Frequently Asked Questions

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🎨 Pottery Painting

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Do I need to book to come pottery painting?

We recommend booking to guarantee a table, especially at weekends and during busy periods. If you're hoping to pop in spontaneously, please contact us to check availability.

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How much does pottery painting cost?

There is a £6 studio fee per person who paints, which covers the paints, glazing and firing. You then choose your pottery, with prices generally starting from £8-£35. Each item is individually priced, so you can pick something to suit your budget. Most items are under £20.

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Do I have to pay the studio fee if I'm not painting?

No! If you're just accompanying someone and aren't painting yourself, you won't need to pay a studio fee.

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How long can we stay?

Our standard pottery painting bookings are for two hours. This gives you plenty of time to choose your pottery, plan your design and get painting.

If you're booking a DIY session, these last 1.5 hours. If the next session has availability, we may be able to extend your time for £5 per person for an extra 30 minutes.

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Do I need to be good at art?

Absolutely not! Pottery painting is for everyone, whether you're a budding artist or haven't picked up a paintbrush since school. We have plenty of colours, stencils and tools to help you create something lovely, and our team is always happy to offer tips.

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Can young children paint pottery?

Of course! Pottery painting is a lovely activity for children and grown-ups alike. We have a range of pottery to suit different ages and abilities. We offer baby prints from new born. All paint is non toxic

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Can I bring my own pottery to paint?

Please contact us before your visit to check whether this is something we can accommodate.

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Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Please contact us before your visit if you'd like to discuss bringing your own refreshments, as arrangements can vary depending on the booking or event. We only allow food to be brought in during our out of hours bookings. Baby food is fine. BYOB is also allowed.

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Can I add writing or a name to my pottery?

Of course! We can add names and dates to your pottery, which is especially popular for children's pieces. Simple names are free, but longer messages and more decorative writing may incur an additional charge. We also offer calligraphy for something extra special.

If you'd like something specific written on your pottery, just let us know what you have in mind.

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🔥 Collection & Delivery

How long does it take for my pottery to be ready?

Your pottery usually takes 1–2 weeks to be glazed and fired. During particularly busy periods, such as Christmas, it may take a little longer.

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Will you contact me when my pottery is ready?

We don't routinely contact customers when their pottery is ready, so please keep your receipt safe and check your collection date before visiting. We always recommend taking a photo of it when paying. 

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How long do you keep finished pottery?

We can store finished pottery for one month from the collection date. Please make sure you collect it within this time, as we have limited space to store completed pieces. After this the pottery is no longer our responsibility to keep.

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Can you post my pottery to me?

Yes! If you're unable to collect your pottery in person, we're happy to arrange tracked postage once it has been fired.

Tracked postage costs £9.99, plus £3 per item, depending on the size of the pieces. Please speak to us to confirm the total cost and delivery arrangements.

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Can I take my pottery home on the day?

Pottery painted in the studio needs to be glazed and fired in our kiln, so it cannot usually be taken home straight away. Some of our other activities, such as decopatch and foam clay, can be taken home on the day.

What if I haven't finished painting my pottery?

If you're taking part in a pottery painting session and haven't finished your piece, you'll need to take it home and bring it back to complete. Please return within one month. Any unfinished pottery left at the studio may be disposed of after one month. There will be another studio fee to pay when returning to paint. 

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What happens if my pottery breaks in the kiln?

Although we take great care with every piece, sometimes things can go wrong during firing. If your pottery breaks in our care or in the kiln, we'll always do our best to put things right. We'll offer you the opportunity to repaint a piece of pottery of the same value, along with complimentary drinks and snacks. We'll talk you through the options if this happens.

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📅 Bookings & Deposits

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Do I need to pay a deposit?

A £6 deposit is required for table bookings of more than six people, as well as weekend table bookings during November and December.

Different deposit arrangements apply to parties and some special events, so please check the details when making your booking.

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What happens if I'm running late?

Please contact us as soon as possible if you're running late. Tables may be released after 15 minutes if you haven't contacted us, particularly when we're busy.

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Can I stay longer than my booking?

We may be able to accommodate you if the studio is quiet and your table isn't needed for another booking. For painting sessions, extensions are subject to availability and cost £5 per person for 30 minutes.

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Can I change or cancel my booking?

Please contact us as soon as possible if your plans change or cancel using our booking platform. Cancellation and deposit arrangements can vary depending on the type of booking, particularly for parties and special events.

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Can I use a gift card?

Yes! Gift cards can be redeemed in the studio. Please bring your gift card details with you when you visit.

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🎂 Children's Birthday Parties

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How much are your children's birthday parties?

Our children's party packages are £25 per child, with a minimum of six children. The package includes the chosen activity, studio fee where applicable, food and drinks, party bags, invitations, decorations and a team to help run the party.

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What age are your parties suitable for?

