Eucalypt Homewares by Melanie Sharpham are beautifully handcrafted ceramic works inspired by Australian forest landscapes. These striking objects embody the spirit and romance of the Australian bush. Collections include exquisite, slip-cast coloured porcelain Eucalypt tableware and two-tone tissue transfer Floralware that delicately evoke flowering gum blossoms and dusty landscapes. Eucalypt also has a range of hand-crafted porcelain Floralware trinket boxes, herb labels, brooches, rings and Christmas decorations.

But these are not just objects to be admired. As Melanie explains “Eucalypt Homewares products are versatile, playful and multifunctional. They are designed to be treasured, adored and used – everyday! For discerning collectors or those who just appreciate nice things, these unique pieces are meant to be collected, gifted, loved and used.”

And couldn’t we all use more beauty and objects crafted with love in our everyday lives? We think so.

How did you end up where you are today?
Life is a long story… but I have always loved making things right from a little girl creating dolls clothes and knitting teddy bears. I have a Degree in Primary Education and an Advanced Diploma in Art and Design (Studio Ceramics). Both these qualifications and the skills I have learned through them have helped shaped my adult life. I joined a ceramic exhibiting group (Clay Feet Exhibiting Group Inc.) when I graduated and participated in group exhibitions for six years often in unconventional spaces both in Perth, regional WA and interstate.

Probably the most influential has been being involved in Designing Futures, an initiative of FORM. Through this I developed the beginnings of the products I make today.

I come from a family of four children as does my husband and we have four children of our own. Family is very important to us and I feel blessed that I am able to combine my working and family life with a home based studio (next to the sandpit and under a peppermint gum).

I teach adults, parent my children and create Eucalypt Homewares from my studio. For some people their kitchen is the hub of their house, mine is the studio!

What’s the best thing about what you do?
The diversity. Like any job, mine has its fair share of process and hum drum, but because I’m running a creative business from my home I have periods of making, marketing, bookkeeping, teaching and running around after kids. There are moments of solitude and periods of social interaction. I get to be a complete grot in my studio and then scrub up and wear lippy for a market or fair. But best of all, when people like my work enough to take it home, that gives me a real buzz!

When did you start exhibiting at Life Instyle?
I was invited to exhibit in Platform 2007 after Marc from Life Instyle discovered my work in an exhibition in Milan of a Designboom competition shortlisted.

Why do you exhibit at Life Instyle?
I have taken a few years off Life Instyle after the birth of my fourth child. Family commitments required my business to take a back seat for a while. This has allowed it to grow at a manageable rate, fine tuning my product and testing the local market. As my product grows in popularity in Perth I feel it is time to branch out to the Eastern seaboard. Life Instyle is a perfect platform to showcase my ceramics to new audiences of discerning buyers.

What has been your Life Instyle highlight?
It is very inspiring seeing all the other beautiful products and networking with prospective buyers and other stallholders.

What can we expect from you at the next show?
Eucalypt Homewares will display the full range of products demonstrating how they work together in shop settings and in people’s homes.

Right now I’m:
Eating… a lot more vegetarian food as my 15 year old daughter has recently turned pescitarian.
Drinking… copious cups of tea with my builder
Reading… I’ve just finished “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
Hearing… the magpies and other birds feeding their babies in the surrounding trees
Planning… a family holiday the week before Christmas
Buying… a renovation in our house; bathroom, kitchen, painting, floorboard restoration….
Enjoying… the prospect of moving back into our house after three months of renovations!!!

For more information visit: www.eucalypthomewares.com.au