From the Studio
Pottery Painting in Banbury: What to Expect on Your First Visit
If you've been searching for pottery painting in Banbury, hello, you've found us. We're Blossom, a pottery painting studio and cafe on South Bar Street, right in the town centre. People ask us the same handful of questions nearly every day, usually while deciding between a mug and a very ambitious teapot, so we thought we'd write the answers down properly. Here's everything worth knowing before your first visit.
What is pottery painting, exactly?
Pottery painting (you'll also hear it called paint your own pottery) is pretty much what it sounds like. You choose a piece of plain, unglazed pottery, known as bisque, and decorate it with ceramic paints. There's no potter's wheel involved and no clay under your fingernails. The making has already been done for you. Your job is the fun bit: the colours, the patterns, the slightly wobbly handwriting on the bottom.
Once you've finished, the piece gets glazed and fired in a kiln, which is what turns your matte brushwork into that glossy, ceramic finish you'd see on a mug from a shop. Except this one is yours, and nobody else in the world has it.
How it works at Blossom
The process is simple, and we'll walk you through it when you arrive.
- Pick a bisque piece from our shelves. Mugs, bowls, vases, plates, trinket dishes, the odd dinosaur.
- Grab a seat, choose your colours and start painting. We'll bring your coffee or cake over while you work.
- Ask us for help whenever you like. We have stencils, sponges and plenty of ideas if you're stuck.
- Leave your finished piece with us. We glaze it and fire it in our kiln.
- Collect it about a week later, wrapped and ready to use.
The glaze and firing make everything food safe and dishwasher friendly, so painted mugs and bowls aren't just for the shelf. Plenty of our regulars drink their morning tea out of last month's project.
What does it cost?
There's a £5 studio fee per painter, and that includes a coffee or a slice of cake from the cafe. Then you pay for whichever piece you choose, with prices starting from £14. That price covers everything: all the paints and materials, the glazing and the firing. No hidden extras at the till, which people are always slightly relieved about. You can see more on our pricing page.
Do I need to be good at art?
Honestly, no. Some of the loveliest pieces that come out of our kiln are simple ones. A plain mug in one good colour, some spots done with the end of a brush, a child's handprint on a plate. Ceramic paint is forgiving, and mistakes can usually be painted over before firing. If you can decorate a biscuit, you can paint a pot.
Who is it for?
Everyone, genuinely. We get friends catching up over a couple of hours of painting, parents with small children, couples on dates (it's a much better first date than the cinema, since you can actually talk), hen parties, baby showers and people who come alone with a book and paint in blissful peace. If you're planning something for a group, have a look at what we offer for groups and parties or drop us a line.
Pottery painting in Oxfordshire: why people travel to us
We're based in Banbury, in the north of Oxfordshire, and we're an easy trip from Bicester, Brackley, Chipping Norton, Deddington and the surrounding villages. Oxford itself is about 40 minutes away by car or a short hop on the train, and the studio is a few minutes' walk from Banbury station and the town centre car parks. If you're looking for a paint your own pottery studio anywhere in Oxfordshire, we'd love to be worth the drive. The cake helps.
A few quick questions we hear a lot
Do I need to book?
Walk-ins are always welcome, so you can just turn up. For groups of six or more, or for parties, it's best to book ahead so we can save you a table.
How long does it take?
Most people spend one to two hours on a piece. There's no time limit though, and nobody will hover. Order another coffee and take your time.
When do I get my piece back?
About a week after you paint it. We'll let you know when it's out of the kiln and ready to collect.
Is it suitable for children?
Very much so. We have pieces and prices to suit little painters, and we host children's birthday parties too.
Can I come just for the cafe?
Of course. Plenty of people pop in for coffee and cake with no painting at all, though we can't promise you won't leave with a plan for a vase.
Come and paint with us
You'll find us at The Studio, Rear Office, 18 S Bar St, Banbury OX16 9AF. Check our opening hours and directions, or just wander in next time you're in town. Pick a piece, order something nice, and see what you make of it. We think you'll surprise yourself.