Stuck for Ideas of what to paint, look for inspiration around your home, other decorative items that you have can provide lots of ideas. Maybe make something to match what you already have. Think about the things you like, maybe dogs, cats, sea creatures, flowers, abstract patterns, shapes, words. Google has a wealth of images for you to tap into, to give you a head start.
Creating a work of art
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Once you have a good idea what your design will be, use a clean, soft wet sponge to wipe all the serfaces of your pot to remove any dust. Use the pencil provided to draw your design, lightly pressing with the pencil as this will burn off in the firing process. Dark heavy lines or felt tip pens may still be seen after firing.
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Use the rubber provided to remove any mistakes, ensuring its clean or alternatively, a damp cloth.
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Do not use any other types of paint on the pottery as this may damage the pot during firing.
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The pencil sponge provided can be used for cloud effects, large dots, tree canopies or random patterns.
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The other end of the paint brush can be used to make small dots, dip lightly into the paint and apply to the pottery.
Let's get started
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Your pottery comes with a dull white finish and is known as a bisque.
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When you paint on a bisque, the colours look dull with a matt effect.
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It's only when your pottery has been glazed and fired in our kiln that the colours become vibrant and the finish glossy.
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To achieve a nice bold colour, 3 coats of paint will be required.
The Painting Process
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When painting, use a thin brush with a little paint on the brush for fine detail.
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Light colours will not cover over dark colours.
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If you make a mistake or run over lines with the paint, use a clean wet paint brush to remove the paint.
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When painting the inside of a pot, cup, or vase, pour the paint inside a little at a time and use the brush to cover the inside surface, this is far quicker than dipping the brush in the paint pot each time.
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For large items such as vases, and platters you will need at least two large pots of your chosen colour to cover the outside or inside surfaces with 3 coats of paint to achieve a solid block finish.
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Refresh the brush cleaning water regularly.
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When painting, work from the middle outwards to the edge of your item to prevent smudging.
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Wait until the paint is dry which will only take a few seconds before applying the second coat.
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When dry, the paints we use will have a chalky pale colour, don’t worry this will change once glazed and fired into a bright shiny finish.
Let's add some skills
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When you have finished you item, leave to dry completely for ten minutes before placing it back in its bubble wrapping.
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Let us know when your item is ready.
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You can drop it off or arrange collection for firing.
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See our collection round days on the hours of business page.