Creative Workshops
Let your creativity flow in a calm, friendly space.
“Experience the healing power of art. Our workshops invite you to slow down, express yourself, and connect - with your inner artist and with others who share the same passion”
Shadan - Artist & Co-Founder
Halloween Trick or Treat Bag Painting for Children
Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 October 2026, 4:00pm – 5:30pm. £15 per child, including a tote bag, fabric paint, the studio charge and a children's hot chocolate. For children aged 4+.
Looking for a Halloween activity for children in Dartington? At this after-school session at Designs Café, children decorate their own trick or treat bag with fabric paint, ready to carry on Halloween night, and have a hot chocolate while they paint. The 28 October session is during the October half term.
Trick or Treat Bag Painting is part of After School Creativity, our programme of creative workshops for children at the Cider Press Centre, which runs until 23 December.
What's included
A tote bag
Fabric paint
The studio charge
A children's hot chocolate
Upcoming dates
Wednesday 21 October and Wednesday 28 October 2026. Both sessions run from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
Good to know
Is this a half term activity?
Yes, the Wednesday 28 October session is during Devon's October half term (26 to 30 October 2026). The 21 October session is after school.
What other Halloween events for children are on?
On Halloween itself, Saturday 31 October, there's Halloween Pumpkin Painting from 4:00pm to 5:30pm for ÂŁ10, with a babyccino or hot chocolate.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Ceramic Bubble Painting Masterclass
A 2-hour guided session for families, children and adults. ÂŁ5 ticket per person, which acts as your glazing and firing deposit; pottery pieces priced separately.
Halloween Trick or Treat Bag Painting for Children
Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 October 2026, 4:00pm – 5:30pm. £15 per child, including a tote bag, fabric paint, the studio charge and a children's hot chocolate. For children aged 4+.
Looking for a Halloween activity for children in Dartington? At this after-school session at Designs Café, children decorate their own trick or treat bag with fabric paint, ready to carry on Halloween night, and have a hot chocolate while they paint. The 28 October session is during the October half term.
Trick or Treat Bag Painting is part of After School Creativity, our programme of creative workshops for children at the Cider Press Centre, which runs until 23 December.
What's included
A tote bag
Fabric paint
The studio charge
A children's hot chocolate
Upcoming dates
Wednesday 21 October and Wednesday 28 October 2026. Both sessions run from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
Good to know
Is this a half term activity?
Yes, the Wednesday 28 October session is during Devon's October half term (26 to 30 October 2026). The 21 October session is after school.
What other Halloween events for children are on?
On Halloween itself, Saturday 31 October, there's Halloween Pumpkin Painting from 4:00pm to 5:30pm for ÂŁ10, with a babyccino or hot chocolate.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Ceramic Bubble Painting Masterclass
A 2-hour guided session for families, children and adults. ÂŁ5 ticket per person, which acts as your glazing and firing deposit; pottery pieces priced separately.
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Halloween Pumpkin Painting with Pumpkin Spiced Latte or Hot Chocolate
Saturday 31 October 2026, 4:00pm – 5:30pm. £10, including pumpkin painting and a pumpkin spiced latte or hot chocolate. For children aged 4+.
Spend Halloween afternoon painting a pumpkin at Designs Café in the Cider Press Centre, Dartington. It's on the Saturday at the end of the October half term, and every place comes with a babyccino or a hot chocolate to drink at the table.
Pumpkin Painting is part of After School Creativity, our programme of creative workshops for children running until 23 December.
What's included
Pumpkin painting
A babyccino or hot chocolate
Date
Saturday 31 October 2026, 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
Good to know
Are there other Halloween activities for children at Designs Café?
Yes. Halloween Trick or Treat Bag Painting runs on Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 October (half term), 4:00pm to 5:30pm, for ÂŁ15. Children paint their own tote bag for trick or treating.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Hand & Footprint Pottery with a Free Christmas Bauble
Tuesdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, from 3 November to 8 December 2026. Paint any pottery piece with a hand or footprint and get a hand or footprint bauble free.
