Embers & Twine

Embers and Twine, an absolute star of Ipswich’s historic Top Of Town precinct crown, can be found in one of the city’s charming, heritage-listed icons.

Owned by sisters, Alicia and Narelle, their love of handmade, sustainable and locally-sourced products is evident through the ever-changing collection of amazing gifts, plants, plant pots, homewares, clothing, herbal teas and art that fills their retail side of one of Ipswich’s oldest buildings.

The decision to share the space with another local gem, The Soul Cauldron, during some downtime in 2020, enabled both businesses to beautifully restore the street front shop to its former glory, putting the amazing warmth of the aged timber floors back on display.

Important to the sisters is reducing their carbon footprint along with the commercial landfill they might otherwise generate, and as much as possible, they proudly collaborate with local, like-minded, small business artisans who share their values and ethos, many of whom they call dear friends.

There are so many beautiful pieces and ranges in store at Embers & Twine that it’s truly hard to know where to start!

The flush of foliage that welcomes you into Embers & Twine is all thanks to the green thumbs of Ann & Rob who nurture and grow all the plants locally in Ipswich.

If plant care is not your forte, the range of succulent gardens, thanks to Pauline from Succulently Stylish, is right up your Arizonian alley and still delivers a pop of homey greenery.

It’s easy to make your house a home after a visit here, especially when you add a handmade, scented, long-burning Ember & Twine candle or two (trust me, if you're shopping for a male friend, make sure you take a whiff of Fifty Shades). Back in vogue, why not choose from a handcrafted macrame wall hanging piece to brighten up a dreary nook, or pick out a contemporary water colour painting to take pride and joy in your living space. 

It's not hard to put some colour into your next catch-up with friends when you serve the grazing platter-to-end-all-grazing platters on a gorgeous resin serving board, from Resin by K. It’s the epitome of the art of food!

Fans of vintage fabrics and retro designs will delight at the range of lovingly created products that Kim from Fannie & Floss Handmade Designs has available in-store. Bags, skirts, cushions and the grooviest of headbands for all ages bring a smile to your dial with a stylish touch of yesteryear – and many of them on-offs so you’ll never run into your outfit twin when you're out and about.

Fashionistas will also swoon over the range of earrings and jewellery by 1389 Designs, clutches by Handmade by Katrina, and baby-friendly pieces from Chewy Charms that are designed to cater to the needs of mums and their sensory and tactile bubs and kids. In fact, if you have a friend who loves to chew the end of their pen, look no further for a way to keep their teeth intact with a cool range of pencil toppers!

Nice to know – The building has been a piece of Ipswich’s rich history since 1901, and was originally built to house the Ipswich Flour Milling Company. In 1910, the building was added to and housed JW Johnson & Sons garage. And, from 1935, radio station 4IP hit the airwaves from the second storey.

Nice to know –  Still with the environment front-of-mind, Embers & Twine offer half price refills on candles, reed diffusers and room sprays, along with reduced price refills on any of their aromatic teas, relaxing bath salts and rejuvenating botanicals.

By Danella Perrins

And, for more great things to see and do in Ipswich, visit Discover Ipswich HERE.