Hello – thanks so much for taking the time to check out my crowdfunder.
Please read on to learn a little about me and why I’m asking for your support.
Who am I?
I’m Lindy! I’m originally from the US, but I’ve been living in England since 2005. I made the move with my English boyfriend (now husband) after his work was transferred back to the UK.
When I’m not elbow deep in clay, I love to spend time with my husband Simon, my daughter Esme and my mad cockapoo Dedalus Diggle (Diggs).
What is it with me and pottery?
I started working with ceramics seriously in late 2016 and took the leap (eek!) to go full time in December 2018.
From the moment my hands first touched a lump of clay, it was pure love. I was filled with wonder to realise what a spectacular variety of objects a single lump of clay can be shaped into.
I remain every bit as passionate about making beautiful objects as I was the first time I plunged my hands into the clay. I want to create pieces that make people smile – and knowing I have the ability to do that means that all the stress, hustle and uncertainty that comes from being a full-time artist feels worthwhile.
With the world in turmoil for the last 18 months due to COVID-19, that uncertainty has been even more intense. But it has also brought me some unexpected opportunities.
It’s been a wheely, wheely strange time…
I find mugs and cups to be very personal objects – and for such a long time, I resisted making them. It was too much pressure to get them right!
If you’re anything like me, the mug you grab for that morning cup of coffee is special. It feels right in your hands. It’s soothing and comforting. You get more than a little annoyed if someone else uses your mug, because other mugs just don’t feel the same.
During the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020 – when the country, and in fact the whole world were shut down and we were all stuck at home - I decided to pass the time perfecting my wheel throwing skills and getting to grips with my mug making phobia.
I practiced at the wheel every day, for hours. Amidst all the chaos and sadness and complexity of the last eighteen months, I have also been grateful for the time to hone my skill.
And if I can let you in on a secret? My phobia of making mugs has turned into a passion. I love making them. And I want to share that love. I want my mug to be the one you reach for every morning.
What a turnaround.
What am I raising money for?
All of my work is handcrafted in a back-room studio in my home in South Manchester.
In order to continue my work as a potter, I need to buy new equipment.
Specifically, a new pottery wheel that will help me become more efficient and allow me to be more productive. It will enable me to share my newfound love of mug-making with more people!
If I exceed my target, I would use any additional funds to buy a second kiln, which would allow me to produce more items.
Crowdfunder also asked me to think of a stretch goal, so I shot for the stars.
My dream would be to build a studio at the bottom of the garden. This would allow me to move out of the back room in our home, giving us back some much-needed living space.
This is a huge dream for me… but it doesn't hurt to dream, does it?
What can you do to help?
I may be crowdfunding… but I am not simply asking you to hand over money and get nothing in return!
Every piece of pottery that leaves my studio is only ever touched by me.
From its initial beginning as a solid, shapeless lump of clay - right through to placing it in your package ready to ship. It's a labour of love and your support would mean that I get to do more of it.
For the rewards all of the pieces will be glazed with an exclusive glaze- the nebula glaze. The nebula glaze happens when I dip a piece into two different glazes- the process transforms into a magical combination of colours that reminds me of images of nebulas. Each piece will be unique in the way that all handmade pieces are. This glaze will also be exclusive to the crowdfunder so you know you will receive a very special piece.
Your support would mean that I am able to expand my pottery studio and in return you get a piece of my work.
I hope you find this to be a fair exchange.
Snowflake Xmas Dec £7 or more
A ceramic embossed snowflake in an iridescent glaze- sparkles perfectly in your xmas tree. There are three gorgeous snowflake designs which will be randomly selected as your pledge reward. Snowflake is 8cm tip to tip International folks- please add £4 to your pledge.
Cut Out Snowflake Xmas Dec £10 or more
A large ceramic snowflake - glazed in an iridescent white which brings an extra sparkle to your tree There are three gorgeous snowflake designs which will be randomly selected as your pledge reward. Snowflake is 10cm tip to tip International folks- please add £4 to your pledge.
Support Your Local Pot Dealer Tote- £12 or more
Want to support my dream but have too many pots already (is that even possible?) I'll be printing up a few Support Your Local Pot Dealer Tote bags. International folks- please add £4 to your pledge.
Trinket Dish £20 or more
A small ceramic trinket dish or small bowl- perfect to keep little bits & bobs. International folks- please add £14 to your pledge.
Midi Nebula Mug £24 or more
Perfect for a flat white coffee- this mug holds approx 200mls and will be glazed in my Nebula glaze as it reminds me of images of the Orion Nebula. International folks- please add £14 to your pledge.
Nebula Mug £32 or more
One of my mugs glazed in my Nebula glaze- the glaze reminds me of the Orion Nebula and I think it is simply gorgeous! International folks- please add £16 to your pledge.
Mystery Hamper £200 or more
A personalised hamper made up just for you- let me know what sorts of things you like, your favourite colours, your preferred hot beverage and I'll make something bespoke just for you- but sshhh it's a secret! Sorry- not available for international shipping.