Waratah - Premium pottery tool bag with multiple pockets (18 external + 9 internal) and wide central space for Tool Rack and painting supplies. Bold red canvas bag designed in Byron Bay for potters, painters, illustrators, painters, make-up artists, photographers, printmakers and makers who want organisation with energy.
ABOUT THE WARATAH ARTIST BAG
Waratah is a bold, vibrant canvas tool bag with plenty of pockets for creative makers who want their tools to make a statement. This multi-pocket artist bag features 18 external pockets and 9 unique internal compartments, creating 27 pockets total for complete creative organisation.
Named after Australia's stunning native flower, the waratah, this red canvas bag brings energy and passion to your studio practice. The bold red colour is unmistakable, whether you're in a pottery studio, painting outdoors, or teaching art classes. Your bag becomes part of your creative identity.
Designed in Byron Bay by a working ceramicist, Waratah solves real problems: finding tools quickly when you're in creative flow, protecting expensive equipment, transporting everything you need without chaos or stress.
INNOVATIVE DUAL-POCKET SYSTEM
Waratah features a unique organisation system that sets it apart from other pottery bags and artist bags. The combination of external pockets and internal compartments creates flexible storage that adapts to how you actually work.
18 External Pockets:
These smaller pockets hold tools you grab constantly. Perfect for pottery trimming tools, ribbon tools, paintbrushes, pencils, small sculpting tools, and items you reach for dozens of times during a work session. Everything has a dedicated spot, so you develop muscle memory for where each tool lives.
9 Internal Compartments (Our Exclusive Feature):
This is what makes The Artist Bag completely different from competing bags like Soolla. The internal compartments are taller pockets that remain open at the bottom rather than being sewn closed. This innovative design creates vertical storage:
• Tools stand upright, fully visible when you look down into the bag
• Perfect for taller items like wooden ribs, large paintbrushes, rolling pins
• Holds cups or jars filled with brushes or pencils (lift the whole container out, ready to use)
• Accommodates small boxes like ceramic letter stamps or texture tools
• Keeps longer tools organised without tangling or tipping over
• Designed for tools that benefit from standing storage, not for small loose items
Think of the internal compartments as a desktop organiser that travels with you. Many artists tell us this vertical storage system is their favourite feature because they can instantly identify which tool they need without unpacking or digging. It's visual organisation that actually works in real studio conditions.
This internal compartment design is exclusive to The Artist Bag. We haven't found this feature in any competing pottery tool bag, making it a genuine innovation in artist tool storage.
GENEROUS CENTRAL SPACE
The wide central compartment fits:
• Our custom wooden pottery Tool Rack
• iPad or tablet (up to 11 inches)
• Laptop (up to 13 inches)
• A4 sketchbooks and large drawing pads
• Multiple water bottles
• Large pottery tools like wooden bats and oversized ribs
• Rolled canvases or paper for painting
• Multiple projects' supplies simultaneously
• Small wedging board for pottery
• Clay wrapped for transport to classes or workshops
The open-top design provides instant visual access. No zippers to fumble with when your hands are covered in clay, paint, or glaze. Just look down and grab what you need.
DURABLE CANVAS CONSTRUCTION
Crafted from robust, pre-washed canvas (85% cotton, 15% polyester), Waratah handles serious creative work. The canvas material is tough enough for heavy pottery tools, wet clay, paint splashes, and years of daily use. Reinforced seams and double-stitching at stress points ensure durability even when the bag is fully loaded with heavy supplies.
The bold red colour is eye-catching and energising. In group classes or shared studios, you'll always know which bag is yours. The vibrant colour also makes it easier to spot if you've left it somewhere.
Pre-washed canvas means the bag is soft from day one, with minimal shrinkage over time.
No zipper by design. This bag stays open, ready for you to work. Zippers break, get stuck, and slow you down. Open-top design means maximum efficiency.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Dimensions: 36 cm × 23 cm × 23 cm
• Weight: 950 grams
• Material: Pre-washed canvas (85% cotton, 15% polyester)
• Pockets: 18 external, 9 internal compartments, 27 total
• Handles: Reinforced canvas handles for comfortable carrying even when full
• Colour: Waratah red, inspired by Australia's iconic native flower
• Design: Open-top for instant access to all tools
• Base: Wide and stable, stands upright when set down
DESIGNED AS A POTTERY TOOL BAG
Waratah is specifically engineered as a pottery tool bag for ceramicists and potters who move between different working spaces.
