He is the only one in Réunion Island to work on coconut.  Patrice livens up the small village of Eperon with his decorative objects, 100% natural.  He welcomes us in his open air workshop.     

He never thought of becoming a craftsman.  "I end up doing the most beautiful job in the world," he said.  The coconut bumped into his life eight years ago and they soon fell in love.  They lived in the small village of Eperon in the Hauts de Saint-Gilles for four years.  Patrice has bartered his job in the printing industry to live his passion.     

At first any handbook was available for a penny, sometimes you just need to start something to find your way.  He makes his first piece of work aimlessly, it's a small coconut house with beach and coconut trees.  It's new and it pleases everyone.  The adventure can start with a few detours through "handmade" living rooms.     

 An open air workshop

A multitude of objects feature at the Ti case coco in Eperon.  From moneybox to ice-tray to bird-nest to essential oil-burner to small vase to wall key ring, to bowl to lamp to pepperpot and to ashtray... He is never short of ideas.  Patrice regularly offers new products as well as respecting orders.  The craftsman has a distinctive characteristic that is much appreciated, he works on his coconut in his open air workshop, located in front of his shop.  In this way, we can observe the mastery hands of the craftsman at work.  Equipped with a cutter and a mini drill, he gives a second life to these dry coconuts.  Here is an address to remember to get a smart and stylish decorative object in the vein of a sustainable development.     
Text & Photos : Florence MERLEN
February 2008