Hand & Footprint Pottery with a Free Christmas Bauble
Tuesdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, from 3 November to 8 December 2026. Paint any pottery piece with a hand or footprint and get a hand or footprint bauble free.
Christmas Bauble Painting & Hot Chocolate for Children
Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, from 11 November to 9 December 2026. £15 to paint a bauble, including a children's hot chocolate and the kiln fee. For children aged 4+.
An after-school Christmas activity for children at Designs Café in Dartington. Children paint their own Christmas bauble and have a hot chocolate while they work. The kiln fee is included, so we fire the finished bauble for you and let you know when it's ready to collect.
Bauble & Hot Chocolate is part of After School Creativity, our creative workshops for children at the Cider Press Centre running until 23 December.
What's included
A bauble to paint
A children's hot chocolate
The kiln fee
Upcoming dates
Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November, and Wednesday 2 and 9 December 2026, all from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. There is no session on Wednesday 4 November.
Good to know
What other Christmas activities for children are on?
Coaster Painting on Wednesday 16 December (ÂŁ18) and Night Before Christmas Story & Bookmark Painting on Wednesday 23 December (ÂŁ15), both 4:00pm to 5:30pm. On Tuesday mornings, Hand & Footprint Christmas Baubles are two for ÂŁ15.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Hand & Footprint Pottery with a Free Christmas Bauble
Tuesdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, from 3 November to 8 December 2026. Paint any pottery piece with a hand or footprint and get a hand or footprint bauble free.
Christmas Bauble Painting & Hot Chocolate for Children
Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, from 11 November to 9 December 2026. £15 to paint a bauble, including a children's hot chocolate and the kiln fee. For children aged 4+.
An after-school Christmas activity for children at Designs Café in Dartington. Children paint their own Christmas bauble and have a hot chocolate while they work. The kiln fee is included, so we fire the finished bauble for you and let you know when it's ready to collect.
Bauble & Hot Chocolate is part of After School Creativity, our creative workshops for children at the Cider Press Centre running until 23 December.
What's included
A bauble to paint
A children's hot chocolate
The kiln fee
Upcoming dates
Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November, and Wednesday 2 and 9 December 2026, all from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. There is no session on Wednesday 4 November.
Good to know
What other Christmas activities for children are on?
Coaster Painting on Wednesday 16 December (ÂŁ18) and Night Before Christmas Story & Bookmark Painting on Wednesday 23 December (ÂŁ15), both 4:00pm to 5:30pm. On Tuesday mornings, Hand & Footprint Christmas Baubles are two for ÂŁ15.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Hand & Footprint Pottery with a Free Christmas Bauble
Tuesdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, from 3 November to 8 December 2026. Paint any pottery piece with a hand or footprint and get a hand or footprint bauble free.
Christmas Bauble Painting & Hot Chocolate for Children
Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, from 11 November to 9 December 2026. £15 to paint a bauble, including a children's hot chocolate and the kiln fee. For children aged 4+.
An after-school Christmas activity for children at Designs Café in Dartington. Children paint their own Christmas bauble and have a hot chocolate while they work. The kiln fee is included, so we fire the finished bauble for you and let you know when it's ready to collect.
Bauble & Hot Chocolate is part of After School Creativity, our creative workshops for children at the Cider Press Centre running until 23 December.
What's included
A bauble to paint
A children's hot chocolate
The kiln fee
Upcoming dates
Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November, and Wednesday 2 and 9 December 2026, all from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. There is no session on Wednesday 4 November.
Good to know
What other Christmas activities for children are on?
Coaster Painting on Wednesday 16 December (ÂŁ18) and Night Before Christmas Story & Bookmark Painting on Wednesday 23 December (ÂŁ15), both 4:00pm to 5:30pm. On Tuesday mornings, Hand & Footprint Christmas Baubles are two for ÂŁ15.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Hand & Footprint Pottery with a Free Christmas Bauble
Tuesdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, from 3 November to 8 December 2026. Paint any pottery piece with a hand or footprint and get a hand or footprint bauble free.
