The Warners Bay’s creative studio and retail space is set to close
Brought to you by the mother/daughter team, Ulanda and Caroli, Kwas Studio has been gracing the Warners Bay scene with its infectious creative spirit since its inception in October 2021.
On April 14th 2023, the ladies announced via social media that their beloved creative studio and retail space will be set to close their bricks and mortar venue at the end of July 2023.
“We are grateful for the wonderful platform that Kwas was/still is. We got to meet beautiful people and hopefully installed some creativity in their life. Warners Bay is a friendly and lovely community and we felt accepted and part of it,” Ulanda shared.
With three more months of creative fun still to be had until the space closes up shop, Ulanda and Caroli encourage you to still drop in and experience a little bit of the Kwas magic whilst you still can.
For those with gift vouchers, you can book in online or pop in store to use them on workshops and/or products. Moving forward, Kwas Studio will still be around, but purely as an online offering with private art classes to be held from Ulanda’s home from September onwards.
For those that frequent Lake Macquarie social strip along Warners Bay Esplanade, you may have noticed the arrival of a brand-new creative space that’s just opened up; Kwas Studio.
Brought to us by mother and daughter duo, Ulanda and Caroli, the new space is a dedication to all things creative. Originally from South Africa, the pair have injected a whole lot of personality to the Warners Bay area with their fresh, colourful, and creative space opening up on the shores of Lake Macquarie.
Utilising their individual creative skillset, Ulanda with her background of teaching and love for painting, and Caroli with her background in Architecture and natural creative flair, Kwas Studio is nothing short of a burst of creative genius.
Combining their experience, knowledge, and South African heritage, the duo launched their new business offering the minute restrictions lifted with visitors able to drop by to browse their retail offering and book in for their painting experiences from the 11th of October.
At the core of the Kwas Studio offering is their uniquely designed painting experiences where your inner artist is nurtured and celebrated with their step-by-step classes held by Ulanda herself.
“Our main passion is getting people creative. We really believe that everyone can paint. For us to see people painting and what they’ve painted; it’s been phenomenal. That’s what we’re most excited about. We want people to come tp paint here, and maybe it will ignite a flame that you didn’t know was there, or one you used to have,” Caroli said.
Visitors can either book into one of their already pre-planned painting experiences, or for groups of ten or more, you can book your very own private event and pick from their range of already created artworks. The range includes a Picasso style portrait, Monet at Warners Bay, Lemon Platter, Protea Still Life, Newy Baths, Redhead Beach, Banksia Still Life, and Van Gogh’s Wheat-fields. To browse upcoming events, click here.
Upon entering the store, you’ll be greeted by the ever-so-cheerful team, which, if you are a frequent visitor to the Homegrown Markets or the Warners Bay Foreshore Markets you may recognise. Ulanda has been popping up at the markets with her fabric runners, changeable placemats, and sensory bags under the name Ruby Roo, and Caroli with her clay earrings under the brand Studio Caroli. Each business having played a huge part in bringing Kwas Studio to life.
“We used to always have our stalls next to each other and would say it really looks like a shop. I think that was when the seed was planted. We always said it would be so cool to have a shop together where we can sell our creations. It’s literally a dream come true having this shop.”
In addition to their painting experiences, the Kwas Studio also boasts a curated range of retail products including a strong focus on South African products alongside Aussie favourites, Studio Caroli products, and a bunch of other goodies.
The name itself, Kwas, is from Afrikaans, which is the language the pair and the rest of their family speak at home, and which translates to the word brush; the essential tool to start your creative adventure. Could it be any more fitting?
“We’re trying to bring a little bit of the Afrikaans, and we have sourced some South African products that you can only purchase through us here in Australia.”
The mother and daughter duo are excited to welcome you to Kwas Studio where you are encouraged to unleash your inner artist! So, whether you’re keen to book in for a painting experience, or need some retail therapy, drop by Kwas Studio at Warners Bay and meet Ulanda and Caroli!
