Meet Bunyip Craft: A Colourful Little Corner of Creativity in Exeter

There’s something special about making something with your own hands. Whether it’s stitching a button back onto a favourite coat, creating a piece of jewellery that feels completely you, or finally giving that sewing project you’ve been putting off a go, crafting has a way of bringing a little joy into everyday life.

And if you’re someone who loves colour, creativity and getting stuck into a new project, there’s a little independent gem in Exeter that you need to know about.

Meet Bunyip Craft, an independent craft supplies and haberdashery shop on Fore Street, founded by Mattie, whose love of making has grown into a business that helps people of all abilities discover, develop and enjoy their own creativity.

From a love of beads and buttons to an Exeter favourite

Bunyip’s story began back in 2002, when Mattie opened Bunyip Beads & Buttons in McCoy’s Arcade in Exeter.

Having studied History and Politics at university in Exeter, Mattie had spotted a gap in the city for a proper bead shop that catered to modern crafters. With a love of knitting and a particular appreciation for buttons, the idea quickly became a reality.

Over the years, the business evolved, eventually becoming Bunyip Craft and moving to its current home at 133 Fore Street.

Like so many independent businesses, the journey hasn't always been straightforward. Rising rents, business rates and the challenges of running a physical shop meant Mattie had to close the original premises in 2018. But rather than being the end of the story, it became another chapter.

Bunyip Craft reopened in February 2019 in its current space, complete with a welcoming shop floor and a workshop area where people can come together to learn new skills.

More than two decades after first opening, Mattie is still doing what she loves: helping people make lovely things.

And we think there’s something pretty wonderful about that kind of determination.

Your happy place for all things crafty

Step inside Bunyip Craft and you'll find a treasure trove of creative possibilities.

From colourful fabrics, buttons and haberdashery essentials to beads, jewellery-making supplies, stitching materials and DIY kits, there's plenty to inspire your next project.

Perhaps you're an experienced maker searching for that one finishing touch. Maybe you've been meaning to learn to sew for years but don't know where to start. Or perhaps you're simply looking for a creative activity to enjoy with a friend or the family.

Whatever your experience, Bunyip makes creativity feel accessible.

Alongside its extensive range of supplies, the shop also offers its own carefully put-together making kits, helping beginners get started without the overwhelm of having to source everything individually.

It's the sort of place where a quick trip for a spool of thread can easily turn into an afternoon of discovering your next obsession!

Learning something new, one stitch at a time

One of the things we love about Bunyip Craft is that it goes beyond simply selling supplies. It's also about sharing skills, building confidence and bringing people together through creativity.

The shop runs a programme of workshops covering different crafts and techniques, including sewing, hand stitching, jewellery making and Indian block printing.

Whether you're keen to learn the basics or develop skills you already have, the sessions offer an opportunity to try something new in a friendly, supportive environment.

Bunyip also gets involved in creative projects and clothes-mending sessions beyond the shop, helping bring hands-on making experiences to more people.

And it's not just about what you take home at the end. Learning a new skill can be a brilliant way to switch off from everyday pressures, spend time with like-minded people and discover just how much you can do when you give something a go.

Making lovely things, more mindfully

At Circular Social, we're big believers in making more conscious choices and finding ways to get more from what we already have. That's one of the reasons Bunyip Craft feels like such a natural fit for our community.

Sewing, mending and making things yourself can offer opportunities to be more thoughtful about what you buy, how you use materials and how long you keep the things you own.

Learning to repair a garment rather than immediately replacing it, adding a new lease of life to something you already have or creating a handmade gift can all be small but meaningful ways to approach everyday life differently.

Of course, not every craft project is automatically sustainable, and the materials we choose matter. But developing practical skills, repairing what we can and taking pleasure in making rather than always buying something new can be a lovely place to start.

And sometimes, the most rewarding part is simply slowing down, putting your phone aside and spending a little time creating something with your hands.

Supporting independent shops in our community

Bunyip Craft is proudly part of Exeter's independent business community and is one of the founding businesses behind Fore Street Flea, the street's Sunday flea market, which takes place four times a year.

It's a lovely reminder that independent shops offer so much more than the products on their shelves. They bring character to our high streets, share specialist knowledge and help create the connections that make our local communities feel unique.

By shopping independently, learning from local makers and taking part in creative workshops, we can help keep those spaces thriving.

And if you've ever fancied trying a new craft, there's no need to wait until you feel like an expert. Sometimes the best projects begin with a little curiosity and a willingness to have a go.

Discover Bunyip Craft

You'll find Bunyip Craft at 133 Fore Street in Exeter city centre, surrounded by other independent businesses and creative spaces.

Whether you're looking for sewing essentials, beautiful fabrics, jewellery-making supplies, a thoughtful gift or a workshop to inspire your next hobby, Mattie and the team are ready to help you find what you need.

You can browse the shop online, explore upcoming workshops and find out more about everything Bunyip has to offer at bunyipcraft.com.

Because sometimes, all it takes is a few beads, a piece of fabric, a needle and thread, and a little imagination to make something lovely.