Christmas Bauble Painting & Hot Chocolate for Children
Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, from 11 November to 9 December 2026. £15 to paint a bauble, including a children's hot chocolate and the kiln fee. For children aged 4+.
An after-school Christmas activity for children at Designs Café in Dartington. Children paint their own Christmas bauble and have a hot chocolate while they work. The kiln fee is included, so we fire the finished bauble for you and let you know when it's ready to collect.
Bauble & Hot Chocolate is part of After School Creativity, our creative workshops for children at the Cider Press Centre running until 23 December.
What's included
A bauble to paint
A children's hot chocolate
The kiln fee
Upcoming dates
Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November, and Wednesday 2 and 9 December 2026, all from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. There is no session on Wednesday 4 November.
Good to know
What other Christmas activities for children are on?
Coaster Painting on Wednesday 16 December (ÂŁ18) and Night Before Christmas Story & Bookmark Painting on Wednesday 23 December (ÂŁ15), both 4:00pm to 5:30pm. On Tuesday mornings, Hand & Footprint Christmas Baubles are two for ÂŁ15.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Hand & Footprint Pottery with a Free Christmas Bauble
Tuesdays, 9:00am – 11:00am, from 3 November to 8 December 2026. Paint any pottery piece with a hand or footprint and get a hand or footprint bauble free.
Christmas Bauble Painting & Hot Chocolate for Children
Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, from 11 November to 9 December 2026. £15 to paint a bauble, including a children's hot chocolate and the kiln fee. For children aged 4+.
An after-school Christmas activity for children at Designs Café in Dartington. Children paint their own Christmas bauble and have a hot chocolate while they work. The kiln fee is included, so we fire the finished bauble for you and let you know when it's ready to collect.
Bauble & Hot Chocolate is part of After School Creativity, our creative workshops for children at the Cider Press Centre running until 23 December.
What's included
A bauble to paint
A children's hot chocolate
The kiln fee
Upcoming dates
Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November, and Wednesday 2 and 9 December 2026, all from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. There is no session on Wednesday 4 November.
Good to know
What other Christmas activities for children are on?
Coaster Painting on Wednesday 16 December (ÂŁ18) and Night Before Christmas Story & Bookmark Painting on Wednesday 23 December (ÂŁ15), both 4:00pm to 5:30pm. On Tuesday mornings, Hand & Footprint Christmas Baubles are two for ÂŁ15.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Coaster Painting for Children
Wednesday 16 December 2026, 4:00pm – 5:30pm. £18, including 2 coasters, paint, the studio fee and a children's hot chocolate. For children aged 4+.
An after-school craft activity for children at Designs Café, Cider Press Centre, Dartington. Children paint a pair of coasters with their own designs and have a hot chocolate while they paint.
Coaster Painting is one of the last After School Creativity workshops before Christmas. The series finishes with Night Before Christmas Story & Bookmark Painting on Wednesday 23 December.
What's included
2 coasters
Paint
The studio fee
A children's hot chocolate
Date
Wednesday 16 December 2026, 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
Good to know
Is it after school?
Yes. Wednesday 16 December is in the last week of the autumn term, and the session starts at 4:00pm.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Night Before Christmas Story & Bookmark Painting
Wednesday 23 December 2026, 4:00pm – 5:30pm. £15, including a Night Before Christmas themed story, hot chocolate and bookmark painting. For children aged 4+.
A Christmas holiday activity for children at Designs Café in Dartington. Children listen to a Night Before Christmas themed story, then paint their own bookmark with acrylic paint over a hot chocolate. It's the last After School Creativity session of the year.
What's included
A Night Before Christmas themed story
A hot chocolate
Bookmark painting with acrylic paint
Date
Wednesday 23 December 2026, 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
Good to know
Is this during the Christmas holidays?
Yes. Devon County Council's autumn term ends on Friday 18 December 2026, so this session is in the first week of the Christmas holidays.
Where is it?
Designs Café is at Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ. Parking at the Cider Press Centre is free for the first two hours.
