity. While currently sold online, they are exploring options for expanding into physical retail spaces, bringing Stringybark back into the hands of its devoted community in a more tangible way.
For many customers, Stringybark is more than just clothing—it’s a link to the past, to family traditions, and to a shared love of Australia’s natural beauty. Stories pour in from people who have worn their Stringybark shirts for decades, passing them down through generations.
Investing in Stringybark means supporting a family-run, locally made, and sustainable business. It means choosing quality over quantity, craftsmanship over mass production. As the world moves further into disposable fashion, Stringybark remains a beacon of what slow fashion truly represents—an enduring connection between people, textiles, and the environment.
Looking ahead, Ruby and Drew are excited to continue honouring its legacy while also evolving the brand. With upcoming projects, including a planned launch at the Majors Creek Festival in 2025, the journey of Stringybark is far from over. Its story, much like the fabric it creates, is woven with history, passion, and the promise of longevity. As a proudly Braidwood-based business, Stringybark is not just preserving the past—it’s shaping the future of sustainable Australian fashion.
Learn more about Stringbark Graphics at www.stringybarkgraphics.com.au
Contact: ruby@stringybarkgraphics.com.au
Location: Monkitee, Braidwood NSW