Created By You

Created by You is a cosy craft spot tucked away in Fordingbridge, smack in the middle of the New Forest in Hampshire. It’s basically a paint-your-own pottery studio where folks of all ages can pick out ceramics like mugs, plates, or bowls and decorate them however they fancy, using safe, non-toxic paints.

Once you’re done, they glaze and fire the pieces for you, ready in about five days. They also have a fabric side to things, stocking up on quilting materials, patchwork bits, and sewing notions, with fresh seasonal stock coming in regularly.

What makes it fun is the range of activities they run, especially during school holidays, and they host sewing and quilters’ groups in the evenings or daytime for anyone from beginners to pros.

If you’re planning a bash, they do pottery parties for kids starting from age four, complete with sweets, drinks, and a special plate for the birthday child, or grown-up gatherings too.

It’s all set up for families, friends, or even solo visits, and the staff get rave reviews for being super helpful and friendly, with shouts out to owner Kirsty for going the extra mile on custom gifts and surprises.

You’ll find it at on the High Street and it’s open from Monday to Saturday, roughly morning till late afternoon, closed on Sundays.

From what visitors say in reviews, it’s a top pick for a creative outing without the hassle of cleaning up at home, and it’s earned a perfect five-star rating on sites like Tripadvisor based on experiences from families and groups.

They even branched out to another shop in Lymington a few years back, but the Fordingbridge one remains the original hub. If you’re in the area, it sounds like a lovely way to spend a rainy day or just unleash some creativity.