A new ceramic art studio has opened in Macclesfield. 

Periwinkle and Clay has opened on Wood Street. 

They are located where OFFSETT clothes shop used to be. 

Claire Millen is the owner of Periwinkle and Clay, which has been going as a brand for ten years, but only in the Macclesfield area since Claire moved here three years ago. 

The west Macclesfield resident used to be based at Adelphi Mill in Bollington, then Capesthorne Hall in Siddington, but has now found a forever home with their new Macclesfield town centre unit. 

Their new location is next to Finesse Schoolwear, and opposite the Pickford Street Carpark. 

Macclesfield Nub News met with Claire to find out more. 

"Periwinkle and Clay is a ceramics shop and decorating studio," said Claire. 

"Come let your imagination run wild in our new studio, as you decorate your chosen pottery pieces. 

"Myself and the team are on hand to guide and help you through different techniques, and provide inspiration. 

"Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, ceramic art is perfect for unleashing your inner creativity."

The business is named after the periwinkle flower, which is a remembrance flower. And you will be able to make memories at their brand new studio on Wood Street in Macclesfield. 

You can book in for guided decorating, and they are hosting regular events like Wellness Wednesdays, and events for pre-schoolers. 

Every second Friday, there will be a Pottery and Prosecco night. The BYOB Pottery night will involve enjoying a drink and decorating pots. 

Beyond ceramic painting, they also have a pottery workshop on a Tuesday night, where Claire and guide you in what you want to make. A new pottery group will also begin on Thursdays.

They will have a launch event on this Saturday, suitable for all-ages. (More info on how to book HERE.)

"I'm really excited to open our new studio on Wood Street this weekend," told Claire. 

"Easter and spring is my favourite time of the year. I got married on Easter Sunday.

"I like the light in this unit, it is a bright, airy open space. I love the 'rusticness' of it, and the industrial vibe. 

"Opening it up to people and sharing what we can do is a really exciting new adventure for Periwinkle and Clay."

When asked why pottery is going through a popularity renaissance in Macclesfield - and across the country - Claire had this to say:

"Massively from a wellness point of view, it is so therapeutic," she said.

"Even if you are just painting and decorating. Actually using your hands to do things can give you a big boost. We believe creativity lights up the soul.

"After COVID, people are looking for things to do out of the house with their family or friends. And they are looking for stress relief. 

"So whether you are hand-building, or painting pottery, it is such a therapeutic and mindful thing to do. "

Two other people work at Periwinkle and Clay. Claire is joined by friends and colleagues Nicole and Letty. 

"We want it to be a space where the public can feel welcome and inspired," proclaimed Claire. 

"It feels like this is where the business is meant to be," said Letty. 

"It is a friendly, happy place, where you can come unwind and try something new.

"To be able to support Claire's vision has been fantastic."

"Claire is a truly inspirational person," said Nicole. 

"Six months ago, I hadn't touched clay. And now I am making pieces from it as well. It is completely down to her expertise and guidance. 

"Starting this has brought us together, and the relationship I now have with Claire, Letty and the people that come here has become a massive part of my life." 

You can decorate ceramics in store, with the help of sponges, stencils and stamps. (As well as the teaching of the three experts, who have countless decoration techniques to share.) 

After you have tried a decoration session, you can also buy home interior trinkets for you to take home. 

You can buy pre-done products to take home, like polka dot mugs, ceramic mushrooms and a clay bear that looks like White Nancy (affectionately known as Bollington Bear). 

A unique services sold is handprints, footprints and pawprints pressed into clay. 

"I had heard a lot about Macclesfield being a creative place, and that sparked my interest," revealed Claire. 

"I am originally from Stockport, so it is not far away from the family. 

"I have absolutely fallen in love with Macclesfield as a town, it is really creative and full of independent businesses. I really feel I have found my home."

Claire is keen to highlight the social benefits that Periwinkle and Clay can offer. 

"I got a bit fed up of being behind a screen," shared Claire. 

"My Tuesday night group in Bollington didn't know each other, but have now formed a really special friendship. We recently went on a trip to Emma Bridgewater." 

Periwinkle and Clay are open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm. Sessions start at 10am and 1pm, but you can just walk-in. 

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening sessions will also be 7pm to 9:30pm. 

"Come and immerse yourself in the world of creativity," concluded Claire.

"Ultimately, I want to bring joy to people's lives and create lovely keepsakes and memories for people. 

"I really want to be part of the creative community in Macclesfield. So anyone with the slightest interest in pottery, please come and say hello."

To book and find out more, please head to their website.

Periwinkle and Clay can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Macclesfield may be 22-miles from Stoke-on-Trent, but it has a burgeoning pottery scene.

Examples of other Macclesfield-based pottery personalities include Will Boyce, Pen-y-bont Ceramics, Woe Studio, Freckle and Fern Ceramics, The Clayrooms, Ann Works with Clay, and Jan Lewis Ecclestone.