Meet Sculpt and Sip

Take a gentle breath and get ready to soothe those stresses with ceramicist extraordinaire Ellie of Sculpt and Sip. Host of a variety of relaxing pottery painting workshops at Manchester’s Ceramics Collective, Ellie founded her business with the aim of combining her love of pottery with the act of helping people, allowing them to wind down and escape from the routine of everyday life. A true business with heart, Sculpt and Sip donate 10% of all profits directly to Mind, helping others who may need support through a difficult time. 

Pottery is a mood booster… 

“Pottery is such a mood booster because of the level of creative freedom it allows for; there are so many methods of pottery, that as cliché as it sounds, there really is something for  everyone! Whether it’s the meditative process of pottery painting or the problem-solving side to hand-building, I find pottery provides a platform for me to escape from the rigor of everyday life, put down my copious amounts of screens and focus on something creative.” 

Pottery helps connect people by… 

“Giving people a sense of common ground. I love how no matter who you are, where you're  from, or what you do – connecting with one another over a creative task like pottery negates  any differences and provides people with a sense of like-mindedness. It gives people a shared, hands-on experience that encourages bonding, collaboration and communication.”

I create a nurturing workshop environment by… 

“Fostering a sense of community, encouraging open communication, and providing gentle guidance and support to each participant. This means they can explore their creativity in a welcoming and non-judgmental space.”

The best lesson I’ve learned from a student is… 

“Never be scared to try something that’s out of your comfort zone! 
So many participants that come to Sculpt and Sip claim to have no ‘creative flair’, however they never fail to amaze me at the pieces that they produce – I think  sometimes they even surprise themselves! 
Watching these creative masterpieces develop has taught me that even when you doubt yourself, or think you can’t do something – give it a go anyway, it’s good to step out of the  ordinary and mundane. Try something different – you might even surprise yourself!” 

Mistakes are just happy accidents… 

“Mistakes are just happy accidents that often lead to unexpected discoveries, innovative  solutions, and valuable lessons. They can open the door to new avenues of creativity and  inspire growth, making them an integral part of any learning and creative process. Embracing the unexpected and the imperfect can lead to  a more fulfilling and innovative creative journey!” 

The best thing about pottery is… 

“The best things about pottery are its versatility as a creative outlet, therapeutic and  meditative qualities, the joy of crafting functional art, and the sense of accomplishment in  creating unique, tangible pieces. Pottery offers a unique blend of artistic expression, relaxation, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional.” 

Pottery is a budget friendly craft… 

“Pottery can be a budget-friendly craft. It's cost-effective with affordable materials and tools, and you can practise it at home, reuse materials, and create long-lasting pieces. It  accommodates various budgets, and community resources such as workshops and shared  workspaces often offer affordable options.” 

It’s never too late to try something new… 

"In my personal journey, 'it's never too late to start something new' has become a guiding principle, a source of motivation that encourages me to embrace every moment and every opportunity that life presents."