One question we’re often asked is: “What should I paint on my pottery?” Naturally, the answer is “anything you like!” but sometimes, it’s hard to know where to begin.
To help you, we’ve compiled ten easy pottery painting ideas that even a complete beginner can try at home. We promise you that, with a little practice, you’ll find painting pottery to be just as soothing to the senses as sculpting it, allowing you to explore your creative side. Pottery painting can also inspire you to create unique and personalized art pieces, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Introduction to pottery painting
Ceramic painting is a delightful and creative activity that allows you to express your artistic side while creating unique pieces of art. Whether you’re painting mugs, plates, or vases, the possibilities are endless. This activity is not only a fantastic way to relax and unwind but also serves as a creative outlet for people of all ages and skill levels. Imagine sipping your morning coffee from a mug you painted yourself or serving dinner on a plate adorned with your own designs. Pottery painting invites you to explore your creativity and transform everyday ceramics into beautiful, personalized art pieces.
Choosing the right materials
When embarking on your pottery painting journey, selecting the right materials is crucial for achieving the best results. Start by choosing a ceramic piece specifically designed for painting, such as a smooth-surfaced mug, plate, or vase. These pieces are easier to work with and will showcase your designs beautifully. Next, opt for paints labeled as “ceramic paint” or “pottery paint,” as these are formulated to adhere well to ceramic surfaces and provide vibrant, long-lasting colors. Don’t forget to read the instructions on the paint bottles to ensure proper application. Lastly, invest in quality brushes with soft, flexible bristles. Natural hair brushes are an excellent choice as they hold a lot of paint and create smooth, even strokes, making your painting experience enjoyable and your designs flawless.
Tips for beginners
If you’re new to pottery painting, here are a few tips to help you get started on the right foot. First, take the time to read the instructions that come with your paints and brushes. Understanding the basics will set you up for success. Begin with a simple design, such as a single color wash or a basic pattern like stripes or dots. This will help you get comfortable with the paint and the ceramic piece. As you gain confidence, you can experiment with more complex designs. Remember, pottery painting is all about creativity and experimentation, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes, the best designs come from happy accidents. Embrace the process and enjoy creating your unique pieces of art. Below are some pottery painting inspo for you!
10 cute pottery painting ideas to try
1. Star signs
Whether you’re a loud and proud Leo, a curious Capricorn, or a highly sceptical Scorpio, zodiac art makes the perfect theme for artists of all stripes. Painting with zodiac art personalises your creations and makes them ideal as a birthday gift or stocking filler. For maximum impact, dot on the constellation points matching the astrological sign of choice, then connect the dots with a fine ceramic marker or a thin brush dipped in gold or silver acrylic paint. Incorporating different patterns can make your zodiac art more visually appealing and unique.
2. Lavender haze
It’s officially the colour of the year. Pairing lavender haze with contrasting colors can create a striking and modern design. Whether it’s adorning the eyelids of A-Listers or influencing our interior design choices, ‘digital lavender’ is taking the world by storm. If you’re ready to bid adieu to millennial pink, why not upgrade your porcelain with a cool wash of lavender haze? We love this chequered trinket dish that’s just asking to be filled with some handmade ceramic jewellery.
3. Landmarks
Pottery with a travel theme isn’t only for souvenir stores in tourist traps! Whether you’re a Parisian at heart, a devoted London lass, or someone whose heart beats for Barbados, pottery makes a wonderful tribute to a place you call home. Why not decorate a plate or coaster with a national flower, skyline or iconic landmark? Intricate designs can be used to depict landmarks and national symbols in a detailed and artistic manner.
4. Emojis
No matter your age, it’s hard to resist using the lure of emojis, and let’s face it — we all secretly have a favourite. Emojis are the perfect shape and size to adorn a handmade coaster, making an excellent gift for a child or teen. Whether it’s the classic grin, expressive heart eyes, or cool-guy sunglasses, pick their most-used emoji and load up your brush with plenty of bright yellow paint. Adding simple flowers can further enhance the charm of these emoji designs on pottery.
5. Abstract animals
Single line tattoos are all the rage at the moment, favoured for their modern and minimalistic look. For a less permanent alternative, why not decorate your creation with an abstract line drawing of your favourite animal? It’s best to use a fine ceramic marker rather than a brush for this, and to sketch out the design first lightly in pencil. Inspired designs can be drawn from various sources, such as cultural motifs, vintage designs, and personal interests, to create unique and meaningful pottery pieces.
6. Summer fruits
Paint your five-a-day with these handmade fruit bowls — a fun pottery painting idea for a lazy summer afternoon. These bowls look wonderful as a full set of ‘fruits’, so could be well suited to a family craft session. Pick your favourite citrus fruit and remember to paint both the interior and outside for the fullest effect.
7. Flower power
Whether you’re a seasoned botanical artist or just starting out, flora can be surprisingly simple to paint — especially with a little help. Intricate designs can be used to create detailed and beautiful floral patterns on pottery. As this guide shows, you don’t need to be Van Gogh to master sunflowers, and layering flowers like gerbera daisies, tulips, and Japanese cherry blossoms around the curve of a vase or plate makes for a beautiful display.
8. Polka dots
Are you simply dotty about coffee? Why not take inspiration from the quintessential ‘Polka Dot’ collection by Emma Bridgewater and greet your morning flat white with a little extra cheer? Or is a monochrome design more your cup of tea? Pop black spots on a white layer of paint to create a sleek design that Cruella would kill to sip from. Using different patterns can create a cohesive and visually interesting polka dot design.
9. Happy little trees
If your heart answers to the call of the wild, then you will love this dark forest design that’s ideal for painting beginners. Or for something more elaborate, take inspiration from the king of the “happy little trees” himself, Bob Ross, and decorate your ceramics with an atmospheric range of misty mountains. Inspired designs can be drawn from nature to create unique and meaningful pottery pieces.
10. On cloud nine
The sky’s the limit when it comes to simple-yet-creative painting ideas. However, last on our list is a dreamy cloud-print that you may have spotted on our Instagram recently. This cloud-print is a fantastic pottery painting idea for a cheerful and whimsical design. We love this cheerful cloud-print tray that was created by one of our talented customers.
So there you have it, ten creative ideas for painting pottery at home! Ready to get started? Our air-dry pottery kit has everything you need, including eight premium acrylic paints, two bristle paint brushes, plus a base coat and varnish for a glossy finish.
For more inspo, be sure to check out our Instagram and TikTok, or you can download our free bonus guide here. Happy painting!
Extra tips!
Geometric shapes in pottery painting
Incorporating geometric shapes into your pottery painting designs is a fantastic way to add interest and complexity. Geometric shapes like triangles, squares, circles, and hexagons can transform a simple ceramic piece into a modern masterpiece. You can create intricate patterns or keep it minimalistic with a few bold shapes. To paint geometric shapes, use a small brush to outline and fill in the shapes on your ceramic piece. Experiment with different colors to make your design pop. Whether you opt for a monochromatic scheme or a vibrant mix of hues, geometric shapes can bring a contemporary flair to your pottery pieces, making them stand out.
Ceramic painting techniques
Exploring various ceramic painting techniques can elevate your designs and add depth to your pottery pieces. One popular technique is layering, where you apply multiple layers of paint to achieve a rich, deep color. Start with a base coat and gradually build up layers, allowing each to dry before adding the next. Blending is another technique where you mix different colors to create smooth transitions and gradients. For intricate patterns, try stenciling by placing a stencil over your ceramic piece and painting over it. Stamping is another fun method; use objects like sponges or leaves to create unique patterns. Each technique offers a different way to express your creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you.
