Orchidians in Australia

jewellers can be artists ;-) cheers, Christine in Sth Australia 

I read this reply, and once again it made me think, “Sure are a lot
of Aussies here on Orchid.” I’m partly saying hello - I’ve never been
but we are Pacific Rim, here - bump into a lot, have friends, etc.
I’m
also wondering if there’s some reason why Orchid is so popular there?
Or is it just chance…?

There isn’t alot in the way of jewellers forums here in Australia.
Actually next to nothing. This is why Orchid and the
rec.crafts.jewelry newsgroup tend to have a few Aussies on them.

Cheers,
Dale Porter (Melbourne, Australia)

Hello John,

I'm also wondering if there's some reason why Orchid is so popular
there? Or is it just chance....? 

It is because the Orchid Digest is good. We are smart.

Phillip

It’s because we are a little lonely over here - our population is
small compared to you all, and spread out a l-o-n-g way apart. Orchid
is a great way to get useful tips, insights and benefits of the
experienced (but I’m sure that’s not unique to being Aussie!)

Cheers

Hi John

Jewellers here in Australia were told about Orchid some time back
via a magazine Lemel that our organization the Jewellers and
Metalsmiths Group of Australia publish. Since then with word of
mouth we talk about “what was on Orchid” on a regular basis. It is a
fantastic resource for us ‘down under’ also.

Regards
Christel van der Laan from down under West Oz

Hi Christine,

I am also in Australia (Dunsborough) and regularly reading orchid.
Its very good source. I am a Jewellery CAD/CAM Designer.

Tusif Ahmad

Another Aussie :slight_smile:

I was craving for a Jewellers Forum.

Serious lack of open discussion on all things Jewellery in general.
Alot of people keep to them selves but with a forum like this asking
and answering quesions is made so easy. I have been lurking for a
long time. Signed up not so long ago and this maybe my 3rd post I
think.

Great times ahead.
Cheers
Chris Melbourne.

"Sure are a lot of Aussies here on Orchid." I'm partly saying hello

hello John :slight_smile: and hello Tusif there are a few of us on site- maybe
the distances here are making the internet a more used communication
option? I’ve met a few of the Aussies that post here, but i still
find most jewellers have not heard of Orchid ( here in S.A., anyway)
so I’m spreading the word… all knowledge shared is good, cheers,
Christine

I’ve also wondered why I see a good number of Australians here too.
I think you’re right Nola - Australia is so big and the population
relatively small, Orchid is a great way to feel connected to other
jewellers. I’m new to Australia and felt a little disconnected from
the jewellery world at first, Orchid helps me keep a watch on what’s
happening out there. Eva - on the Sunshine Coast

Eva Martin

I've also wondered why I see a good number of Australians here
too. 

I’m not Australian, but… the English-speaking countries are all
heavily represented on Orchid. No mystery there, in my opinion. It’s
a great resource, and all the more when you are already in the
“right” language.

Noel

Hi,

Nice to hear from you Chirstine and Chris Melbourne. I am counting…
how many we are here…? Any other Aussies?

Cheers,
Tusif

Orchid is a great way to feel connected to other jewellers. I'm new
to Australia and felt a little disconnected from the jewellery
world at first, Orchid helps me keep a watch on what's happening
out there 

Couldn’t agree more! Even though I live relatively close to
Brisbane, it is still an hours drive to go into the city and
life/lifestyle/family commitments etc., prohibit that much of the
time.

For me, Orchid is a window into a fascinating world of experienced
jewellers, jewellery makers and others, with an incredible amount of
collective experience and knowledge. I learn something pretty much
every day from the posts.

Kim Griffith - also on the Sunshine Coast (but still another hour
South of Eva!)

I’m an Aussie also. Well a new Aussie actually, originally from
England.

I’m also very very new to the silversmithing but absolutely loving
it, I had a go at school when I was about 13 and it finished there
for a long long time.

I live in the Sydney area at the moment but am moving to the
Brisbane area in March/April this year

I love Orchid for the beginner it’s got heaps of useful information
and loads of really friendly helpful people

Thanks everyone
Toni

Hi all Aussie Orchidians!

I am French but have been living in Sydney for the last 11 years.
Did the 3 year Advanced Diploma in Jewellery and Object Design at
Sydney TAFE. Graduated in 2000, at the tender age of 49 years old:
it’s never too late to start! Now I run an stall at the Rocks Market,
selling jewellery that’s uniquely designer-made in Australia. The
stall features works by 20 local artists.

I joined Orchid 12 years ago. I was living in Kobe, Japan at the
time, teaching French at several Universities and doing jewellery as
a hobby. We had to move to Australia for my husband to study here. I
got the tip to try TAFE from an Australian Orchidian when I posted a
question back then. Who ever you are, I cannot thank you enough for
your advice, this has changed my life!

I have introduced Orchid to my teachers and co-students at TAFE and
I still recommend anybody in the field to look it up. I find so many
good tips on Orchid and always try and pass them onto other
jewellers.

Thanks Orchid for the wonderful help, it is such a pleasure to
belong to this worldwide group of generous and passionate people!

Cheers,
Francine Haywood
suite 107, level 1, 250 Pitt Street, Sydney

P.S. If any of you fellow Orchidians ever come to Sydney, please
drop in, I will be delighted to meet you. The market is open every
Saturday and Sunday, my stall is at the beginning on the outside,
left hand side. Just look for the sign “Francine Haywood Jewellery”.

It was me who started this thread, just curious. Just to explain and
comment here - someone said, “Cos they speak English, Dummy.”
essentially. Here in San Francisco, as opposed to those of you in
Cincinnati or wherever, we are Pacific Rim. Meaning that we think of
Australia, and also Asia, as being our neighbors. It’s like how
people in Chicago or Seattle think of Canada, except it’s
double-digit hours on an airplane. Without tarnishing Australian
nationality, I think it’s safe to say that when Aussies come here
they’re like honorary Californians. So pardon me if I’m just
friendly, but I am…

http://www.donivanandmaggiora.com

I think it's safe to say that when Aussies come here they're like
honorary Californians. So pardon me if I'm just friendly, but I
am.. 

Very friendly, your not going to get away with a comment like that.
You have very powerful binoculars. Thanks for the thought.

Antipodean

I am French but have been living in Sydney for the last 11 years.
Did the 3 year Advanced Diploma in Jewellery and Object Design at
Sydney TAFE. Graduated in 2000, at the tender age of 49 years old:
it's never too late to start! Now I run an stall at the Rocks
Market, selling jewellery that's uniquely designer-made in
Australia. The stall features works by 20 local artists. 

AAAAAH I wish I knew this. My husband got back just last night from
there. He got me a painting at Rocks market and the kids some
boomerangs. He also got me some opals and a iron stone bracelet - not
sure what that is, I think it’s man made. Anyway I would have had him
stop at your place, say hello, and get me something from a fellow
orchidian.

Drat.

Lisa Fowler