Contemporary Ceramics – Made in the U.K

Ceramic art that tells a story – and clay experiences that spark your creativity

Two worlds – one studio. Whether you’re here to collect distinctive hand-built sculptures or to roll up your sleeves and create with clay, you’ll find a warm welcome.

Hello, I’m Paula Armstrong – a ceramic artist and creative guide.

I passionately believe that everyone is born creative and that making by hand is one of life’s great joys. In my Fenstanton studio, I create sculptural ceramic pieces with stories at their heart, and I open the doors to anyone who wants to explore their own creativity with clay.

Hand-built sculptures, each with its own story

My sculptures celebrate hidden potential, natural forms, and the quiet transition between strength and fragility. Each piece is made by hand using traditional techniques – no two are ever the same.

Exhibitions, awards, and a few unexpected adventures in clay – take a peek at where my work has travelled. Exhibitions

Clay experiences to inspire, relax, and reconnect.

Whether you’re taking your first steps with clay or deepening your skills, there’s a place for you here. I offer many ways to explore clay – from hands-on workshops and regular studio membership to online learning you can do at home.

Ideas, inspiration, and guidance from wherever you are.

Not sure about something? My FAQ page is a good place to start. 

Free Learning Hub – Tips, Tutorials and Studio Stories

Get inspired, learn new techniques, and see what’s happening in the studio – all for free.

From YouTube tutorials and behind-the-scenes videos to honest blog posts about the creative process, it’s a space for clay lovers everywhere.

Ready to go deeper? Workshops, memberships, and mentoring are here when you want more hands-on support.

Step inside the studio.

The studio is more than a place to work with clay – it’s a creative hub where ideas grow, skills develop, and friendships form. From quiet mornings shaping your own projects to lively workshops and collaborative events, it’s a space for connection as much as creation.

And for anyone looking for a more immersive creative experience, I co-host retreats that give you the chance to dive deep into making and creating – a few days to slow down, explore, and let creativity flow.

Community and Public Art

Creativity can transform a space and connect a community. From large-scale murals to collaborative sculptures, I work with groups to create artworks that tell their story and stand the test of time. 

Corporate Workshops

Step away from the screens and into something hands-on. My clay workshops help teams reconnect, spark new ideas, and share a creative experience they’ll talk about long after the day is done. 

About Paula

Part artist, part teacher, part clay detective.

I’ve spent nearly three decades exploring what’s beneath the surface. My sculptures invite you to pause and look closer, while my workshops – whether in my Cambridgeshire studio or online – are filled with creativity, laughter, and the joy of making.

For any home makers I also hire out my kilns for firing.  You can either put a piece in with one of my regular firings (1000C & 1200C) for £3 a piece (max 15cm) or fill the top loading kiln for £45 a firing.  I can fire larger pieces but these will need to be negotiated on an individual basis depending on what is needed and size.

Get in touch to find out more!

Pottery vs Ceramics

You may notice on my website that I don’t use the term pottery.  I tend to use ceramics instead and this is a very conscious choice.  I feel like pottery is a misleading term for me and my work and I want to avoid any confusion. When I say pottery, like many, I think of a potter sitting at a wheel throwing pots and this isn’t how I work.  In fact, traditional pottery is probably the opposite of how I work.  Whereas a potter will make beautifully crafted multiples of functional pieces like bowls, mugs and plates, I use clay to build one-off pieces that subvert this tradition of function.  If I make a bowl the interior is adorned with textured sprig moulded decoration that fills the space that could be used turning the bowl into a sculpture.  My work is all about the story it tells rather than the function it fulfils.  

Got a question? You might just find the answer in my FAQs.