How to Host a Paint Your Own Pottery Party at Home

Paint your own pottery studios are a blast, but they add up fast for a group. Hosting at home is easier than you think, and you get to keep the snacks, music and pace all your own. Here is how to plan a pottery painting party for birthdays, holidays, girls nights or a rainy weekend.

Step 1: Pick your finish

Before anything else, decide how the pieces will be finished, because it changes what you buy.

• No kiln: use paint markers or acrylic paint and a sealer. Pieces are ready the same day and great for decor. Our paint your own bisque kits are made for this.
• With a kiln: use real glazes for a glossy, durable finish, and some glazes are food safe once fired. Our glaze your own pottery kits come with glazes that fire together.

Not sure which is right? Read acrylic vs glaze for ceramics.

Step 2: Choose your pieces

Pick bisque that fits your crowd. Small figurines and ornaments are perfect for kids, while mugs, plates and planters are great for adults.

• Kids parties: Pet Party Painting Kit, Unicorn Painting Kit or Dinosaur Painting Kit
• Holiday parties: Ornament Painting Party Kit or Gnome Painting Party Kit
• Adults with a kiln: Classic Mug Glaze Kit or Dinner Plate Glaze Kit

Plan on one or two pieces per guest. People usually spend 45 minutes to an hour on each.

Step 3: Set up your table

• Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth or kraft paper.
• Give each guest a paper plate as a palette, a cup of water and a paper towel.
• Set out pencils so people can sketch their design on the bisque first. Pencil burns off in the kiln.
• Have a few sample designs or printed ideas for anyone who gets stuck.

Make sure bisque is clean and dust free. Our guide on how to prep bisque covers the quick wipe down.

Step 4: Painting tips to share

• Start with light colors and add darker details last.
• For glazes, use two or three coats for solid color, letting each coat dry first.
• Keep glaze off the bottom of the piece if it is going in a kiln.
• Use fine brushes for faces and details. Our brush guide explains which brush does what.

Step 5: Finishing up

For marker or acrylic pieces, let them dry and then seal them so the color lasts. For glazed pieces, let them dry overnight and fire them following the glaze instructions. Our post on how to fire glazed ceramics walks through it.

Party ideas

• Birthday: everyone paints a figurine to take home as a party favor.
• Holiday: paint ornaments and hang them on the tree before guests leave.
• Grown up night: mugs or planters, with snacks and music.

Ready to plan your party?

Our paint your own bisque kits and glaze your own pottery kits come with the pieces and colors you need, so all you have to add is the people.