Our story
Kuppi and Bear – Our Journey So Far
Hello! We’re Kuppi and Bear – a small handmade accessories brand based in Melbourne, Australia. We’d love to share our story, from the very beginning to where we are now.
2013 – From Painted Wooden Beads
Our journey began in 2013 when Kula, who was studying 3D game graphic design at Monash University and RMIT, wanted to start creating something by hand. She began painting wooden beads with acrylic paint, assembling each one into colorful accessories.
She sold them at local craft markets and at Design A Space – a well-known handmade design store in South Yarra, a stylish shopping area just outside Melbourne’s city centre (CBD).
2017 – Discovering Polymer Clay
After a short break, we returned in 2017 with a new material – polymer clay. It allowed us to freely shape, mix, and create in vibrant colors and forms. This was when our style began to shift and grow into something more playful and artistic.
2018 – Enter Laser Cutting
One year later, we discovered laser cutting through Kula’s partner, who worked in a laser-cutting company. We started designing intricate digital shapes and cutting them from wood and acrylic – then hand-painted and assembled each piece ourselves.
This combination of digital precision and handmade warmth became a signature of our brand.
Adding Resin – Handmade From Mold to Finish
Later, we started creating resin accessories too. Every mold is handmade by us from scratch, allowing us to experiment with textures, colors, glitter, and transparency.
We returned to physical retail with shops like Design A Space and in.cu8er on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – a creative hub in inner-north Melbourne. We also sold at Sunday craft markets across the city.
2020 – The Pause
Just as things were growing, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Markets and shops closed, and we paused operations again for a while.
Restarting from a Local Café
After restrictions eased, we restarted selling at Zetta’s Pantry – a local café in Brunswick. It was a small but warm way to reconnect with our community.
When the café later closed, we shifted focus to our online store. Now we offer over 65 styles of earrings, shipping Australia-wide and beyond.
Looking Ahead – 2025 and Beyond
In 2025, we’re planning to return to craft markets again. We miss the joy of meeting customers in person, and letting people discover our designs up close.
We hope you’ll visit us – online or in person – and find a piece that feels like it was made just for you.
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @kuppiandbear