If you want to start painting your own pottery then we've got the article for you. We've created a mini-guide to pottery painting including all the materials you'll need as well as 30+ pottery painting ideas to inspire you.
We're obsessed with pottery here at Gathered (thanks to our favourite craft TV show The Great Pottery Throwdown), but we know most of us don't have room for a pottery wheel and kiln at home! That's why we love paint-at-home pottery pieces – you only need a few simple materials but can have hours of fun.
Our pottery painting ideas include everything from magical designs and cheeky illustrations to beautiful patterns so no matter your aesthetic you'll find a style that suits you.
Pottery painting is also a great craft for kids, it's the perfect activity for keeping them entertained during the school holidays.
Before we get started, you'll need to stock up on pottery painting supplies. Keep reading to find your four pottery painting essentials and 30+ pottery painting ideas.
Pottery painting supplies
Porcelain mugs
If you're new to pottery painting, keep it simple by buying a set of plain mugs to decorate. These mugs provide a perfect blank canvas for all of your creative designs!
You can decorate your mugs with porcelain paint or pens, depending on your preference. The pens are sold separately and you may need to bake your finished designs in the oven to make them permanent.
Looking for something a bit more fun? Baker Ross has some more unusual ceramics available to decorate, including adorable gnomes and plant pots.
Paints
Next up you need paints! Most paints work for pottery painting so if you already have some acrylic paints in your craft stash feel free to use those.
However, if you're in the market for some new paints then Amazon has some great kits available. These 12 paints are specifically designed for ceramics and come with three handy brushes.
The great thing about ceramic paints is you leave them to dry and then bake them in the oven to set. It's a simple process and you can use them on any ceramics you like.
If you'd rather pick up acrylic paints then this kit from Crafts 4 all includes 12 different colours.
Paint Pens
Alternatively, paint pens are great for pottery painting and are much less messy! Paint pens are ideal for kids but they're also good for creating more detailed, intricate designs.
Paint pens will work on most pottery pieces, they'll just need to be sealed with varnish when complete. This paint pen pack is from RISTRO and can be used on a variety of surfaces like metal, pottery, terra-cotta, polymer clay, and more.
Paint pens are also great for rock painting making them versatile and a great all-rounder in your craft kit.
Varnish
Finally, if you want your pottery pieces to have a nice smooth surface then varnish is a must. You can buy a range of different varnishes online and in hardware stores, you just need to decide whether you want your pieces to have a shiny or matte finish.
This high gloss varnish from Liquitex will give your designs a professional finish and ensure the colours aren't damaged when in use/being washed.
All kitted out!
If you want to try pottery painting without buying all the individual supplies, you could always try one of the best air dry clay kits from our roundup.
Easy pottery painting ideas
1. Geometric pots
Decorate vases, mugs or plant pots with this pretty pastel geometric design by Hobbycraft. They show you how to make these plant pots as well as decorate them!
2. Doughnut pottery painting
Angie Buena has loads of incredible pottery painting ideas on her Pinterest. We love this funky doughnut shape and think it would be super easy to recreate.
3. Dotted initials
The Love Nerds have created fun initial mugs using their dotting technique. Make a bunch of ceramic mugs for your friends and family using their free tutorial.
4. The Lovely Drawer's pottery painting ideas
The Lovely Drawer has three gorgeous pottery painting ideas on its website. Recreate your favourite or all three designs on mugs, bowls, plates and more.
5. Patterned pots
Decorate your plant pots with plenty of patterns and colours for a statement piece!
6. Japanese-inspired pottery painting
How gorgeous are these pottery painting ideas from Hobbycraft? They show you how to recreate these two Japanese-inspired designs on their blog.
7. Floral pottery painting ideas
Flowers make everything better even pottery. Add little flowers for a simple design or big flowers for a fun, 70's vibe.
Erika Christine creates gorgeous floral pottery pieces so check her website if you'd rather buy your pottery.
8. Dash and dot designs
Decorate your pottery mugs with colourful dashes and dots like ILoveToCreate has.
They have a few different dot and dash pottery painting ideas on their blog.
9. Happy pottery painting ideas
This cheerful design is by 7thHouseCeramics and it's bound to put a smile on your face. Cover your pottery pieces in smiley designs and enjoy the painting experience.
Test out this design on our DIY coasters.
10. Body pottery painting ideas
You've probably seen the boob mug trend everywhere but it's great for a cool, quick pottery painting idea. Paint your favourite body parts on your crockery for a cheeky design!
11. Cat pottery painting ideas
Immortalise your feline friends in clay with these cute cat designs. You could make yours look like your own beloved pet!
12. Leopard print pottery painting ideas
Decorate your pottery pieces with your favourite animal prints like Casa Clara has. You could paint zebra stripes, cow print or even a giraffe pattern.