Read more: After School Creativity, every date to Christmas →
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Ceramic Bubble Painting Masterclass
A 2-hour guided session for families, children and adults. ÂŁ5 ticket per person, which acts as your glazing and firing deposit; pottery pieces priced separately.
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Introduction to Watercolour Course — week 4 of 4
A 4-week course for complete beginners. Tuesdays 8, 15, 22 and 29 September 2026, 5:45pm – 7:45pm. £224 for the full course, all materials included. This entry is week 4 of 4.
Curious about watercolour but not sure where to start? This relaxed and friendly course at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes, is designed especially for complete beginners. Over four weeks, you'll be guided step by step through the basics of watercolour painting, with plenty of time to experiment, explore, and build confidence.
What you'll learn
An introduction to essential watercolour art materials
Understanding fundamental watercolour techniques
How to control water, pigment and layering
Experimenting with colour and mark-making
Creating your own finished watercolour painting
Course details
Duration: 4 weeks on Tuesdays — 8, 15, 22 and 29 September
Time: 5:45pm – 7:45pm (2 hours)
Level: complete beginners — no prior experience needed
Location: Designs Café, Cider Press Centre, Dartington, TQ9 6TQ
Price: ÂŁ224 for the 4-week course, including all art materials, speciality coffee or tea, and Exploding Bakery cakes
"This is an amazing course taught by a truly lovely tutor. Shadan is patient, encouraging and fun, making it a brilliant experience for a new learner to this beautiful medium. I'm now painting pictures I didn't think possible!" — Jill
"I had no experience at all. In just 4 weeks, Shadan taught me so much about techniques and tools that I have been painting ever since. The course was very informative but also relaxing, fun and friendly." — Rebecca
About the artist
Shadan is a co-founder of Designs Café and a professional watercolour artist with over 6 years of experience. Her work focuses on expressive, contemporary watercolour, combining strong fundamentals with playful experimentation. Her teaching is encouraging, hands-on and process-led, helping students understand materials and techniques while developing confidence in their own creative voice. See more of her work at shadandesigns.com.
This course is now full. Join the waiting list for the next course →
Introduction to Watercolour Course — week 3 of 4
A 4-week course for complete beginners. Tuesdays 8, 15, 22 and 29 September 2026, 5:45pm – 7:45pm. £224 for the full course, all materials included. This entry is week 3 of 4.
Curious about watercolour but not sure where to start? This relaxed and friendly course at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes, is designed especially for complete beginners. Over four weeks, you'll be guided step by step through the basics of watercolour painting, with plenty of time to experiment, explore, and build confidence.
What you'll learn
An introduction to essential watercolour art materials
Understanding fundamental watercolour techniques
How to control water, pigment and layering
Experimenting with colour and mark-making
Creating your own finished watercolour painting
Course details
Duration: 4 weeks on Tuesdays — 8, 15, 22 and 29 September
Time: 5:45pm – 7:45pm (2 hours)
Level: complete beginners — no prior experience needed
Location: Designs Café, Cider Press Centre, Dartington, TQ9 6TQ
Price: ÂŁ224 for the 4-week course, including all art materials, speciality coffee or tea, and Exploding Bakery cakes
"This is an amazing course taught by a truly lovely tutor. Shadan is patient, encouraging and fun, making it a brilliant experience for a new learner to this beautiful medium. I'm now painting pictures I didn't think possible!" — Jill
"I had no experience at all. In just 4 weeks, Shadan taught me so much about techniques and tools that I have been painting ever since. The course was very informative but also relaxing, fun and friendly." — Rebecca
About the artist
Shadan is a co-founder of Designs Café and a professional watercolour artist with over 6 years of experience. Her work focuses on expressive, contemporary watercolour, combining strong fundamentals with playful experimentation. Her teaching is encouraging, hands-on and process-led, helping students understand materials and techniques while developing confidence in their own creative voice. See more of her work at shadandesigns.com.
