Now Booking from 12th September
Join us in painting one-of-a-kind pots — each piece is hand-thrown by Lydia and bisque-fired by Zak right here in the studio. You’ll choose from a selection of Rock Garden originals, all made using our own hand-recycled clay.
Because every piece is handmade, the forms available will vary — sometimes mugs, sometimes bowls, sometimes something unexpected. That’s part of the charm: no two painting sessions will ever be the same.
A chance to unplug, get your hands moving, and focus on nothing but brush, glaze, and clay.
It’s open to all ages and skill levels — whether you’re here for the colours, the calm, or just the joy of making something with your own two hands
Thrown by Hand, Painted by You.
👥 Group Sessions & Families
This activity is suitable for all ages — but we recommend that children under 14 are supervised by an adult at all times.
Studio by Rock Garden is a space designed with adults in mind, so while we’re happy to welcome families, we ask that all visitors help keep the atmosphere calm and respectful for others.
We have both indoor and (weather-dependent) outdoor seating, with space for up to 12 people at a time. As a micro, communal studio, you’ll likely be sharing tables with others — it’s all part of the relaxed, social feel.
🥳 Private Bookings
If you’d like to book the space for a private event — team away days, birthdays, creative gatherings — we’d love to host you.
Click here to enquire about private bookings
FAQs - Thrown by Hand, Painted by You
Q- What is this session exactly?
It’s our relaxed, drop-in-accepted (for groups of 2 max) activity where you can paint a piece of pottery that’s already been hand-thrown by us at Rock Garden Ceramics. Think of it like a paint-a-pot session — but with pieces made on the wheel, not mass-produced molds.
Q- Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — we recommend booking in advance so we can prepare your painting materials and reserve your spot. We do allow drop-ins for individuals or pairs, but for groups of 3 or more, please book ahead. For groups of 4+, booking is essential.
Q- What can I paint?
You’ll choose from a rotating collection of hand-thrown cups, bowls, vases, and other forms. All made in our York studio. Each piece is unique — no two are the same.
Q - What paints do you use?
We use ceramic underglazes that are specially made for firing in the kiln. After you paint, we glaze your piece in a clear food-safe gloss — unless you ask for a raw clay finish.
Q- When will my piece be ready to take home?
After painting, your piece will be glazed and fired in our kiln — this process takes 2–3 weeks. We’ll email you when it’s ready to collect from our Scarcroft Road studio. We can also post your piece (UK only).
Q- Can kids take part?
Absolutely! It’s a creative, accessible activity for all ages. That said, our ceramics are delicate, so little ones may need extra supervision.
Q - What if I make a mistake?
That’s part of the fun! Mistakes often turn into something magical. We’ll be nearby with tips and tricks if anything goes wrong. We also provide pencils so you can sketch your ideas beforehand.
Q - How much does it cost?
Prices start from £25 per piece. This includes your chosen pot, all painting materials, our in-house glazing, and firing in our kiln. The final price depends on the form you choose.
Q - What is reclaimed clay?
Reclaimed clay (or recycled clay) is clay that’s been used, trimmed, collapsed, or dried out — and then rehydrated, kneaded, and brought back to life by hand. At Rock Garden, we collect every bit of leftover clay from our workshops and studio production and give it a second chance.
Many of the pots you’ll paint or handbuild with are made from 100% reclaimed clay — part of our commitment to sustainability and wasting nothing. ♻️ This also means your pot may have a unique colour or marble effect, depending on what clays were in use that week. Our chef clients often request specific clay bodies — so what you’re painting with could be a blend of several high-end clays chosen for restaurant commissions.