A teacher-turned-potter is opening a hybrid pottery studio and shop in Bury St Edmunds in the hopes of encouraging people to "live creatively".

Claire Douglas, 42, will open her new shop named Claire's House on Churchgate Street on Saturday, November 19.

East Anglian Daily Times: Claire's House will open on Churchgate Street on Saturday, November 19.Claire's House will open on Churchgate Street on Saturday, November 19. (Image: Claire Douglas, Claire's House)

Having previously worked as a teacher at King Edward VI School for 12 years, Mrs Douglas has decided to branch out into something completely new.

"The theme is to live creatively," she said.

"I wanted to bring something more unique to Bury St Edmunds and build a sense of community within my new space."

East Anglian Daily Times: Having previously worked as a teacher at King Edward VI School for 12 years, Mrs Douglas has decided to branch out into something completely new.Having previously worked as a teacher at King Edward VI School for 12 years, Mrs Douglas has decided to branch out into something completely new. (Image: Claire Douglas, Claire's House)

In the gift shop, Mrs Douglas will be selling products from independent and local makers, such as candles, handmade eco-friendly soaps, wrapping paper, cards and make-at-home craft kits.

The shop and studio has six pottery wheels and a kiln to use for the workshops and Mrs Douglas hopes to create a "fun, sociable and creative space" for friends and strangers alike.

Her classes start with relatively simple tasks, such as creating a dish or a plant pot and then progress to more advanced pieces with handles, such as mugs.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mrs Douglas has painted the shop a terracotta colour in homage to the clay she works with.Mrs Douglas has painted the shop a terracotta colour in homage to the clay she works with. (Image: Claire Douglas, Claire's House)

She will also be holding a diverse range of workshops with local makers and already has plans to invite embroiderers and candle makers.

Mrs Douglas is delighted with her "perfect" new Churchgate Street premises and added: "There are big windows all along which means it's really light and inviting.

"I've painted the shop terracotta in homage to the colour of the clay and also to grab people's attention on the street."

East Anglian Daily Times: Alongside the studio, Mrs Douglas will be selling a variety of gifts including ceramics, candles, handmade soaps and stationery.Alongside the studio, Mrs Douglas will be selling a variety of gifts including ceramics, candles, handmade soaps and stationery. (Image: Claire Douglas, Claire's House)

For those feeling a little nervous at the prospect of her pottery classes, Mrs Douglas said: "Don't focus on the outcome - the enjoyment comes from the process.

"When you were five, you never questioned being creative, so why now?"

Mrs Douglas invites everyone to explore their creative side at Claire's House, with bookings now open for taster sessions, Christmas decoration making and six-week courses for children, teens and adults.