Behind the hands.

Welcome to House of Mawi.

My name is Wilma and my journey into ceramics began in 2017 when I took my first pottery lesson. What started simply as a hobby quickly became a relentless passion that has continued to grow ever since. Over the last few years, I’ve diligently learned the techniques of wheel throwing and making my own glazes. In 2021, I decided to follow my heart and turned my hobby into my full-time profession.

Ceramics is a slow-paced art. Every piece is 100% handmade at the Potter’s wheel with lots of care, passion, and love. Each piece is truly unique, meaning no two creations can ever be identical, as mine is an artisanal practice and is not intended to resemble something that rolled off a factory assembly line.

I get an immense feeling of fulfillment every time I see a smiling face and appreciation for my handmade ceramics. Conveying my passion through my creations is, and always will be, the main driving force behind House of Mawi. House Of Mawi (meaning: House Of Mathieu (my husband) and Wilma; the name 'mawi'; is of Indian/Sanskrit origin and means 'beautiful'). A line of small-batch timeless ceramics, all handmade from start to finish, created by myself.

The story behind the cocktail bar

In the heart of Bruges, tucked away in the Langestraat, there once stood a small cocktail bar, a true gem where handcrafted drinks met handmade art. For years, it was a place where locals and travelers alike would gather, not just for the unique cocktails, each carefully crafted with passion, but for the special touch of handmade pottery that adorned every table. These pieces, made and glazed by hand, told their own stories—much like the bar itself. Some cocktails were served in one-of-a-kind pottery, making every sip a celebration of creativity.

But as all good things evolve, so too must this chapter of our lives. The doors of the cocktail bar have closed, not with sadness, but with excitement for what’s to come. We've begun a major home renovation in a new corner of Bruges, a place that will soon breathe new life into our dreams. While the bar may no longer be, something fresh and thrilling is on the horizon. The spirit of craftsmanship will live on in a new way, and we can’t wait to share it with you soon.

This next chapter promises to blend creativity, passion, and craftsmanship in new and unexpected ways. Stay tuned—our story is far from over.

Bruges has always been a city of inspiration, and in this next chapter, it will continue to be the canvas for something just as special as the cocktail bar once was.

Label "Maker Handmade in Brugge"

In June 2023, Handmade in Bruges, in collaboration with the City of Bruges, awarded a label to makers who excel in their craft and make a clear difference. The label "Maker Handmade in Bruges" is a recognition of their traditional craftsmanship. I can proudly say that from then on I am one of the official makers of the City of Bruges.

https://www.handmadeinbrugge.be/makers/house-of-mawi

My Story.

Growing up in Kenya as a child, I lived in a place in time where kids were always playing outdoors. Now, years later when I look back at this time, it was truly an influential period in my life. I can still vividly recall going to kindergarten where we were always drawing and creating things using nothing but our hands and our imagination. I believe that my childhood in Africa played a very important role in becoming the person that I am today.

Aside from my love for ceramics, I'm also very passionate about cooking healthy food, mixology, yoga, and discovering new places on the beautiful planet we call Mother Earth. I will always choose quality over quantity. My motto is less is more, where beauty strives to be achieved through simplicity. Living at the rhythm of the sun and being attracted to the beauty of our planet is where I find inspiration for my ceramic collections.

Love,

Wilma