Makers of bespoke, handmade, small-batch ceramic wares, KW Ceramics has opened their first permanent brick-and-mortar store and a new studio in Noosaville on the Sunshine Coast.

The last 7 years have seen Kim Wallace Ceramics evolve from a small hobby and passion project to a now thriving production pottery studio with orders for their handmade wares being sent all over Australia and across the world.

Previously, whilst working out of Kim’s home in the nearby hills of Tinbeerwah, the team behind KW Ceramics scrambled over drying work, and each other, to greet customers looking to see their dinnerware in person. Today, that has changed, with their expansion into a 240sqm warehouse and shopfront in the Noosaville Industrial Estate. The new studio space is now home to 2 kilns (7 times larger than the ones Kim originally started out with), rows and rows of workbenches and the full-time team of 4. The attached, long-awaited bricks and mortar store is a response to their customers’ requests to see their products up close.

‘No matter the amount of effort you put in, translating the feeling of a piece through a screen just doesn’t measure up to being able to see something in ‘real-life,’ says the brand.

‘We want the shop to be an extension of the studio, and for our customers to be touched on all levels and senses upon entering. From the scent of our camphor laurel shelving (locally made by the Cooroora Woodworkers Club in Cooroy) and warm lighting to the potted plants and cozy kids corner (with toys to keep little ones entertained), we want it to feel calming and easy while shopping’.

Stepping through the doorway behind the shop counter, customers can catch a glimpse of the team inside the studio; rolling slabs, pouring slip and glazing their ceramic pieces. These pieces – plates, bowls, vases and reusable takeaway cups, are destined for their store, as well as stockists & restaurants across Australia and the world. Most recently – 60 Reusable Takeaway Cups headed to Superette in New Zealand and 200 pieces for coffee roastery Blooms in Hong Kong.

‘We’re lucky to be surrounded by so many creatives in this area. Bespoke furniture and design shops, coffee roasters, organic markets, local breweries and fashion outlets are nestled in amongst all of the industrial buildings and there is a real sense of craftsmanship here. We’re hoping it can be a community-building space’. 

All of Kim’s creations are made in-house, by hand, with Australian clays and non-toxic glazes. ‘We’re seeing an increase in people searching out quality, handmade goods that will stand the tests of time. Hopefully, this small maker movement will continue to pick up speed.’

The Kim Wallace Ceramics flagship store is open weekdays from 10am–2pm.

KW Ceramics
2/10 Leo Alley Road, Noosaville