Pottery Tools This Bag Organises:
• Trimming tools in dedicated external pockets
• Ribbon tools sorted by size and shape
• Wooden ribs standing vertically in internal compartments
• Metal ribs and kidney tools
• Needle tools, pin tools, and hole cutters
• Wire cutting tools and twist wires
• Natural and synthetic sponges
• Chamois leathers
• Fettling knives and sharp trimming tools
• Loop tools for carving and decorating
• Modeling and sculpting tools
• Calipers and pottery gauges
• Slip brushes and glaze application brushes
• Our wooden Tool Rack system (fits perfectly)
Essential Pottery Studio Items:
• Small quantities of clay for workshops or classes
• Water bottles and spray bottles for moisture control
• Studio towels and aprons
• Pottery technique reference books
• Sketchbooks for form planning and design ideas
• Glaze recipe notebooks and firing record books
• Small banding wheels
• Rolling pins for slab construction
• Texture tools, stamps, and mark-making tools (stored in containers within internal compartments)
The internal compartments excel at holding pottery tools vertically. Place a cup of assorted ribs in one compartment, your collection of wire tools in another, and taller brushes in a third. Everything stays upright, organised, and visible. This system means you spend your creative time making, not searching for the right tool.
EXCELLENT PAINTING SUPPLY BAG
While designed for pottery, Waratah works beautifully as a painting supply bag and general artist tool bag. The bold red colour suits passionate painters.
For Professional Painters and Fine Artists:
This multi-pocket bag brings serious organisation to painting supplies.
• Acrylic, oil, and watercolour brushes organised by size and type
• Brushes standing upright in internal compartments (sorted by use)
• Palette knives standing vertically for easy selection
• Paint tubes sorted in external pockets
• Sketch pads and prepared canvas boards in central space
• Palette, painting mediums, and solvents
• Rags, paper towels, and cleaning supplies
• Water containers for watercolour work
Plein air painters particularly appreciate Waratah because the bold red colour makes it easy to spot in outdoor settings. The internal compartments hold brush containers upright during transport, preventing damage to expensive brushes. The open-top design means quick access when capturing changing natural light conditions.
For Illustrators and Comic Artists:
Perfect artist supply bag for illustration work and urban sketching.
• Technical pens and fine liners sorted by tip size
• Brush pens and markers standing in internal compartments
• Pencils, charcoals, and drawing tools organised by hardness
• Ink bottles standing upright in internal compartments
• Sketchbooks, Bristol board, and drawing paper in central space
• Erasers, sharpeners, rulers, and templates in external pockets
• Reference photos and colour swatches
The many pockets mean different media never mix. Keep dry media separate from wet media, finished work away from works-in-progress.
PERFECT BAG FOR FIBER ARTS AND TEXTILES
Waratah makes an outstanding knitting bag, crochet bag, and general textile arts organiser. The vibrant red colour adds personality to your crafting practice.
For Knitting and Crochet:
The internal compartments are ideal for yarn balls standing upright. See all your colour choices without unpacking. External pockets keep hooks and needles sorted and instantly accessible.
• Crochet hooks organised by size in external pockets
• Knitting needles (straight, circular, or DPNs) in internal compartments
• Yarn balls standing vertically, all colours visible from above
• Scissors, stitch markers, tape measure in dedicated small pockets
• Crochet or knitting patterns and reference books in central space
• Multiple works-in-progress kept organised and separate
• Tapestry needles and darning supplies
Many fiber artists call this their favourite project bag because the vertical yarn storage in internal compartments means they can see their entire colour palette without unpacking. Hooks and needles have permanent homes, so they never mysteriously disappear mid-project.
For Embroidery, Quilting, and Hand Sewing:
• Embroidery hoops and frames in central space
• Thread spools or skeins organised by colour family in internal compartments (using small containers)
• Needles, pins, and safety pins in external pockets
• Scissors, snips, and seam rippers easily accessible
• Fabric pieces and pattern pieces
• Hand-sewing supplies for mending, quilting, or garment construction
VERSATILE CRAFT SUPPLY BAG
Waratah functions as a comprehensive craft bag for numerous making disciplines.
Jewelry Making and Beadwork:
External pockets separate bead types, wire gauges, and findings. Internal compartments hold small containers of special components organised by material or project. Pliers and wire tools in external pockets. The bold red exterior means your professional kit makes an impression at craft fairs or client appointments.