13. Acrylic paint drip
This pottery painting idea is perfect for creatives, crafters and artists. Copy The Creative Folk's paint drip design for a fun, arty look. Use this technique to make our clay vase DIY.
14. Brushstroke designs
Brushstrokes designs are simple yet so effective. Hobbycraft shows you how to create these sweet ceramic hearts on their blog but you could use their brushstroke technique on anything.
We think ceramic mugs would look especially wonderful covered in brushstrokes.
15. Eucalyptus pattern
Lauren Ullrich Art is the queen of pottery painting ideas and we love this eucalyptus design. You can shop Lauren's designs in her shop.
Spruce up your mugs!
Looking for even more pottery painting ideas? Personalise your cups with our creative and fun mug painting ideas.
16. Speckled pottery mug
Tastemade has created a handy video tutorial showing you how to make these DIY speckled mugs. You can also use this speckled technique to make a ring holder out of clay.
17. Forest pottery painting
Paint a starry sky and peaceful forest onto your pottery with Ryanne Levine's tutorial.
18. Abstract pottery painting ideas
Go wild with colour and design and make an abstract print on your mugs. This incredible mug is by Lily Lund Ceramics.
19. Folk art pottery painting ideas
Go all cottagecore with your pottery painting and paint toadstools, fairies, and countryside scenes on your pieces. This adorable mug is by Natural Life.
20. Heart pottery painting ideas
Give your pottery some love with this lovely heart design. It's a simple design but we love how the inside matches with the outside hearts!
21. Memphis mug painting
Enter my Attic shows you how to make these funky Memphis-inspired mugs over on their blog. Make matching bowls and plates for a full, handmade crockery set.
This pattern would look fabulous on our clay salt spoons.
22. Gingham pottery painting
2 Cool Y2K has created this unique gingham design and we just love it. Their site is full of modern pottery painting ideas but be warned, you'll want to buy all their pieces!
23. Cloud pottery painting ideas
Paint your pottery with suns, clouds, and weather motifs for a quick but modern design. Round About Ceramics is the creators of this iconic cloud mug that you may have seen all over social media.
24. Fruity pottery painting ideas
Paint your five a day and give your pieces a fruity makeover with these pottery painting ideas. We love them as a set but you could recreate your favourite fruit for a one-off design.
25. Pottery painting ideas for your handles!
Don't forget about your handles! Decorate your mug handles and plate edges with this simple design from Southern Crush at Home.
26. Constellation pottery painting ideas
Celebrate your birth year by painting your star sign and constellation. These delicate trinket dishes are by Tasha Mckelvey and would make wonderful presents. If you enjoy this design then check out our other constellation crafts here on Gathered.
27. Fox pottery painting ideas
How cute is Marta Sorte Ceramic's pottery? We love these foxy faces and think they'd make great crockery for kids.
28. Strawberry pottery painting ideas
Cinda Designs summery designs are just adorable. Mini strawberries will make any pottery piece look lovely. Head over to our clay trinket dish DIY for another funky pottery painting idea!
29. Christmas pottery painting ideas
Get festive with your pottery painting and make some fancy new plates for Christmas dinner. This retro lightbulb design will give your veggies some extra sparkle!
30. Feather pottery painting ideas
Cover your pottery pieces in bright and bold feathers for a statement design. They'll make great centrepieces and be the talk of the town. This gorgeous bowl is by Jill Rosenwald.
31. Magical pottery painting ideas
Use M Rainey's plant pot as inspiration and paint a magical scene onto your pieces.
32. Air dry clay plant pot idea
Give your home a contemporary look with this air dry clay plant pots tutorial by Lucy Davidson. She'll show you how to create this cool metallic effect on your pots!
33. Rainbow trinket dish idea
This cheerful rainbow trinket dish is guaranteed to brighten up any room! Paint it in vibrant colours or opt for pastel shades for a more grown-up look.
Learn how to recreate this vibrant design with our how to paint air dry clay tutorial.
Use our pottery painting ideas to make your own unique designs
These gorgeous pottery painting ideas are the perfect starting point for your own creative designs. Whether you choose to embellish a mug, jazz up some dull plant pots or decorate your own jewellery dishes.
Lots of these projects are ideal for children too, making it a great activity for a rainy day!
If you're feeling inspired by these pottery painting ideas, making your own pottery is the next step – but don't worry, you don't have to buy any expensive equipment.
Get into ceramics with our air dry clay ideas
Air dry clay has surged in popularity in recent years and it's easy to see why – it's simple to use, inexpensive and incredibly versatile. You can make almost anything with it and there are tonnes of projects for both adults and kids.
Find your new craft obsession with Gathered's air dry clay ideas.
