Paint-your-own-pottery and Make & Paint Classes: What are the differences?

Many attend my ceramic and pottery workshops in Aberystwyth for a mindful and enriching experience, while others prefer to engage in a more innovative and creative workshop. One of my most frequently asked questions is the choice between PYOP and Make & Paint classes. Here’s a summary of the key differences between the two workshops.

Paint-your-own-pottery Commonly known as PYOP, is a class held for a range of people — whether you're a beginner with little to no experience in design, or a seasoned artist seeking new techniques. Each participant chooses from a selection of pre-made pottery pieces from a range of miniature plant pots, beakers, bowls, plates, mugs, coasters and wax candle melt holders. Each piece of pottery will be fired in a kiln to achieve a professional-looking finish, once the glazing (painting) process is complete.

Both classes engage in mastering new techniques. However, you can apply precision and a touch of your own unique style in The Make & Paint pottery classes.

In the first hour, you will be guided through the experience of sculpting items from smooth Cornish porcelain clay. The designs include coasters, trinket bowls, jewellery holders, fairy doors, magnets, and hanging decorations. In the second hour, once you've crafted your chosen porcelain pieces by hand, you will select and apply coloured glazes (pottery paint), which will then be fired in the kiln to achieve a polished finish.

One of the notable differences between Make & Paint and PYOP is the vibrancy of the colour after the final kiln firing — the outcome is far more intense when painting ready-made pieces. However, with Make & Paint, you will have the opportunity to enhance your creativity by working with both clay and glaze.

Both classes are held for two hours and are priced equally.

Whether you prefer getting your hands stuck in clay, becoming a master of ceramic skill or mindfully decorating pre-made pottery, you're ensured to have a rewarding experience — and perhaps even broaden your skill set along the way!