At Shoreline Stoneware on North Uist, inspiration can come from unexpected places. Alongside the Hebridean landscape and wildlife, Louise has found a little inspiration closer to home in the form of six much-loved feline characters who have become part of life around the studio: Mr Paws, Mama Puss, Miss Cosmo, Princess Sooty, Miss Parsley and Ginger Jaffacake. This merry band of feline family members and studio assistants has inspired Louise’s handmade Hebridean cat dishes, a collection of ceramic cat dishes embossed with textures drawn from whelk and limpet shells and finished with the earthy tones of her Natural Uist glaze.
Perfect for keeping rings and jewellery, these little cat trinket dishes have proved popular with fellow cat lovers. Now, following an enthusiastic response to a recent cat dish competition (follow us on Facebook or Instagram for future competitions), Louise has created a new collection featuring colourful recycled glass heart noses. Here’s how they came to life.
A new batch of handmade cat dishes
Following the competition, we received so many lovely comments from cat lovers asking whether Louise would make more dishes that she decided it was time for another batch.
Each dish is shaped and decorated by hand in the studio before being fired in the kiln. With their pointed ears, whiskers, individual markings and little heart-shaped noses, they have plenty of character of their own.
The first stage was the bisque firing, which prepared the dishes for glazing and their final firing. By this point, their little faces were already taking shape, with pointed ears, whiskers, expressive eyes and individual markings. But there was still one particularly lovely detail to come.
Little glass hearts and individual character
The dishes were glazed with Louise’s distinctive Natural Uist glaze and finished with little heart-shaped noses made from recycled glass. During the final firing, the glass melts to create the colourful details in shades of turquoise, blue and green, adding a splash of colour to each dish and bringing the characterful faces to life.
These small details make all the difference, giving each piece its own personality. The combination of the pale ceramic surface, earthy markings and bright glass hearts creates a playful design that feels right at home among Louise’s handmade pottery.
From the kiln to the gallery
The transformation from simple clay shapes to finished ceramic cats is always a rewarding part of the process. There’s something satisfying about seeing a piece of pottery emerge from the kiln, transformed by the firing process. For Louise, this latest batch has been particularly rewarding, with the glass heart noses adding a bright finishing touch to each design.
The dishes are available to buy in the Shoreline Stoneware gallery, with the collection now also available on our online shop.
A thoughtful gift for cat lovers
For anyone who shares their home with a cat, or knows someone who does, finding a gift that feels personal can be a challenge. These handmade ceramic cat dishes offer something a little different from the usual cat-themed presents.
Made by Louise on North Uist, each dish has its own individual character. The playful faces and colourful glass details make them a cheerful addition to a cat lover’s home, whether they’re intended for a feline companion or simply appreciated as a decorative piece.
With Christmas on the horizon, they could be just the thing for a friend or family member who adores cats. They’re also a lovely way to give something handmade, with a story and a connection to the Outer Hebrides.
Hebridean Cats
Hebridean cats – Purrfect cat themed trinket dish, ideal for rings and jewellery. Every cat has its cute little heart shaped nose highlighted with recycled glass.
Discover Shoreline Stoneware on North Uist
Shoreline Stoneware is a pottery gallery on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, showcasing Louise’s handmade ceramics and work inspired by the landscape, wildlife and colours of island life.
If you’re planning a visit to North Uist, the gallery is a chance to discover the work in person and find a distinctive souvenir or gift from the islands. If you’re further away, you can explore the online shop for handmade pottery to bring a little Hebridean inspiration into your home.
And if you happen to encounter Mr Paws, Mama Puss, Miss Cosmo, Princess Sooty, Miss Parsley or Ginger Jaffacake along the way, you’ll have a few more characters to look out for.