Side-handle Teapot - Rust 2
400 ml
Side-Handle Teapots by Lesley Hurley – Handcrafted Australian Ceramics for Tea Rituals
Thoughtfully handcrafted by ceramic artist Lesley Hurley at her home studio located in the Northern Rivers Hinterland, these handmade side-handle teapots are designed for those who value quiet ritual, intentional design, and a deep connection to the land.
Each stoneware teapot is wheel-thrown from a custom blend of Australian ceramic clay and fired in a gas kiln to 1300°C, ensuring lasting durability while enhancing the subtle surface textures of the clay. But their story begins much earlier - formed not only by hand, but by the desert woodlands of Outback Queensland.
The materials used in these artisan teapots were gathered respectfully from country, with permission from the Traditional Custodians of the land. Ochres dug from ancient ground and fallen hardwoods collected for the wooden side handles give these teapots their distinctive voice. The earthy hues and raw surfaces speak to a landscape shaped by heat, time, and story - a landscape Lesley once called home.
Food-safe and tactile, they reveal soft-pink desert sands, crystalline salt flats, and the iron-rich palette of inland Australia. The timber handles are individually carved and joined by hand, offering a balance of warmth, function, and beauty, an ideal vessel for tea ritual.
As with every piece in Lesley's practice, these teapots are slow-made, holding space for stillness and intention. With over twenty years in the tea industry and a decade devoted to handmade pottery, Lesley brings a rare integrity to her work, grounded in respect for both cultural heritage and the Australian environment that inspires it.
12.5 cm x 9 cm
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Lesley Hurley – Co-Founder of Chai Collective & Artisan Ceramic Artist
Lesley Hurley, co-founder of Chai Collective, is often found in her home-based ceramic studio, where she joyfully experiments with clay. With over 20 years of experience in the tea industry, Lesley has developed a deep love for both tea and craftsmanship, which has inspired countless journeys to Asia's tea regions.
Together with her partner, Matt, they’ve explored some of the finest artisan teas and collaborated with skilled craftspeople, a journey that continues to influence Lesley’s ceramic pottery today. Every piece Lesley creates is designed with tea culture in mind, blending her passion for ceramics with her instinctive creativity.
Lesley Hurley on Creativity and Self-Expression
When asked about her creative journey, Lesley Hurley, co-founder of Chai Collective, shared her belief that everyone is an intuitive, creative being capable of self-expression in unique ways. "Imagination allows us to bring thoughts and ideas to life," she says. Lesley believes that creativity isn’t limited to art or music - it can emerge in unexpected places, such as gardening. For her, creativity is what fulfills us, enabling us to express both our inner world and our connection to the world around us.
Lesley Hurley on the Role of Creativity in Life
For Lesley Hurley, co-founder of Chai Collective, creativity has become an essential part of daily life, especially after experiencing times when she lacked an outlet for it. Reflecting on those challenging moments, Lesley recognizes that creativity—particularly working with clay—helps her reconnect with her inner self. "Clay is so responsive; it doesn’t like to be rushed," she explains. When approaching her craft with haste or pure logic, the pieces often fall apart, reminding her to slow down, breathe, and embrace her intuition. In these moments, she finds herself fully present, where everything fades away, and it’s just her, the clay, and her creative instincts.
Lesley Hurley on the Power of Stillness and Creativity
Lesley Hurley, co-founder of Chai Collective, hopes everyone experiences the profound stillness where time stands still and thoughts fade away. "It’s incredible to witness how creativity unfolds when the mind takes a step back, and breath leads the way," she reflects. In these moments of clarity, we become open, aligning with our natural, loving state. This deep sense of presence is what fuels her creative process and allows her to craft meaningful pieces with intention and mindfulness.
