Handmade ceramics, created in Northumberland
Based in Hadston, on the beautiful Northumbrian coast.
I spend my spare time creating ceramic pieces using both an electric and a traditional treadle style potter's wheel.
Throwing pots on the wheel can be both meditative relaxation and frustration all at once! I have recently taken retirement from a busy job in the NHS so now my time in the pottery is my oasis. I can relax, create, and enjoy lovely views of the garden.
Why 'Sidecar' Pottery?
The sidecar refers to another on-going project, I have a long job ahead of me restoring an old Russian motorcycle and sidecar outfit. Its a runner, but needs a bit of t.l.c.
Hence the "Sidecar Pottery' name, and my alias for the fluffy stuff in my life, 'Sidecar Spinner'.
Look out for me on my travels around Northumberland!
I enjoy the creative process and am constantly learning new techniques which lead to both pretty and functional pots. I have my own small kiln, and have mixed and regularly use my own glaze.
I make stoneware ceramics, practical and useful, but none the less attractive. Mugs, bowls, salt and pepper cellars and olive oil bottles using a wonderful grey and chalk white glaze prove both popular and practical to use. The lovely flecked stoneware clay is microwave safe, although as with all things handmade a little extra care will be wise.
Not forgetting the pets in the family, a quirky range of dog bowls and food scoops make a lovely gift.
Take a look at my Raku work.Made from Raku clay, pots are glazed using crackle glazes and metal oxides. Raku firing is exciting, if not a little risky! Pots are fired in an outdoor kiln to cherry red temperatures, removed from the heat while still glowing hot then plunged into sawdust to start the smokey reduction process. The results from a Raku firing can be unpredictable, but often lead to wonderful colours and effects of shiny metals on the surface of the pots. Due to the process, Raku pots are not suitable to contain food or liquid. They are colourful creations made to hold and admire.
Check out my shop for details of pottery for sale, lessons and workshops, kiln hire and limited edition 'Mug Club'.
Enjoy your pots, each handmade with love.
Each has its own character.
Each part of a family, all sisters, not twins!
Gill Brindley
Sidecar Spinner
Hand processed Fleece
Hand processed Fleece
Hand processed Fleece
The raw fleece is the starting point of a process to transform a sheepy smelling natural product into something special.
Hand dyed Fibre
Hand processed Fleece
Hand processed Fleece
Sometimes a shot of colour gives my yarn a boost. Hand dyed locks, using bright dyes, or occasionally using more natural dying processes such as using avocado stones.
In a Spin
Hand processed Fleece
Life is a woven tapestry
I love the process involved in many crafts, from literally making mud into mugs, and fleece into yarn. The repetition of the wheel, both spinning and potters is a kind of meditation....my mind wanders!
Life is a woven tapestry
Life is a woven tapestry
Life is a woven tapestry
Many strands to my life and career have led to my creativity. Since childhood I have crafted, from painting, photography, leatherwork, sewing, gardening, spinning and pottery. I love to show others crafts and have had the opportunity to let others have a try themselves and maybe start a new hobby too.
Knitting Handspun
Life is a woven tapestry
Knitting Handspun
Want to create something special for yourself, or maybe as a gift? Try some handspun yarn and make a pair of mitts, or a funky hat. You only need a little to add extra flair to make something totally unique.
Mud and Fluff
Life is a woven tapestry
Knitting Handspun
Looking to buy some of my Hand Spun Fluffyness? Fancy a piece of hand thrown pottery? Check out my Etsy Shop at MudandFluff