How is King Island Kelp Craft made and the story of Ned Kelpy - Kelp crafted around a bottle and hand made into a Ned Kelly character. Each Ned Kelpy is custom made and makes the ultimate King Island Distillery souvenir showpiece that takes centre stage as a King Island Distillery spirits decanter that no one else has. Refillable bottle.
SUCH IS LIFE - MEANINGFUL MASCOT
Ned Kelly, AKA ‘Ned Kelpy’ is the King Island Distillery mascot, meticulously handmade from King Island Kelp. A key ingredient to many things in our daily consumption and uses, yet so many know so little about our Bull Kelp, ‘such is life’.
Come in to King Island Distillery Door and say g'day and take a happy snap with Ned Kelpy and Happy Heidi at the distillery door, 1 Racecourse Road, Currie. You can buy one of the Ned Kelpy 'Brothers' to take home.
Ned is the keeper and decanter of our King Island distilled Ruby Grapefruit spirit, a recipe gifted by Bill Lark ( the story has it that Ned Kelpy keeps Bill’s teenage memories of his King Island days, safely under his helmet ).
You may need to join the waiting list to buy one of your own Ned Kelpy iconic island souvenirs. Each Ned Kelly has its own one of a kind notorious characters artistically crafted in Bull Kelp by the hands of Sandy Robinson of King Island Kelp Craft. Sold online here, or find Sandy in her Top Shop at the Reekara Community Complex, on the way up North of King Island to Cape Wickham.
To answer this FAQ about King Island Kelp Craft is a one stop 100% local shop stocking up a haven for those seeking one-of-a-kind local gifts and souvenirs is basically handcrafted works of local art that are unique, naturally 100% sustainable.
Each exquisite piece is iconically unique made out of the raw beauty of Kelp washed upon the island's shores. The swell of the roaring forties on the West Coast of the island often yields this intriguing resource, called Bull Kelp.
This natural material is harvested from the beach by Sandy and then she transforms the giant long leaves and gives it new life through intricate techniques.
The process that makes each piece look amazingly like lovely leather will always remain a secret, but involves a lot of time and hard work in the intricate detail of cutting, scoring, stitching and creative manipulation, until it is transformed into a captivating array of items.
Each piece of kelp is lovingly transformed into whatever comes to Sandy’s creative imagination, showcasing the inherent beauty of nature's offerings through her craft.
Among the treasures you'll find at King Island Kelp Craft shop on King Island, also listed kelp craft available to buy online, or over the phone placing an with Sandy are:
- Leafy Sea Dragon
- Seahorse
- Whale
- Magnets
- Earrings
- Bowl
- Pouch
- Heart
- Roses
- Three Fish Hanger
Take a closer look and you'll realise that there's always more to discover. Each creation tells a story of transformation, creativity, and the essence of King Island itself. King Island Kelp Craft brings the ocean's gifts to life, allowing you to take home a piece of this unique island's natural wonder.
Step into the Top Shop of King Island Kelp Craft and explore the remarkable craftsmanship that turns humble kelp into extraordinary pieces of artistry. Sandy Robinson the most talented artist and human being I know and a true Angel of a person.