This course is now full. Join the waiting list for the next course →
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Adults-Only Boozy Bubble Painting Masterclass
Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Adults only (18+). £5 ticket, which acts as your glazing and firing deposit.
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Introduction to Watercolour Course — week 2 of 4
A 4-week course for complete beginners. Tuesdays 8, 15, 22 and 29 September 2026, 5:45pm – 7:45pm. £224 for the full course, all materials included. This entry is week 2 of 4.
Curious about watercolour but not sure where to start? This relaxed and friendly course at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes, is designed especially for complete beginners. Over four weeks, you'll be guided step by step through the basics of watercolour painting, with plenty of time to experiment, explore, and build confidence.
What you'll learn
An introduction to essential watercolour art materials
Understanding fundamental watercolour techniques
How to control water, pigment and layering
Experimenting with colour and mark-making
Creating your own finished watercolour painting
Course details
Duration: 4 weeks on Tuesdays — 8, 15, 22 and 29 September
Time: 5:45pm – 7:45pm (2 hours)
Level: complete beginners — no prior experience needed
Location: Designs Café, Cider Press Centre, Dartington, TQ9 6TQ
Price: ÂŁ224 for the 4-week course, including all art materials, speciality coffee or tea, and Exploding Bakery cakes
"This is an amazing course taught by a truly lovely tutor. Shadan is patient, encouraging and fun, making it a brilliant experience for a new learner to this beautiful medium. I'm now painting pictures I didn't think possible!" — Jill
"I had no experience at all. In just 4 weeks, Shadan taught me so much about techniques and tools that I have been painting ever since. The course was very informative but also relaxing, fun and friendly." — Rebecca
About the artist
Shadan is a co-founder of Designs Café and a professional watercolour artist with over 6 years of experience. Her work focuses on expressive, contemporary watercolour, combining strong fundamentals with playful experimentation. Her teaching is encouraging, hands-on and process-led, helping students understand materials and techniques while developing confidence in their own creative voice. See more of her work at shadandesigns.com.
This course is now full. Join the waiting list for the next course →
Introduction to Watercolour Course — week 1 of 4
A 4-week course for complete beginners. Tuesdays 8, 15, 22 and 29 September 2026, 5:45pm – 7:45pm. £224 for the full course, all materials included. This entry is week 1 of 4.
Curious about watercolour but not sure where to start? This relaxed and friendly course at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes, is designed especially for complete beginners. Over four weeks, you'll be guided step by step through the basics of watercolour painting, with plenty of time to experiment, explore, and build confidence.
What you'll learn
An introduction to essential watercolour art materials
Understanding fundamental watercolour techniques
How to control water, pigment and layering
Experimenting with colour and mark-making
Creating your own finished watercolour painting
Course details
Duration: 4 weeks on Tuesdays — 8, 15, 22 and 29 September
Time: 5:45pm – 7:45pm (2 hours)
Level: complete beginners — no prior experience needed
Location: Designs Café, Cider Press Centre, Dartington, TQ9 6TQ
Price: ÂŁ224 for the 4-week course, including all art materials, speciality coffee or tea, and Exploding Bakery cakes
"This is an amazing course taught by a truly lovely tutor. Shadan is patient, encouraging and fun, making it a brilliant experience for a new learner to this beautiful medium. I'm now painting pictures I didn't think possible!" — Jill
"I had no experience at all. In just 4 weeks, Shadan taught me so much about techniques and tools that I have been painting ever since. The course was very informative but also relaxing, fun and friendly." — Rebecca
About the artist
Shadan is a co-founder of Designs Café and a professional watercolour artist with over 6 years of experience. Her work focuses on expressive, contemporary watercolour, combining strong fundamentals with playful experimentation. Her teaching is encouraging, hands-on and process-led, helping students understand materials and techniques while developing confidence in their own creative voice. See more of her work at shadandesigns.com.
This course is now full. Join the waiting list for the next course →
Watercolour Club
Fortnightly on Friday evenings, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. £21 per session, all materials included.
