This week felt like movement. Not frantic — but directional. Like something finding its rhythm.
🌊 Kingston Beach Workshops – Wednesday 2–3pm
The highlight was undoubtedly our Kingston Beach woodcarving workshop, now settling into a consistent time: Wednesdays, 2–3pm, down near the dog park end — away from the commercial precinct, where things feel more open, conversational, local.
There’s something about holding a regular time and place. It changes the energy. People begin to expect you.
I used my electric carving tool on the bench along the walking path — which, for that location, felt quite significant. It’s not exactly subtle. But I “got away with it.” No resistance. In fact, the opposite.
Many locals stopped. Real Kingston residents. Conversations unfolded naturally. We were able to sense the clientele — families, retirees, dog walkers, curious passers-by.
One moment stood out. A woman named Wendy stopped in genuine awe. She purchased an unfinished Spalted Sassafras wombat — paid cash on the promise I will return next week with it complete (I didn’t bring my full workshop kit this time). That exchange felt symbolic. Trust-based. Relational.
Through the encouragement of locals, I found myself speaking more openly about what we would love this to become — something semi-permanent.
What you and I conceived of:
Art. Culture. Craft. Public engagement.
Workshops in the park. Something developing.
It felt like testing language in the real world — and it landed well.
🛍️ Mall Demonstration
On Tuesday, we also did a public carving demonstration in the mall. Again — visible, audible, present.
We’ll repeat it next week at this stage.
The theme seems to be: be seen working.
🎶 Singing & Leadership Moments
We sang at three gatherings this week.
At one group, there was some clown behaviour that was affecting the tone of the room. Being alongside leadership, I addressed it directly — calmly — and the dynamic noticeably shifted. It was one of those quiet but important moments where culture gets set.
🍞 Food Support Update
Food salvage collections were low this week.
No fruit and vegetable deliveries.
Bread supplies were also limited — resulting in only two home drop-offs and one church distribution.
We learned through family connections that new bakery management has adopted lower-cost, efficiency-focused approaches. Reduced waste (and staff cuts) mean less surplus bread available. In the medium term, this may limit prospects for ongoing bread collection.
It’s a reminder that informal supply chains can change quickly.
On the structural side:
We purchased insurance this week — “as a café.” It gives us a clearer operational identity and aligns with local government guidance I’ve received.
Consequently, I’ve applied for membership with Foodbank Australia (approval pending).
This feels like moving from improvisation toward structure.
🐅 Workshop Life – Tiger Mania
We received a new order for Woodcraft Adventures — and there is currently significant tiger energy in the workshop.
I also completed and shipped our first official collector order to Melbourne.
That experience was deeply formative.
Collectors are a particular target market — and emotional engagement matters. I supported that relationship through message replies and short video updates. In return, she sent photos of our wooden animals “in their home.” She presents her collection online — carefully photographed, each item documented with detail.
I’m learning how important details are to some people.
She may become a valuable collaborator in helping us develop the deeper story behind our brand and products. We spoke about what is to come.
🎥 Media & Development
I’ve purchased a gimbal and am learning to use it for woodcarving videos — smoother storytelling, steadier movement.
And I’ve booked an appointment with a business advisor.
That feels important.
Other than that — the weather has been good.
And we continue.
Something is taking shape.
Christiaan
