Choose a piece of pottery at Designs Café, press your little one's hand or foot onto it in paint, and we glaze and kiln-fire it so the print lasts. We're at the Cider Press Centre in Dartington. On Tuesday mornings until 8 December, 9 to 11am, the hand or footprint Christmas bauble is free.
How does hand and footprint pottery work?
Pick a plate, mug or tile from our shelves.
Add your child's hand or footprint. Names, dates and colours around it are up to you.
Leave it with us. We glaze and fire it in our kiln.
Collect it within two to four weeks. We'll tell you when it's ready.
Paints and brushes are on the table, as in any pottery painting session. Allow about two hours.
What is the free Christmas bauble offer?
Pay for your piece as usual and the bauble is free. It's for hand and footprint designs only, and only on these Tuesdays, 9 to 11am:
10, 17 and 24 November, 1 and 8 December 2026.
Hand and footprint pieces are welcome any other time we're open. The free bauble isn't.
How much does hand and footprint pottery cost?
Pieces are £7–£50+, plus a £5 studio fee per piece for paints, brushes, glazing and firing. On the offer mornings the bauble costs nothing. Painters get 10% off hot drinks.
Tuesday offer mornings (9–11am, to 8 Dec): hand or footprint designs only, free bauble, book your place online.
Any other time we're open: any design, no free bauble, book a table online or walk in if there's space.
Will it be ready for Christmas?
Paint by Saturday 12 December to collect before Christmas. Collection takes two to four weeks, so the earlier Tuesdays are safer.
How do I book?
Tuesday mornings: book on our Hand & Footprint page. Other days: book a pottery painting table or walk in. Groups of more than six, email info@designscafe.uk first or message @designscafeuk on Instagram.
Where is Designs Café?
Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6TQ. The car park is free for the first two hours, and there's a step-free, wheelchair-accessible way in. Coffee is from Voyager Coffee, cakes from Exploding Bakery. We also run other workshops and classes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I paint my own design on the Tuesday offer mornings?
No. Those mornings are for hand and footprint designs only. Any other time, paint what you like.
Can I do a hand or footprint piece on another day?
Yes, whenever we're open. The free bauble is Tuesdays 9–11am only.
Do you glaze and fire it?
Yes, every piece.
How long until I can collect it?
Two to four weeks. We'll let you know. For collection before Christmas, paint by Saturday 12 December.
Are children welcome?
Yes, with adult supervision.
Is there parking?
Yes. The Cider Press Centre car park is free for the first two hours.
How do I get in touch?
Email info@designscafe.uk or message @designscafeuk on Instagram.
