Justine Austen

I met with Justine Austen this afternoon and how impressed was I? Not only is her studio in an amazing building compound (part of Scotts Church), Justine was more than happy to spend time with me to explain her work and suggest other potential jewellers who may wish to get involved.

Her current work was amazing with a big emphasis on contemporary skulls.

It's also interesting what questions each jeweller asks and Justine was keen to find out if I was having exhibitions throughout the year and if so, when and what theme. I'll leave my answer for another blog post.

I look forward to working closer with Justine and thank her for her advice and suggestions which I'm sure will make LORD COCONUT a success.

Are all contemporary jewellers unbelievably friendly and helpful?
It seems the answer is yes!!!!!

Vikki Kassioras

I met with Vikki Kassioras this afternoon and it looks like I might have my first jeweller onboard from the Nicholas Building. The Nicholas Building overlooks my apartment and Vikki has a great view of my rooftop garden (note: must remember to wear more clothes when on the roof).

Vikki does a lot of interesting work with a great range in cufflinks and rings.

















As with most of the jewellers I've spoken to, Vikki was also happy to pass on the names/numbers of other suppliers and also give me advice on how best to proceed. I'm really looking forward to collaborating with all of the jewellers to make LORD COCONUT a success.

Fixtures & Fittings

Just spent a couple of days looking for the remaining fixtures and fittings for the store and I seem to have difficult decisions to make.

I discovered Warehouse 8 in Sth Melbourne and Mathew has been a geat help in sourcing things. I'm leaning towards some old, copper, wall mounted display cases which would look great and not take up any floor space.

On the otherhand, I still like that major 1880's bank display case down on the Mornington Peninsula (but it is pricey and difficult to move).

decisions decisions

As soon as I make up my mind, I'll put some pictures up.

Mathew from Warehouse 8 has also been assisting with chairs, cupboards and some potential business card holders for other stores who wish to promote LORD COCONUT. It's starting to come together more.

Thanks Mathew.

It's who you know!

Toby Horrocks from Freefold Furniture popped in today to take some more photos of the cardboard furniture Tam and I purchased from him a couple of years ago as there is an upcoming article on the boxes in The Age soon (and he's hoping for a photograph inclusion).

Whilst talking, he mentioned that he had a couple of small prototype models he recently developed and that Inside Out had expressed an interest in featuring them.

I had one look at the photo and asked how I could get them into LORD COCONUT. One conversation led to another and, fingers crossed, we may become a Melbourne retailer.

If all goes well, I think they will be a great addition to the store.

Craft Victoria Support

Craft Victoria kindly included LORD COCONUT in their most recent Craft Almanac newsletter under their "retail and market opportunities" section.










If you are interested in Australian Craft, this newsletter is a must read. Subscribe here.

David Parker

I had another great chat with a potential supplier yesterday who is keen to get involved.

David Parker had some great ideas for the store and offerred to teach me about ring sizes. David will be a great addition to the store (and a great help to me).

Below are some samples of his current work.

 

I look forward to seeing what he develops for LORD COCONUT.

Justin Siow

I just had a great chat to Melbourne jeweller  Justin Siow who seems keen to get involved with LORD COCONUT.

I love his work, especially his insects which are inspired by origami and made from one piece of metal.

single piece of metal with basic cuts

after folding

finished piece

I look forward to working with Justin in the future.