Discover the creative world of pottery painting ideas, where you can decorate your very own mugs, bowls, plates, vases ! These designs are beginner-friendly, easy to understand and apply, and they’ll add a personal touch to your home.
Is this your first time using acrylic paint on ceramic ? Be sure to check out this beginner’s guide before you start painting !
These pottery designs for beginners range from simple hand painted patterns to unique and cute ideas, ready to be applied to your ceramics. Explore patterns such as mandala, nature, floral, Indian, beach, modern, hearts, and more, all in this list of 50 creative and unique pottery painting ideas!
If you’re looking to paint on flower pots then check out this comprehensive terracotta pot painting tutorial, complete with how to seal, base coat and 6 easy beginner ideas to get you started.
Looking for more ideas ? Then check out these 50+ stunning flower pot painting ideas, 71+ easy crafts for adults or 60+ fun crafts for teens and tweens for some motivation.
Pottery Painting Supplies
Before you start out, here are some things you’ll need for pottery painting. Most of these can be found at your local DIY or craft shop, or ordered online.
Unfinished ceramic pieces to start with
First you’ll need something to work on. I recommend starting off with something simple, that provides plenty of canvas room. A simple, plain unfinished ceramic succulent planter or coasters are easy to work with and can be put on display. You can find planters or coasters to paint on Amazon. The raised patterns on the planters make painting the designs a cinch! While to smoothness of the coasters is like a complete blank canvas for your creativity to take the lead.
Best paint for unfinished ceramics
Unfinished ceramic pieces have a porous surface, which is absolutely perfect for many types of paint such as regular acrylic paints. Look for water-based non-toxic acrylics, such as these from Caliart on Amazon. Another thing to keep in mind is that most acrylic paints, and enamel paints are not food safe, and are best suited for decorative pieces. Acrylic paints can’t be cured in a kiln or oven and they are not food safe, so using acrylic paints is best suited for decorative pieces.
The benefit of enamel paints is that they can be cured, either in a kiln or air drying which then makes them top rack dishwasher safe.
Best paint for finished ceramics
If you’re working with a finished piece of ceramic, something that’s already glazed, you need a different kind of paint. Basic acrylics need a porous surface to adhere to, and finished ceramics are already glazed so they are perfectly smooth. You can find specially designed acrylic paint that will adhere to glazed ceramics, like this one from FolkArt on Amazon.
Like acrylics, enamel paints are not food safe. If painting a piece like a mug or a plate, strategically paint on the parts that won’t come in contact with food or your mouth (like the underside of a plate, or the bottom half of a mug.
Paint pens for ceramics
For small details, mandalas, or letters you can use paint pens. They offer much more precision and are easier to use if you’re trying to write something, as opposed to a small brush. They can also be cured in a kiln/oven so the final pieces can be hand washed. Try these paint markers from Artistro on Amazon.
Sealer
Once you’re satisfied with your handiwork, you need to seal the paint. However, if your piece will be cured in a kiln/oven, you don’t need to seal it. Mod Podge is the classic choice, and it works very well with acrylic paint.
Or if you’re prefer a spray version, try this one from Aleene. Just remember that it’s meant for items you won’t be personally using, so no mugs, plates, bowls and so on. Be sure to apply this one in a well ventilated area, or outdoors.
Ceramic painting kit
Looking for a ready-made bundle you can gift ? Or perhaps you’re looking for something for yourself but want to get all the shopping done in one place. A ceramic painting kit is a great idea, as it comes with everything you need already included – unfinished ceramic pieces, paint, brushes, and the rest is up to you. Try this set of 6 DIY succulent flowerpots from Amazon.
Pottery Painting Ideas
Pottery painting is a great way to explore your creativity, and this list of 45 ideas is here to inspire you. These beginner-friendly ideas include nature designs, mug painting ideas, flower themes, heart designs, mandala designs, and so much more !
