The first time I spoke to Mel from IvyAliceVintage, I was still developing my ideas around what Pottering would look like and researching what pieces I would initially stock.
I called Mel to talk about her beautiful handcrafted wooden serving boards, which I absolutely loved and knew I wanted to stock as soon as I saw them. She was beyond generous with her wisdom about starting a small product business, and her kind, personable nature came through the phone like she was a friend sitting next to me.
When that call ended, I was full of excitement, optimism and possibility. Not just because Mel agreed to sell her pieces through Pottering ~ my first Maker! ~ but also because she made me feel like I could do this.
(One of the most beautiful surprises of starting Pottering has been connecting with amazing, inspiring women who are honing their craft into thriving businesses).
Mel’s handcrafted wooden serving boards are beautiful, practical and tick every box when it comes to pieces we stock at Pottering ~ sustainably handcrafted in Australia.
I stocked up well in my initial order with Mel, launching Pottering with a range of eight different serving boards and two cake stands!
Some pieces have sold out, and some have limited numbers remaining. And now, they really are limited editions…
Earlier this year, after a few very busy years building IvyAliceVintage, Mel restructured her business to allow for a slower pace and more space for creativity.
She retired her whole original range, including all the pieces I sell ~ making what I have in stock the only pieces left!
Taking stock of the success she had built, Mel stripped it all back to focus on why she started in the first place ~ “A creative outlet that enables me to hand make with love beautiful, unique pieces for your home. That is the Ivy Alice Vintage mission statement, and it will never change.”
Mel now makes a limited range of new pieces, in small batches, in specified drops. And they all sell out!
As one of the few retailers that sell IvyAliceVintage, I’m excited to launch two new pieces to our range ~ the Mini Notched Oval Serving Board and the Scallop Riser.
Both pieces are new to Mel’s range this year, are produced in such limited numbers that they sell out every drop that they’re made, and are absolutely beautiful!
To celebrate the launch of these new pieces from Mel’s range at Pottering, I asked Mel a few questions ~ about her business, her life and her beautiful handcrafted wooden serving boards...
What do you love most about what you do at IvyAliceVintage?
"I love the freedom that I’m so lucky to have. There are so many facets to this. The only consistency is inconsistency. To say I’m juggling multiple plates is an understatement.
However, to be able to draw pieces, put on headphones and listen to a book or podcast whilst cutting and sanding is actually so relaxing.
Having the flexibility to stop and be present for my daughter is still the reason I do this and why I started four years ago."
You’ve made some big changes and had some wonderful experiences this year. How has 2026 been for you overall ~ personally and professionally?
"Huge changes this year! I was completely burnt out and had almost lost the passion and creativity completely. Working day and night for three years had taken its toll. We had a big holiday to Japan over the New Year, and it was just what the doctor ordered.
I’ve learnt to slow down and pull back. I culled every single one of my pieces and started from scratch with a new business model. No more made to order, only very limited stock, small batch releases throughout the year, only offering wholesale on the last two quarters in limited capacity. It’s a learning curve but so far so good!"
Which pieces of yours do you reach for during Spring and the Christmas seasons?
"For the warmer months and especially the festive season I certainly use my pieces a lot more frequently! I’m a tea fanatic so mini one (Mini Notched Oval Serving Board) gets a year-round workout. The minis especially I think will make fantastic gifts especially as part of a DIY gift set with a candle or beautiful mug!
Of course, the larger pieces get a workout for outdoor entertaining and cheeseboards. The Juliette and now Juliette Jnr cover both prep and serveware, especially the Juliette as a family charcuterie board for our traditional Christmas Eve movie night!
My daughter Ivy and I really enjoy festive baking so will have a ball using the cake stand to store our gingerbread (a 24cm cloche works perfectly)."
Do you have any dreams or plans for 2027 as yet?
"Next year seems so far away, it’s always a mad dash to Christmas and then January to recover from that!
I’m hoping to refine the new model and continue enjoying creating new pieces. I’ve come up with two new pieces that I’m hoping to include in a surprise end of October drop (shhh).
As always, I hope I’m still lucky enough to be able to do this for another year going into year five!"
Thanks to Mel for being so generous with her time and support of my little shop! You can shop Pottering's range of IvyAliceVintage and follow Mel on Instagram.