Hello!
Hello and a very warm welcome to Pottering Around Ceramics Studio! We’re a cosy and creative ceramics studio nestled in the heart of Hillsborough, Sheffield. Here, we invite everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned creators—to come and paint their own pottery in a welcoming, relaxed environment. At our pottery studio, we’re all about making art accessible, fun and a little bit magical.
How Our Lovely Pottery Studio All Began
The story of Pottering Around started in 2011 when I went to paint pottery with my daughter, Emily, at “The Little Paint a Pot Shop” in Chapeltown. A chance conversation changed my life. The owner of the shop noticed a pair of earrings I was wearing and when I mentioned that I had made them myself, she asked if I’d be interested in doing some creative work in the studio alongside my job at Toyota. I jumped at the chance and began helping out here and there.
Not long after, I was made redundant from Toyota, which gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of ceramics. I went from part-time helper to full-time staff, then to manager and eventually, I took the plunge and bought the business from Alison, the original owner. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter, so I decided to rename the studio to make it my own—and Pottering Around was born.
After five years in our original Chapeltown location, it was time to grow and we moved to Hillsborough, but the creative energy of Pottering Around quickly outgrew that space too, leading us to our current home, where we have the room to welcome even more pottery enthusiasts. It’s been a journey full of growth, creativity and lots of paint—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Creativity Without Boundaries
Here’s a little secret: I don’t consider myself particularly artistic but I am definitely creative. I didn’t study art at school and everything I know about crafting has been self-taught. That’s why I love what we do here at Pottering Around—art doesn’t have to be intimidating or exclusive. It’s all about having fun, trying something new and making memories.
We started out by stocking items from various suppliers, but over time, I learnt to create many of our ceramics right here on-site. Today, around 30% of the items you see on our shelves are made on the premises by slip casting them ourselves. Each piece is an opportunity to create something unique and we’re always exploring new techniques to bring fresh designs to the studio.
What We Offer
We’ve got a little bit of something for everyone, from families and friends to groups and schools. Our pottery selection is vast, with prices ranging from £10 to around £50 and with over 180 items to choose from—everything from mugs, plates, and figurines to more specialised keepsakes like baby handprints and personalised gifts. And the best part? There’s no studio fee, so the price you see on the shelf is the price you pay. That means you can relax, take your time and enjoy the creative process without any hidden costs.
Events & Activities to Suit Every Occasion
Pottering Around is more than just a studio—it’s a community space. We love hosting a wide range of events and activities, including:
- Baby clay imprints and silver jewellery keepsakes to capture those special memories.
- Clay workshops for those who want to get their hands dirty and explore the tactile side of pottery.
- Adult-only evenings where you can bring your own bottle and enjoy a relaxed, creative night out with friends.
- Cocktail & Pottery Painting Nights, combining the fun of pottery with the art of mixology.
- Children’s Pottery Painting Parties for kids aged 5 and up, creating a fun and engaging space for birthdays and celebrations.
- Outreach events where we bring the studio to you—whether it’s guiding pottery painting with local guides, scouts, schools, toddler groups or even Women’s Institute meetings.
Our upstairs studio can comfortably seat up to 26 people, while our cosier downstairs space seats 10, making it perfect for smaller gatherings or a quiet painting session. We also offer a selection of hot and cold drinks, along with light refreshments to keep you fuelled as you paint!
Our Process: How It Works
Ready to get creative? Here’s what to expect when you visit us at Pottering Around:
- Booking: Please use the booking system to reserve a table for up to 5 people. Give us a call for larger groups. We recommend booking in advance, especially during school holidays and weekends, as the studio can get busy. Let us know the number of people in your group (including non-painters) so we can make sure everyone has a seat.
- Choose Your Piece: Once you arrive, browse our shelves to find the perfect item to paint. From practical pieces to whimsical decorations, there’s something for everyone.
- Settle In and Get Painting: A member of our friendly team will explain the painting process and provide any tips you need. Then, it’s time to let your creativity shine! Paint, experiment and enjoy the process—our staff will be nearby if you have questions or want some advice.
- Leave It to Us: Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, leave it with us for seven days. We’ll take care of the rest, glazing and firing your piece in our kiln to give it that perfect, glossy finish.
- Collect Your Creation: A week later, return to pick up your one-of-a-kind creation—ready to take home, show off, or give as a unique gift!
Join Our Creative Community
At Pottering Around, we believe that everyone has a creative side just waiting to be unleashed. We’re here to make sure you have fun, feel inspired and leave with a sense of pride in what you’ve created. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, we can’t wait to welcome you to the pottery studio and share the joy of creativity with you.
So come on in, grab a brush and let’s make something beautiful together!
Ready to Book a Pottery Painting, Clay Imprint or Silver Imprint Slot? Use our Booking Calendar!
Book your Pottery Painting, Clay Imprint or Silver Imprint session at Pottering Around Ceramics Studio and we look forward to welcoming you! If you would like to enquire about Commissions, please contact us here!