We generally recommend our parties for children aged four and over.

Children aged eight and under have a 1.5-hour party, while parties for children aged nine and over last two hours. Please think about space and smaller numbers if parents are also attending. 

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What activities can we choose from?

Depending on availability, our party activities include:

• Pottery painting

• T-shirt or tote bag design

• Decopatch

• Foam clay

Please let us know which activity you're interested in when enquiring.

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How many children can attend?

The minimum is 8 kids. Our back party area accommodates up to 20 children, with limited space for standing adults. The front of the shop can accommodate up to 30 children and offers more space for parents, with a minimum spend based on 21 children.

If lots of adults are planning to stay, we recommend discussing the front-of-shop option with us.

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Do parents need to stay?

We generally recommend drop-off parties where appropriate, which helps keep the space comfortable for everyone. If lots of parents would like to stay, please let us know when booking so we can advise on the best space.

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Is food included?

Yes! Our standard party package includes sandwiches, grapes, crisps, popcorn and squash or water, along with party food arrangements.

You can choose three sandwich fillings from our available options when booking.

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Can we bring a birthday cake?

Yes! You're welcome to bring a birthday cake for us to serve during the party.

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Can we bring our own party food?

We ask that customers don't bring their own food, apart from a birthday cake or food needed because of a severe allergy. Please tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements when booking so we can discuss the arrangements with you.

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When can we collect the pottery painted at a party?

Pottery painted at a party is usually ready to collect about one week later. We wrap and name each item. Pottery is usually collected by the party parents but can be collected by individual party guests. Please give them your party code.

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How do we secure our party booking?

A 50% deposit is required at least four weeks before the party. This is based on your estimated number of guests and is deducted from the final bill.

The deposit is non-refundable under our standard policy. If you need to reschedule, the deposit can be transferred to a new date if you make the change at least 48 hours before the event. Cancellations within 48 hours mean the deposit is forfeited.

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👣 Baby Prints & Keepsakes

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Can you take my baby's handprints or footprints?

Yes! We offer prints on pottery and keepsake prints in clay, creating a lovely memento of your little one's early years. We can do this from newborn and are on hand to help. Please be patient with the staff member helping, every child can be different. 

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What's the difference between pottery prints and clay prints?

Pottery prints are added to a ceramic item and then glazed and fired. Clay prints are made on a plaque, creating a more traditional keepsake.

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How long do prints take?

Pottery prints are usually ready in around one week, while clay prints usually take around two weeks.

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Do I need to book for baby prints?

We strongly recommend booking ahead so we can allow enough time and make sure we have space to help you.

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Can you accommodate prams and highchairs?

Yes! We can accommodate small prams and highchairs, depending on the space available.

If you're booking for a larger group of parents and babies, we'd ask you to bring a baby carrier where possible, as space for multiple prams can be limited. Please let us know your group size when booking so we can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.

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Can I organise a group visit with other parents and babies?

Yes! We love welcoming groups of parents and little ones. Please get in touch to arrange your visit, particularly if you're planning to come with a larger group, so we can make sure we have enough space. We can usually do up to 15 parents and babies with enough notice.

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Can you do my prints, writing and decorating for me?

We are on hand to help with prints and can also help with writing and a tiny bit of decorating at quieter times. This may be something we can do there and then or after hours. In that case we will take down notes, please read and confirm notes before leaving. Please note, writing is done by different people and can have a slight variation and style.

Th fees for writing:

• Simple names: Free.

• Additional writing: £3 for the first item and £2 for each additional item.

• Calligraphy: £4.50 per item.

• Decorating is depended on what you would need.

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🎨 Other Activities & Events

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Do you offer activities other than pottery painting?

Yes! Alongside pottery painting, we offer a range of creative activities, including decopatch, foam clay, textile design and seasonal workshops.

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Do you run children's workshops during the school holidays?

Yes! We generally run creative workshops during school holidays for children aged six and over. Activities vary, so please check our Events page for upcoming dates and booking details. These are run as drop off events. 

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Do you host adult events?

Yes! Our Bottle & Brush evenings are a great way to get creative with friends. They run on the second Thursday of each month, from 7pm to 10pm, for adults.

You pay the £6 studio fee plus the price of your chosen pottery.

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Can I book the studio for a hen do, baby shower or group event?

Yes! We offer group and out-of-hours bookings for occasions such as hen dos, baby showers and adult get-togethers. Please get in touch with your preferred date, group size and ideas, and we'll talk you through the options. Our out of hours events are 2 hours long and for a minimum of 12 people. With the latest session taking place at 8pm-10pm.

Please note: If fewer than 12 people attend: A £20 fee applies for each person below the minimum of 12.

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💌 Still Have a Question?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, get in touch! We're always happy to help you plan your visit, choose an activity or arrange a special event.

We look forward to welcoming you to Happy Potter Ceramics!