Our Watercolour Club is a relaxed, welcoming space at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes, for anyone who loves art, creativity and, of course, watercolour.
This isn't a class or a workshop. It's simply two hours dedicated to getting creative alongside other like-minded people. Each session has an optional theme to inspire you, but there's no pressure to follow it. Bring your own ideas, continue a project you're working on, or simply experiment and see where your creativity takes you.
All professional-quality watercolour materials are provided, so there's no packing, no preparation and nothing to remember. Just show up, settle in and get creative. Shadan, the artist behind Designs Café, will be around for many of the sessions and is always happy to offer informal guidance, share tips or chat about your work.
What's included
2 hours of studio time
All professional-quality watercolour materials
An optional creative theme for each session
Tea included
Informal guidance from Shadan when she's available
Coffee, cakes and other refreshments are available to buy from the café during your session.
Make it a regular thing
Attend 4 sessions and you'll receive a small art-inspired gift as a thank you for being part of the club. Bring someone new to the club and you'll both receive a complimentary hot drink at the session.
Upcoming dates
18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026 — every session runs 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Please note: to keep the club social and enjoyable, we need a minimum of 4 people booked for each session. If fewer than 4 people are booked, we'll let you know in advance if the session needs to be cancelled.
Walk-In Evening Pottery Painting – Bring Your Own Bottle
Every other Friday evening. Two sessions: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Walk-in only — £5 studio charge per painter, pottery pieces priced separately.
Looking for a relaxed Friday night with a difference? Join us every other Friday evening for pottery painting at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes. Choose your session time, pick your favourite piece of pottery, and spend two creative hours painting, chatting and unwinding. And yes — you're welcome to bring your own bottle!
How it works
Your ÂŁ5 studio charge acts as a deposit to reserve your table. Pottery pieces are selected and paid for separately on the evening, with prices depending on the piece you choose (most pieces are between ÂŁ7 and ÂŁ30).
Bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks to enjoy while you paint — we don't charge corkage. Alternatively, you can order from our café menu, including hot drinks, soft drinks and other treats.
No experience needed — just choose your pottery, get creative and enjoy a relaxed evening at the café. Your finished piece is glazed and kiln-fired by us, and we'll let you know when it's ready to collect.
Booking
Evening pottery painting sessions are walk-in only — no booking needed. If you're coming as a group of more than 6, please get in touch in advance through our contact form so we can set up seating for you.
Dates through to December: 18 September, 2 October, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026.
For daytime pottery painting sessions, book a table here →
Watercolour Florals: Connect with Nature
Monday 3 August 2026, 10:00am – 1:00pm. £64 per person, all materials included. For painters with basic watercolour experience. This workshop has now taken place — join the waiting list below to hear about the next date.
Step away from the pace of everyday life and immerse yourself in a calming morning of creativity, connection and inspiration at Designs Café in Dartington, near Totnes.
Watercolour Florals: Connect with Nature is an intimate workshop celebrating the beauty of botanicals. Together, we explore expressive watercolour techniques inspired by flowers, foliage and the natural world, learning how to capture their delicate forms, movement and texture with confidence.
Throughout the morning, you build your skills through a series of guided exercises before bringing everything together in a beautiful botanical painting to take home. More importantly, you leave with the confidence and techniques to head outdoors, find inspiration in nature, and paint the beauty around you wherever you go.
This workshop is designed for those with basic watercolour knowledge and experience. No intermediate or advanced skills are required. Places are limited to 15 so there is plenty of individual guidance in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Your experience includes
A 3-hour guided watercolour workshop with Shadan
Essential botanical watercolour techniques
Your own finished botanical artwork to take home
All premium art materials
Cakes from Exploding Bakery
Premium teas and coffee from Designs Café
Upcoming Events Calendar
Every pottery painting session, Watercolour Club and masterclass at Designs Cafe, month by month. Click a date to see the details and book your place.
Be first to secure a place on our sought-after watercolour courses in Dartington
Workshop Schedule
You can book your place using the options below. For more information, please have a look at the workshops above