PLUMBER SHOWS CREATIVE FLAIR
alexia.austin@thechronicle.com.au
FOR Clyde Park Collections co-owner Ryan Carnie, his first metal rose changed everything.
Having moved to Pittsworth four years ago, Mr Carnie had been working as a plumber when he decided to try his hand at metal artistry – an area which had always interested him.
Using metal, he fashioned his first rose for his now wife Lashai – something she treasures to this day.
“I had seen one years ago and I thought I wouldn’t mind taking a crack at one myself,” Mr Carnie said.
“After making one for Lashai, I made my mum one, then Lashai’s mum one, aunties and friends.
“We set up a Facebook page for it and then realised it could work – I was kind of a bit shocked.”
Mr and Mrs Carnie launched their business Clyde Park Collections shortly after; the name a tribute to a late friend.
“Clyde Park is a property that belonged to a friend of mine who passed away in 2016,” Mr Carnie said.
“He loved all of the old skills and blacksmithing – he was a really good friend so I think he’s never too far away.”
Mr Carnie’s brother helped create a website for the business and it has been on the up since.
Mrs Carnie, a registered nurse, spends time between shifts helping Mr Carnie create the metal masterpieces.
“About a year and a half ago it really took off,” he said.
“Mother’s Day, Valentine’s
Day and Christmas we can’t keep up – so that’s great.
“In the last 12 months I could have done it full time, but I did take on a couple of plumbing jobs after the virus hit.”
Thanks to the website, the couple have received orders throughout the pandemic.
Mr Carnie said for an average Mother’s Day they would make around 110 metal roses.
Recently the couple did a blacksmithing demonstration at Cobb and Co museum, where some of their work is displayed.
“We also make little cowboy hat key rings out of copper, horse shoe earrings and miniature cowbells,” he said.
“We’re also now getting into council public art – I’ve got some sculptures to do and last year I did some hand railing through the main street.
“Because I’m not a (traditional) blacksmith I feel the stuff we do is a little bit different so I feel there is a little bit of an opening (for our art).”
Visit www.clydepark collections.com.