How To Paint Terracotta Pots Tutorial With 6 Easy Ideas
Dive into the simple and joyful art of painting terracotta flower pots with this easy step by step tutorial. Learn how to prep, seal and base coat those pots before you begin so that your hard work doesn't go to waste. Your plant babies (and porch) will love you!
Cherry Blossom Mug Painting
Paint some simple and elegant cherry blossom flowers on simple white mugs. I love the pop of mint green color on the handles too! Check out the tutorial to find out how to make these beaut's.
Easy Geometric Painted Flower Pots
Tweens and teens can make these colorful geometric painted flower pots with just a few simple supplies! They make a great room decor idea.
Clay Pot Painting for Kids (Poured)
Clay pot painting using the pour method is a fun and creative activity that anyone can enjoy!
Spray Paint Marbled Effect
Use spray paint in a unique way to paint your terracotta pots. This spray paint marbling tutorial will teach you how to get a faux marble finish in minutes.
Indian - inspired painted vase
Reconnect with your roots, or get inspired by Indian culture with this Indian design !
The Easiest Flower to Paint on a Mug: Lavender Flowers
This has got to be the easiest flower to paint on a pottery project like a mug. I went to a local pottery workshop with my daughter and decided to paint this. I followed the lavender instructions from the blog post and applied it to the mug. Instead of the skewers to paint he stems i just free handed them with a small detailing brush and didn't get myself worked up if they weren't perfect or straight.
Father's Day punny gift
Surprise your dad with this pun, and put a smile on his face.
Painted Initial Mug
This beginner-friendly pottery design is a great way to personalize your mug, or craft a gift.
Nature inspired mug
Explore nature themes with this leaf mug, and allow yourself plenty of room for creativity.
Fruity tableware
This cute pottery design can easily be applied to anything, not just tableware. Make your own fruit set and get summer started !
DIY Black and White Modern Ceramic Vases
Create these simple, chic and stylish vases with black paint and a bit of water. You can use this technique on any shape ceramic vase.
Japanese minimalist pottery design
Apply Japanese minimalism to your favorite serving bowls for a cute pottery design.
How to Paint Minimal Ceramic Vases
Basic paint, a brush and a steady hand is all you need to paint these beautiful vases in muted tones. Check out the how-to in the link below.
Cookie Monster design
Want more cute pottery designs ? Try this Cookie Monster design, beginner friendly and kid friendly !
Bold, Colorful and Cheerful Plate Art
Theses colorful designs are not only easy to recreate but they'll brighten up any mood and day. These would also make good design ideas for coasters or any round ceramic or pottery peice
Dotted sheep mug
A minimalist design always looks great, and this dotted sheep mug proves it.
Painted lemon plate
Bring nature closer with this easy and beautiful lemon tree design, complete with a friendly bee.
Painted dreamy landscapes on mugs
Paint some magical and dreamy landscapes on simple mugs. These showstopper pieces can be used as decor and statement art to display around your home. They would make great gifts too.
Dark forest ceramic painting
This dark forest is a great hand painted design to try for your next pottery project.
Lavender coffee mug
A simple flower design can turn a plain mug into something beautiful.
Snowman Christmas mug
Christmas designs are always cute, and this snowman mug is no different.
Cloud Mug
Sometimes the simplest mug painting ideas work the best.
Beach flower pot
Bring the beach closer with this beach inspired flower pot.
Santa cookie plate
More Christmas designs ? Always, and this one is an easy design for beginners.
Dotted cherry blossoms
Decorate your favorite teapot and tea set with this dotted cherry blossom design.
Bumblebee painted plate
Bring springtime into your home with this bumblebee design, complete with flowers.
Easy heart design on bowls
This minimalist and cute heart design will brighten your day.
Painted strawberry mugs
Paint your own collection of cute strawberry mugs for the summer season.
Black cat painted mug
Love black cats ? This cat design will let everyone know for you !
Bubble glazed design
An abstract but beautiful design, bubbles create some of the most interesting patterns out there.
