When former hairdresser Elizabeth Bell walked into a pottery class on her honeymoon over a decade ago, she had no idea it would change her life. Today, she runs Elizabeth Bell Ceramics, an award-winning pottery studio, retail space and creative hub located at Geelong’s Historic Fyansford Paper Mill.
Elizabeth Bell Ceramics has grown into a much-loved local brand, known for functional ceramic homewares and intimate, unrushed pottery classes. It’s a creative space that invites the community to slow down and reconnect, learn new skills and get their hands dirty.
“I did a one-off pottery class on my honeymoon and realised how much I loved it. Pottery felt like a way to slow down, switch off, focus on the clay and make something with my hands. I signed up for term classes like the ones we offer now, and it naturally evolved from there.” — Elizabeth Bell
Alongside their popular pottery classes, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics offers a carefully considered range of handmade mugs, bowls, vessels and oil bottles, each designed to be used and enjoyed every day. Crafted with longevity in mind, every piece reflects Libby’s commitment to quality, functionality, sustainability and timeless design.
“I want things to be used. Not tucked away because they’re ‘too nice’. Use them. Enjoy them. Love them.”
As her customer base grew beyond the studio, Libby encountered the practical challenge of getting these fragile pieces safely into customers’ hands. Shipping handmade ceramics requires more than basic protection. It demands packaging that safeguards hours of work, fits within carrier weight limits, aligns with sustainability values, and can be quickly sourced when demand spikes. Finding a solution that balanced all of these needs became a critical part of her growing business.
Libby has been using Signet for around six years now, building a simple and efficient packaging system around a core range of products. To manage freight costs, Libby works with three main carton sizes, matched to standard shipping weight categories from her provider:
“I look at box sizes based on which shipping category they’ll fit into. It makes packing and freight decisions so much easier, and I know what it will cost.”
Instead of plastic bubble wrap, Libby uses Geami Honeycomb Paper Wrap for cushioning shipped ceramics. It protects fragile pieces, looks considered, and aligns with her eco-conscious approach. In-store, Signet’s Brown Paper Bags are combined with the Geami Honeycomb Paper Wrap to compliment the studio’s natural aesthetic.
As the studio has grown, Libby has expanded her class offerings by employing a small group of respected ceramic artists to teach and run classes from the space. This allows the studio to offer a diverse range of techniques and perspectives. One of these artists is Leah Grant, whose work and business journey we’ve also explored in a separate case study — be sure to check it out to learn more about her story here.
Fast access to packaging is critical for Elizabeth Bell Ceramics, making a supplier that can replenish stock quickly and cost-effectively essential. While many packaging suppliers treat Geelong as a regional location and apply higher delivery costs or longer lead times, Signet classifies Geelong as metro. This allows Libby to order only what she needs, avoid overstocking, and respond quickly during peak periods such as Christmas.
“One of the things I really appreciate about working with Signet, aside from the sustainable packaging options, is that I’m based in Geelong. You treat Geelong as metro, which means next-day shipping. That makes a massive difference when I need products quickly.”
With Signet’s packaging in place, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics can ship safely nationwide, maintain a strong sustainability focus, present a cohesive brand experience, and focus on what matters most: exploring, teaching and creating pieces that become part of everyday rituals in homes across Australia.
To learn more about how Signet supports businesses and artists like the Elizabeth Bell, call and speak to one of our team members at 13 7446, email sales@signet.net.au, Live Chat with us at www.signet.net.au or submit an enquiry below.
Signet is proud to support Elizabeth Bell Ceramics and over 60,000 Aussie ventures.
