30 easy ideas for your next pottery painting class
From trouserless frogs to cheeky typography
The new year is here and if that’s usually your cue to start trying a host of new hobbies (how long did that calligraphy phase last, again?), we totally get it. There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a new pastime to get those good vibes flowing in Q1.
Or, maybe getting creative with a new hobby is less of a personal pursuit and more of a social one. So, whether you’re simply looking for a unique first date activity or want a catch-up with pals that doesn’t involve bottomless brunch (hello, dry Jan), pottery painting is the ultimate way to unleash your inner artist (BTW we have rounded up the best pottery painting places in London if you need a location.)
Choosing the ceramic you’re going to paint is the easy part, it’s the dilemma of what you’re going to paint on it that’s tricky. So, before you dive right in on that blank canvas and end up with something that not even your mum wants in her cupboard, we've rounded up some cute (think: pink gingham and ladybugs) and quirky (think: cats in bonnets and trouserless frogs) pottery painting design ideas to ensure you’re left with nothing less than a modern masterpiece.
Cherries & bows
This has to be the cutest spoon rest we’ve EVER seen. Who knew combining two of 2024s biggest trends could look so sweet?!
Leopard print
If you prefer bold patterns on your plates rather than in your wardrobe, this nod to the perennially cool leopard print is the perfect design to have a crack at.
Pink gingham & hearts
Another super-cute and super-simple pattern combo for the stans of the coquette aesthetic.
Kiwi
This kiwi design is simple enough but will defo have your dinner guests asking which artisan ceramics shop you picked it up from.
Figs & pomegranates
The thought daughters among us will love this one. Switch up the fruity theme with a tinge of poetic symbolism and lean into your inner Sylvia Plath. Plus, they’re the perfect side dishes to sit alongside your kiwi dinner plates.
Zodiac constellation
“OMG, what’s your star sign?” girlies, this one’s for you. Nothing screams ‘intermediate astrologer’ quite like a plate with your zodiac constellation on it.
Abstract squiggles
Channel your inner Picasso with this low-effort, maximum-impact painting style. Switch up the colours for whatever floats your boat. Perhaps pink and green to hold space for your fave dynamic duo?
Cheeky typography
Choose three words that describe your ideal night in and make them the star of your design. Our top tip? The cheekier, the better.
Simple slogan
If your pottery painting session is more of an excuse for a yap than an attempt to hone your painting skills, this design has you covered.
Mushroom mania
Most pottery studios have some sort of mushroom available to paint and this tea light iteration is just adorable.
Hungry caterpillar
If the goal of your pottery painting sesh is to lean into childhood nostalgia, this ultra-cute ode to The Hungry Caterpillar book is a no-brainer.
Smiley stars
This smiley star design is soo Kawaii. Just looking at it is an instant dopamine booster.
A cat in a bonnet
An original and iconic idea for our cat lovers. Why wouldn’t you want to drink your emotional support drink from a mug featuring a cute cat in a pink bonnet surrounded by flowers?
Eras themed
Paint the perfect gift for the die-hard Swifty in your life, or… just keep it for yourself.
Inspirational quote
Who doesn’t want to read an uplifting quote every time they finish their morning coffee?
Dachshund
If owning a furry friend is out of the question, this design should help you fill the sausage-filled hole in your life for now.
Brat
Allow the brat aesthetic to have an everlasting influence through your crockery. 365 party girl, no?
Abstract apertivo
Who said you needed to be an accomplished artist to create a pottery painting masterpiece? Plus, you could just paint the word ‘apertivo’ on the design to prevent anyone mistaking it for an avant-garde Pokemon ball…
Croissant
Things don’t get more Parisian than a good croissant and this monochrome repeat pattern is tres chic.
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
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