Your first pottery painting session: what to expect
If you have never painted pottery before, here is how it works at Designs Café in Dartington. You choose a ceramic piece, which costs between £7 and £30, and pay a £5 studio fee per piece. You then have two hours to paint it, with paints, brushes and an apron provided. We glaze and fire it afterwards, and you collect it within two weeks. Painters also get 10% off coffee and cake.
What is pottery painting?
You may also see it called paint your own pottery. The pot is already made. You pick a plain ceramic piece, decorate it with ceramic paints and leave it with us. We glaze it and fire it in the kiln, which turns the colours glossy and makes them last.
You don't need to be able to draw. At Designs Café all of this happens inside a working café at the Cider Press Centre, so there is usually a coffee next to your paint palette.
How does a pottery painting session work?
Book a two-hour slot on our pottery painting page. We recommend booking, especially at weekends and in the school holidays. Walk-ins are welcome when we have space.
When you arrive, choose your piece from the shelves. You pay for the piece and the £5 studio fee per piece.
We give you an apron, paints and brushes, and you paint at your own pace. If you want a hand getting started, ask us. You can order coffee and cake while you paint.
Leave your finished piece with us. We glaze and fire it, and we let you know when it is ready to collect.
How much does pottery painting cost?
Pieces cost £7 to £30 and the studio fee is £5 per piece, so each finished piece comes to between £12 and £35. That total includes paints, brushes, glazing and firing. The studio fee is non-refundable.
Food and drink are charged separately, with 10% off for painters during their session.
Do I need to be good at art?
No. Complete beginners paint with us all the time, and no experience is needed. One of our founders is a professional artist and art therapy coach. She built the café on the belief that everyone is an artist and sometimes just needs the right place to find that out again.
Two things help on a first visit. Keep the design simple, because spots, stripes or a name and a date all look good once glazed. And expect the colours to change. Ceramic paints look pale and chalky while you work, then come out of the kiln brighter and glossy.
Can children paint pottery?
Yes. Children are welcome, and an adult needs to stay with them for the whole session. It suits a rainy day or the school holidays because it is indoors, it fills two hours and they have something to collect afterwards. A hand-painted mug also takes care of a grandparent's birthday.
When do I get my pottery back?
Within two weeks. We let you know when it is ready and you collect it from the café. If you need it sooner for a birthday, tell us on the day and we will do our best. If you are only visiting Devon, ask the team about UK shipping.
What can I eat and drink while I paint?
We serve locally roasted speciality coffee, and the cakes include gluten-free and vegan options. We have oat milk, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Painters get 10% off food and drink during their session. There is more on our café page.
Where is Designs Café and where do I park?
We are at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6TQ, about five minutes by car from Totnes. The Cider Press Centre has its own car park and the first two hours are free, which happens to match a painting session.
We open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday 9am–4pm, Friday 9am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm. We are closed on Mondays.
Can I come with a group?
Yes. Friends, couples and families paint together all the time. Book enough places in the calendar for everyone. For a larger group, a birthday party or a team event, email info@designscafe.uk first and we will set the tables up for you.
Once you have painted with us, have a look at the evening sessions and watercolour classes on our workshops page. Gift cards can be used for pottery painting too.
