Creative powerhouse Carly Buteux first started Public Holiday back in 2014, using her roots as a multidisciplinary designer to create a label specialising in fun and functional ceramics. As well as looking pretty darn cute, Public Holiday pieces are made to be used – these are the sorts of sturdy statement pieces that you can feel comfortable using every day as opposed to dooming them to your mantle as a decorative display. Carly’s multifaceted background in design, as well as her drawing upon the visual culture and landscape that surrounds her everyday interactions, inspire the eye-popping designs. From glazes echoing the deep glowing reds of the desert to patterns reminiscent of an ever-present urban environment, each piece carries a story meant to embody that good-time feeling.

When it comes to the manufacturing process of Public Holiday, you can’t get much more handmade. Carly crafts each piece individually out of her studio space in Sydney’s inner west, ensuring both high quality and bespoke touches. From a ball of clay pieces are lovingly thrown into shape on the potter’s wheel, finished and decorated by hand and fired for the first time. After the first firing each piece is coated with glaze and returned to the kiln for a final firing. Carly’s designs are a celebration and display of repetition, pattern and bold colour and central themes. While beautiful and functional, Public Holiday ceramics are also an ode to the art of imperfection – each stray mark is a reminder that these pieces are unique, handcrafted items. The future of the brand is looking exceptionally bright, with independent stockists growing in number and some exciting projects in the works (hello, keep cups!) – keep your eyes on Public Holiday’s Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Ready to take a break? You can shop the range of Public Holiday ceramics online or pop into Nook or One Girl Studio for a look in person.