At between you & me

we’re committed to sustainable processes, both for the environment and for ourselves. We employ local factories and businesses, and have designed mimimal, recyclable packaging.

We pride ourselves on using a mixture of new and old technologies.

Operating out of our Melbourne studio, we start sketching designs by hand, then use traditional metal working techniques to make handmade samples. We rigorously test and refine each design.

Once convinced by the design, we get a quantity cut at a Melbourne factory.

Back in the workshop each piece has to be carefully checked. We remove burrs and scratches using a combination of mechanical and hand sanding methods. 

The pieces are then formed using a range of machinery and tools in our workshop, from a series of traditional metal working hammers, through to the 250kg vintage fly press. This beautifully engineered piece of machinery was made in Australia in the 1940’s. It was originally used for making metal samples prior to a production run. We were lucky to find one in such fine condition.

Each serving tool must perform well and be lovely to look at and hold. Importantly, its function must also be pleasing.  There is an unmistakable pleasure in using a pair of serving tongs with a satisfying spring.

Once the serving tool has been formed, the metal has to be ‘finished’. The surface finish of the metal is the final part of the making process, taking the tool from rough to smooth and lovely to hold and to view.

Each piece is washed carefully and quality checked. Inevitably, there are stubborn ones which require further attention.

When we're happy with the finish, we engrave our logo. The serving tool is ready to be packaged and sent out to its new home.

Each part of the process requires a new set of skills. Each piece requires individual attention. It is our hope that this level of attention is felt in the final result.

We are grateful for Marjorie, Mrs Maisel, Dolores and Selma who don’t always pull their weight but do offer excellent, if irrelevant advice. They are the four chickens in the yard (and occasionally in the workshop) and have been essential and beloved participants in this whole operation.