Calligraphy, Hand Lettering, and Bookbinding:
Nibs organised by size in external pockets. Ink bottles standing securely in internal compartments (critical for preventing spills). Pens, holders, guides, and practice sheets organised. The vertical ink storage is particularly valuable for calligraphers who work with multiple ink colours.
Miniature Painting and Model Making:
Perfect for Warhammer painters, model railroad enthusiasts, and scale model builders. Tiny paint pots standing in internal compartments, organised by colour family or paint brand. Detail brushes sorted by size in external pockets. Models-in-progress protected in central space. Hobby knives, files, and precision tools in external pockets. The red bag signals your passion for your hobby.
PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE SERVICES BAG
Waratah serves professionals who need organised, portable tool storage.
For Makeup Artists:
The extensive pocket system organises professional makeup kits efficiently. Brushes sorted by application type in external pockets (foundation, eye, contour, lip brushes separate). Product containers and palettes in internal compartments. Small products like lipsticks, liners, and mascara in external pockets. The bold red colour projects professional confidence and makes your kit memorable to clients.
For Tattoo Artists (Apprentices and Students):
Practice supplies, reference materials, and learning tools organised. The red colour aligns with tattoo culture's bold aesthetic. Not for machines or professional equipment, but perfect for students building their foundational knowledge and practicing techniques.
For Mobile Service Providers:
Hair stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists, and beauty professionals who travel to clients benefit from Waratah's organisation. Tools sorted for quick access during appointments. Products standing upright in internal compartments. Everything professional and ready.
TEACHING, THERAPY, AND EDUCATIONAL USES
Art Teachers and Workshop Instructors:
Demonstration supplies organised for immediate access during teaching. Different techniques' materials kept separate. Students can easily see supplies during demonstrations thanks to the open-top design. The vibrant red colour makes the bag visible across classrooms or outdoor teaching settings.
Art Therapists and Creative Therapists:
Therapeutic art materials organised by activity type or therapeutic goal. Sensory tools in external pockets. Larger items or multiple session materials in internal compartments or central space. The organisation supports professional, calm therapeutic environments even when working with challenging emotions or behaviours.
Occupational Therapists:
Fine motor skill development tools organised by difficulty level or therapeutic approach. Therapy toys, manipulatives, and assessment materials separated by patient or age group. Small items securely stored so nothing gets lost between appointments.
Special Education Teachers:
Sensory materials, visual aids, and specialised learning tools organised. The many pockets mean materials for different students or learning objectives stay separated and easy to locate during busy classroom days.
EVERYDAY LIFE AND PARENTING USES
Organised Baby Bag Alternative:
Many parents choose Waratah as the most organised nappy bag or baby bag they've owned. The bold red colour is gender-neutral, stands out in parks or playgrounds, and both parents feel comfortable carrying it.
• Nappies and baby wipes in accessible locations
• Bottles standing upright in internal compartments (won't leak or tip)
• Snacks and small toys in external pockets
• Spare clothes, bibs, and burp cloths in central space
• Dummy, keys, phone, wallet secure in internal pockets
• Change mat rolled in central space
• Baby medicines or first aid supplies organised
Parents particularly appreciate:
• Open-top design for instant access when baby needs something urgently
• See everything at a glance, no desperate digging through a closed bag
• Wet or soiled items can be isolated in specific pockets
• Doesn't look like traditional baby bags (both parents comfortable using it)
• Durable canvas handles spills, mess, and constant use
• Transitions to other family uses as children grow (craft supplies, sports equipment, family outings)
Emergency Kit and Car Organisation:
The bold red colour makes this practical for emergency kits. Easily spotted in car boots. Canvas handles extreme temperatures.
• First aid supplies organised by type
• Emergency tools in external pockets
• Flashlights, batteries, phone chargers
• Emergency contact information and important documents
• Roadside safety supplies
Picnic, Beach, and Outdoor Adventures:
The vibrant red colour suits outdoor recreation. Sand shakes out easily. Water-resistant enough for beach trips.
