Art & Photography

Ten Designs to Try at Your Next Pottery Café Session

by Gerda Krivaite

Whether you’re planning a post-brunch activity with friends or taking yourself out on a solo date, painting pottery is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. It’s creative and calming, but just structured enough to let you switch off for a while. The only problem is turning up and realising… You have no idea what to paint. Here are ten charming designs to reach for next time you need a little inspiration.

1. Polka dots

If you’ve spent any time on ceramics Instagram lately, you’ll notice that polka dots aren’t going anywhere! From neat spots to looser, painterly versions that embrace imperfection, the key is that this pattern is simple, repeatable and forgiving for first-time painters.

2. Oranges

Bright and cheerful, oranges are a go-to motif for a reason. Their lively colour and simple shape make them easy to paint, while still producing an eye-catching effect.

 

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3. Lines and stripes

Minimal and endlessly versatile, stripes are a great way to ease into pottery painting. Experiment with spacing, colour combinations or uneven lines for something that feels modern.

 

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4. Cute slogan

Feeling literary? Whether it’s a wholesome phrase, a silly inside-joke or a line from your favourite poem, adding text gives your piece personality.

5. Leaves

Botanical ceramics are refreshing to paint and even better to live with. From delicate ferns to kaffir lime leaves or winding grapevines, there’s no shortage of leaf styles to choose from.

6. Dogs

Whether you go for repeated tiny outlines or attempt a portrait of your own pet, dogs make for a sweet and personal design. Slightly wonky results only add to the whimsy.

 

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7. Tomatoes

Their rich red tones and sculptural shapes of tomatoes make them a bold and approachable subject, ideal for plates or serving dishes.

8. Watermelon

A juicy design that feels especially fitting in the lead-up to summer. Try painting a bowl with ombré greens on the outside and a vibrant red interior dotted with black seeds for a playful effect.

9. Koi fish

Koi fish symbolise courage, resilience and good fortune. What beautiful sentiment to bring into the home! Their flowing shapes also lend themselves to more expressive, fluid painting styles.

10. Checkerboard

There’s a reason the black and white combination remains timelessly iconic. On ceramics, it feels sharp and playful, perfect for adding a graphic, slightly retro edge to your kitchen shelves.

 

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