Simple flower design painted mug
A simple DIY flower mug is a great way to practice past the beginner level.
Painted zebra coffee mug design
This zebra design is a great way to practice a simple line pattern.
Mandala dotted mug
Mandala designs are beautiful and complex, but really easy to make once you look at them closer.
Starry Night Hand Painted Flower Pot
The famous Starry Night is definitely a great way to practice incorporating shades and hues in your pottery design.
Silk Screen Printed Ceramic Plates & Planters
Imitate the look of a silk screen pattern onto your favorite ceramics.
Mini Ombre Herb Pots
An ombre painting design is a beginner friendly way to practice color blending.
Hand painted galaxy mug
This galaxy design is a great way to practice hand painting and sponge painting.
Autumn design flower pot
Get your flower pots ready for the fall season with this design !
Gold painted feather design
This easy mug painting idea can be applied to any ceramic, not just mugs.
Marble effect paint
Easy marble design for your potted plants.
Hello sunshine painting idea
A simple, cute design for your coffee mug to brighten your day.
DIY Glitter Flower Pots
If painting a design isn't enough, try adding some glitter and sequins. This could be a great kind project.
Pot painting ideas with lines
An ingenious use of rubber bands - paint the pot in one color, add some rubber bands, then paint another color on top !
Painted Fall Leaves Stamps On Dinner Plates
Collect some fallen leaves this fall and use them as stamps. Simple paint one side of the leave with your paint and then press the leaf (paint side down) on your white plate. Lift up and voila! Repeat with different size leaves and different colors.
Sunflowers on a Dinner Plate
Replicate the infamous Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting on a simple dinner plate for a piece of art that you can proudly display at home.
Painted flower pots with puns
Paint your flower pots in your favorite colors, and let the kids add some flower and plant puns.
Modern leaf design
Coloring outside the lines can totally be fun - look at this design for proof !
Dotted desert pot
Bring the beauty of the desert closer with this dotted design.
Abstract pattern & dots
Sometimes no pattern is the best pattern. This eclectic mix of leaves, spots, and dots is a great way to let your creativity flow.
Octopus serving platter design
Love seafood ? This octopus painted serving platter will fit the theme !
FAQ
What should I paint on pottery ?
When deciding what to paint on pottery, don’t overthink it. This is a creative exercise, you can apply pretty much any design to any ceramic, as long as you like it. Some themes may be more appropriate for some pieces, for example a mug would work much better with a coffee theme than a bowl. But something like a nature theme – dandelions maybe – would work great on anything from bowls to mugs to plates to vases and so on.
How do you paint pottery for beginners ?
As a beginner you need to start with the basics. Make sure your pottery piece is clean, dust-free, and unfinished (without glaze). Trace a design lightly with a pencil onto the ceramic, and then use your acrylic paints to fill in the design. Take advantage of the various brushed you have to create different patterns, and remember that most colors benefit from two coats of paint.
Can you paint pottery after firing ?
Yes, you can paint pottery after firing. This is known as overglaze painting. You can use special overglaze colors, lusters, or china paints to add details or more colors to your fired pottery. However, once painted, the pottery will need to be fired again to ensure the paint is set and won’t wear off.
Do you need specific paint for pottery ?
You need paint that is appropriate for the pottery you’re using. So if it’s a porous material, you can use any paint but acrylic is the most common and well pigmented choice. Other options include metallic paints and oil-based paints.
If your pottery is already glazed, you need a specially formulated paint that will adhere to a very smooth surface (or glass). You’ll find options for these paints in the Panting Supplies section above.
Final words
We’ve explored some pretty cool pottery painting ideas, from nature themes to mandalas to cute and unique ideas that will brighten your day. These designs are perfect for beginners, and easy to apply using acrylic paint. It could even turn into a family project, bringing the kids into the fun !
Show off your creativity with these pottery painting ideas, and enjoy your handiwork !
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