From a borrowed wheel in a Raglan carport to a thriving coastal studio, Westcoast Stoneware is built on craftsmanship, community, and intention. What began as a simple idea – to create ceramics that are both sustainable and beautiful – has grown into a business grounded in slow production, skilled hands, and everyday ritual. Each piece carries the mark of its makers, shaped not just by clay and fire, but by the people, place, and purpose behind it. In this conversation, we step inside the story, process, and philosophy that continue to define Westcoast Stoneware today.
Can you share the story behind Westcoast Stoneware? From those early days in a Raglan carport to where you are now. How did it all begin?
Westcoast Stoneware was born of an idea that we could create a product that is both sustainable and beautiful, fitting into the lifestyles of the people in our community. We began with a borrowed wheel in the open carport of our flat we called ‘the Castle’ in Raglan. Mikey who had about 7 years experience as a production potter was making the pieces and Beach who created the brand and business. We sourced second hand tools, kilns and benches etc. From around the country and built make-shift walls around the carport to resemble some sort of Studio - but this worked for us for the first few years where the business just grew and our reusable cups were being noticed by cafes and gift stores around NZ. That’s when we knew we needed to move into a bigger space and our current Studio (the old Raglan Coconut Yoghurt Factory) came up for rent. This space made it possible to grow even more and thrive in the centre of our little coastal town. In 2022, Beach was ready to move on and Molly (Mikey’s partner) jumped in to run the business.
“It’s not about the equipment but about who’s behind it.” Can you expand on this idea and how it has shaped the way you’ve built the business?
The idea around who’s behind the products that we designed is that each piece is made by hand with so much intention. There are so many steps in the production process to create pottery, that many don’t even know about. So this means that each cup is touched (by real humans) at least 13 times from being a ball of clay to the finished piece before it reaches the hands of it’s new owner. This is down to the skill and passion of our wonderful team.
Your stoneware is known for being both durable and beautiful. What was the original intention behind creating high-fired, chip-resistant ceramics for everyday use?
Our intention is to create a product that can fit into any lifestyle. Reducing the waste of single-use takeaway cups by making something that is beautiful and that is built to last. And everything tastes better when it’s out of your favourite cup!
Every piece is shaped by hand and grounded in tradition. Can you walk us through your process, from raw clay to finished piece?
Here are the steps we take to create each cup:
- Cut from the clay bag - pop it through our Pug machine which churns it into the best consistency for throwing.
- Weigh out each ball of clay to the right weight for the size cup we are making.
- Our potter throws each cup (usually around 100x per day)
- Allow them to dry evenly by flipping them onto their rims until at the perfect consistency.
- For the custom emblem we slab out a few pancakes of clay and stamp the logo into it with a cookie cutter.
- Attach the stamped emblems by scoring the piece and the emblem and using slip to attach.
- Wrap those in plastic for at least a day to allow them to attach evenly to the piece.
- Trim the foot of the cup and stamp our logo on the bottom.
- Allow all cups to dry completely.
- Load into the Bisque kiln - firing to about 900c.
- Unload bisque and lay out to wax the feet (to repel glaze from sticking to the foot of the cup)
- Glaze each cup by dipping with our tongs in preferred glaze.
- Wipe and clean up the foot and wipe away glaze from the stamped emblems with sponge.
- Load glaze kiln - firing to 1250c making high-fired stoneware (this takes 2 days firing and cooling)
- Unload glaze and Sand the bottoms of each cup until they are smooth.
- Add our little business card and silicone lid.
- Package with recycled/repurposed materials we gather from our community + send away to their new homes :)
There’s a strong connection to place in your work. How has the West Coast environment, particularly Raglan, influenced your designs and approach?
Raglan is our home. Our surroundings and community inspire us every-day. A lot of our glazes are inspired by the landscapes and ocean. And being a potter creates such a casual approach to life. As it’s production, we are able to pop out to surf etc. Whenever the waves are good and come back to work refreshed.
Mid-winter invites us to slow down and lean into warmth, ritual... and winter adventures. What does this season look and feel like for you, and how does it influence your work?
We are expecting our first baby in July so this winter is going to look a little different for us! Looking forward to cozy moments and slowing down.
Both Westcoast Stoneware and Mitchells Nutrition prioritise quality and function in everyday products. From your perspective, what makes this collaboration feel aligned?
Honestly, we were very excited when we were approached by Mitchells for this collaboration. The team have been great to work with. We love to work with NZ businesses who create such beautiful, quality products.
In commercial settings, durability is essential, but so is experience. How do you balance practicality (chip resistance, weight, feel) with aesthetics?
We definitely make it a priority to make our products durable - with the thickness of the rim and stable foot, they have been designed to last without being too chunky!
In a world of mass production, your work remains intentionally handmade. What do you think people are really seeking when they choose pieces like yours, or when they choose handcrafted & local over convenience?
I think that people crave connection. When you’re buying something that is hand-made, you are supporting a craft that is mastered over years and years of experience. When you shop local, you’re supporting a family in a small business and every sale is a win for them! That’s gotta feel good!
Looking ahead, what’s next for Westcoast Stoneware? Are there new ideas, products, or directions you’re excited about?
Westcoast Stoneware has so much room to grow. We would love to be able to share our knowledge and skills and this beautiful craft of creating functional pottery with our community - perhaps some workshops and classes are on the
horizon...? We’ll keep you posted.
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