• Utensils, napkins, and picnic supplies in external pockets
• Food containers in central space
• Drinks standing upright in internal compartments
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, and outdoor necessities easily accessible
• Beach towels, frisbees, and outdoor games
DESIGNED IN BYRON BAY WITH PURPOSE
The Artist Bag represents two years of iterative design, testing different pocket configurations, sizes, and placements with working artists. As a ceramicist in the Northern Rivers region, I personally needed a solution for transporting tools between my home studio, community pottery spaces, and teaching locations.
The breakthrough came with the internal compartments. Traditional tool bags pile everything into a central space where tools tangle, tip over, and become impossible to find without unpacking completely. By creating tall internal compartments that hold items vertically, tools remain visible and organised. It's like having a standing desk organiser that travels with you.
The name "Waratah" honours one of Australia's most spectacular native flowers. The waratah is bold, beautiful, resilient, and unmistakably Australian. Its vibrant red colour symbolises passion, energy, and the courage to stand out. For creative people, wearing or carrying this bold red is a statement: I make things. I'm proud of my creative practice. I'm not hiding.
WHY WARATAH STANDS OUT FROM OTHER POTTERY BAGS
Compared to competing pottery tool bags (including Soolla and similar products), Waratah offers distinct advantages:
Exclusive Internal Compartments:
This is our signature innovation. Other pottery bags only provide external pockets. Our internal compartments enable vertical tool storage, visual organisation from above, and upright containers. This single feature transforms how you organise and access tools. It's the main reason artists choose The Artist Bag after trying other pottery bags.
Greater Capacity with Better Organisation:
Waratah is slightly larger than most competing bags, with more interior volume and a wider, more stable base. Combined with 27 total pockets, you can carry more supplies with better organisation than bags with fewer pockets or smaller capacity.
Bold Visual Identity:
The vibrant red colour makes Waratah unmistakable. In shared studios, group classes, or busy workshops, you'll always recognise your bag instantly. The colour also projects confidence and creative passion.
Open-Top Efficiency:
No zipper means instant access. For potters with clay-covered hands, painters working quickly to capture light, or parents managing active toddlers, this instant access eliminates frustration. See all your supplies at once. Grab what you need. Keep working in flow state.
Built to Last:
Reinforced seams, heavy-duty canvas, robust handles. Waratah is engineered for years of daily professional use, not disposable fast-fashion quality that falls apart after a few months.
Supporting Australian Creativity:
Every Waratah purchase supports a working artist and small business based in Byron Bay. You're investing in Australian design, sustainable business practices, and the Northern Rivers creative community.
CARING FOR YOUR CANVAS BAG
Waratah is designed for messy creative work. The canvas material handles real studio life:
• Spot clean with damp cloth for clay dust, paint marks, or light stains
• Hand wash in cold water with mild soap when needed
• Machine wash on delicate cycle if absolutely necessary (rarely required)
• Always hang to dry in shade (never use dryer)
• Do not bleach or tumble dry
• Canvas becomes softer and more comfortable with use, developing character over time
The red colour maintains its vibrancy even with regular use and occasional washing. Canvas is naturally durable and improves with age rather than deteriorating.
AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING
• Flat $12 shipping to all Australian locations
• Dispatched from Byron Bay, New South Wales
• Delivery typically 3 to 7 business days depending on your location
• Australia Post tracked shipping for security
• Carefully packaged in recyclable, sustainable materials
MEANINGFUL GIFT FOR CREATIVES
Waratah makes a powerful statement as a gift:
• Pottery students or established potters upgrading tool storage
• Passionate painters who need better supply organisation
• Fiber artists managing multiple ambitious projects
• Makers who value quality tools and beautiful design
• Art school graduates starting professional practices
• Creative professionals who deserve premium equipment
• Parents who maintain creative practices while raising children
• Anyone who loves bold design and refuses to blend into the background
WARATAH FOR YOUR CREATIVE LIFE
Whether you're starting pottery classes with nervous excitement, building a professional painting practice, juggling multiple crochet commissions, or running a creative business, Waratah provides organisation and accessibility that supports your work.
This bag isn't just storage. It's a tool that enables creative flow. When supplies are organised and visible, you spend creative energy making rather than searching. When everything has its place, you can focus on your craft rather than managing chaos. When your tools are protected and accessible, you feel like a professional even if you're still learning.
The bold red waratah colour is a daily reminder to approach your creative work with passion, confidence, and pride. Making things with your hands is important work. Your tools deserve respect. Your creative practice deserves support.
Shop Waratah today and feel the difference between organised creativity and chaotic frustration.
