Where Art Meets Heart in Cessnock
- WCP Media
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Words: Liane Morris
In the heart of Cessnock, just a few minutes' drive from the Hunter Valley wine region, there’s a hidden gem. A tiny little retail store called Wally & Eva.
It’s the ideal spot to pick up mementos of your visit to the Hunter Valley or local gifts and treasures. Full of high-quality, locally handmade products inspired by Australian flora and fauna, it’s the creative outlet and brainchild of artists and owners Lou and Mike. Wally & Eva provides a sensory shopping experience for those who enjoy browsing and discovering beautiful, handcrafted, and quirky items, and it’s totally worth the visit!
Lou and Mike moved to the Hunter in 2020 from Sydney, where they had been selling their products at weekend markets. Both have demanding day jobs but are committed to their crafts. Lou has been making jewellery since her teens, and Mike uses his woodworking skills to help bring their creations to life.
“We create a seemingly random array of different products that have all sprung from our many loves and passions using Australian Hardwood, Australian-made plant-based bio resin and natural fabrics as our main mediums and taking our inspiration from nature and the environment,” said Lou.
“Sustainability is very important to us, too. Wherever possible, we use Australian suppliers and our beautiful gift packaging (including cotton and paper bags, tissue paper, boxes and ribbons) is either reusable, compostable or biodegradable.
“Having a real bricks and mortar store is a bucket list dream come true. We came across our cute little storefront quite by chance whilst searching for an office for Mike’s digital archiving business, and the rest is history.”
You can find a vast array of jewellery, homewares, stationery and accessories all handcrafted by Lou and Mike, along with apparel and tote bags, local Hunter lavender goodies and other products from local makers.
Their signature collection of hand-painted earring designs range from Australian native birds, plants and animals to quirky styles that include mushrooms, insects, sea creatures, wine themes, artist themes and of course, cats and dogs.
If you love lamps, you’ll love a visit to Wally and Eva, where you’ll find an extensive range of their pre-made lamps and lampshades, including their beautiful signature cylinder table lamps that include a handcrafted Tallowwood base. They can even work with you to design and create a custom lamp that suits your personal style and décor.
Wally and Eva is more than just a gift shop; it’s an experience of lovely scents, soothing colours and some cool music to hum along to.
In case you were wondering about the name of the store, Wally and Eva are their much-loved felines. Very sadly, Wally passed away very recently, but his spirit remains in their hearts and business.
You’ll find Wally and Eva at 38 Vincent Street, Cessnock, so pop in for a browse when you’re next in the area, or check out their collection online at www.wallyandeva.com.au.
