About Happy Glaze Ceramics
What is Happy Glaze Ceramics?
Happy Glaze Ceramics is a paint-your-own pottery studio. You choose a ceramic item, paint it in the studio, then we glaze and fire it ready for collection.
Do you do pottery throwing / wet clay?
No — we are paint-your-own pottery only. We don’t offer wet clay or pottery throwing.
What can I paint?
We stock a wide range of pottery, including household items (mugs, plates, bowls etc.) and ornamental/novelty items.
How many people can the studio seat?
Our studio can seat up to 28 people. We have tables that seat 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 people.
Do you help people who aren’t “creative”?
Yes! We give you a run-through of the basics and we’re always on hand if you need guidance. We also have lots of in-studio inspiration.
Booking
Do we have to book?
Booking is highly recommended, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
Do you allow walk-ins if there’s space?
Yes — if you arrive at the beginning of a session and we have space, we’re happy to seat you. Booking is always best, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
Please note: sessions are 2 hours, so if you arrive after the session start time, you’ll still need to finish by the end of that session.
How many people can you seat in one group?
We can seat groups of up to 10 people.
Do you take deposits for standard bookings?
Yes — for tables of 5 or more painters, we take a £6 deposit per painter when you book.
Session Length
How long are standard painting sessions?
Standard painting sessions are 2 hours.
What if my child finishes quickly?
That’s completely fine — you don’t need to stay for the full 2 hours.
Cancellation & Rescheduling (Standard Studio Bookings Only)
Does this apply to workshops, events, parties or private hire?
No — this policy applies to standard studio bookings only.
Separate terms apply to birthday gatherings, workshops, events, adult masterclasses, and private group bookings.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
All cancellation/reschedule requests must be sent in writing by email to be valid.
If I cancel with at least 2 days’ notice, can I get a refund?
Yes — cancellations made at least 2 days before your booking are eligible for a refund of the deposit fee.
You may also rebook/reschedule (subject to availability).
If I cancel with less than 2 days’ notice, can I get a refund?
No — cancellations made with less than 2 days’ notice are not eligible for a refund, as we’ve already staffed and prepared your session.
Can I reschedule within 2 days of my booking?
No — rescheduling is not possible within 2 days, and the deposit can’t be transferred.
Workshops, Events & Adult Masterclasses (Payment + Cancellation)
How do I book a workshop/event/adult masterclass?
Full payment is required at the time of booking via Stripe on our website.
Your booking is only confirmed once payment has been received.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes — but we need at least 7 days’ notice by email for a refund or transfer.
What if I cancel with less than 7 days’ notice?
Cancellations or date changes within 7 days are non-refundable and non-transferable, as these sessions can’t be resold at short notice.
Birthday Gatherings (Deposits + Rules)
Do you do parties?
We are not a birthday party venue, but we’re happy to accommodate a birthday gathering.
Please see our birthday page for details:
https://www.happyglazeceramics.co.uk/birthday-gatherings/
Do birthday gatherings require a deposit?
Yes — deposits are required for birthday gatherings of more than 5 people, taken via Stripe through our booking system.
How long do I have to pay the deposit?
Deposits must be paid within 24 hours of the booking request to secure the date and time.
If payment isn’t received in time, the booking request may be released.
Is the deposit taken off the bill on the day?
Yes — deposits are deducted from the final bill on the day.
Are birthday gathering deposits refundable or transferable?
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable if:
-
the required notice period is not met
-
painters do not attend on the day
-
fewer guests attend than originally booked
-
For safety and to keep the studio comfortable for all customers, we do not allow candles in the studio.
-
Cakes or cupcakes are not permitted during standard studio bookings which include birthday gathering bookings. they create too much mess and staff need as much time as possible to clean and prepare for the next sesssion. They may only be brought for private events where this has been agreed in advance.
Cancellations & Date Changes (Birthday Gatherings)
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes — we require at least 7 days’ notice by email for a refund or transfer.
What if I cancel with less than 7 days’ notice?
Cancellations or date changes within 7 days are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Private Group Bookings (Half Studio / Full Studio Hire)
How much notice is needed to cancel or change the date?
For private hire bookings, we require at least 14 days’ notice by email to qualify for a refund or transfer.
What if I cancel with less than 14 days’ notice?
Cancellations or date changes within 14 days are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Group Size, Seating & Supervision (Important!)
Can we increase the group size for a birthday gathering?
No — birthday gatherings are subject to a maximum group size and cannot be increased for any reason.
Do guests need to stay seated?
Yes — all attendees must be seated at all times. Standing is not permitted in the studio.
Do children’s birthday gatherings require adult supervision?
Yes — a responsible supervising adult must be present throughout and remains responsible for behaviour and safety.
Are prams allowed at birthday gatherings?
No — due to space limitations, prams are not permitted during birthday gatherings.
Ages & Supervision (Standard Sessions)
How old do you have to be?
There are no age limitations — it depends on the individual’s attention span and capabilities.
Can I leave my child with you?
Sorry, no — children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Workshops are the only drop-off sessions (unless you’ve booked a place for yourself too).
Who It’s For (Kids AND Adults)
Is pottery painting just for kids?
No! Pottery painting is for everyone. Our studio is designed with adults in mind, and plenty of adults come to paint too.
Do adults have to paint if they come with children?
No — only the people painting pay the studio fee.
We restrict the number of non-painters depending on table size.
Opening Days & Adult-Only Sessions
Are you open every day?
No — we are usually open Thursday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Do you have adults-only sessions?
Yes — adults only on Friday evenings from 6:30pm–8:30pm.
You can bring a bottle and some nibbles (no hot food).
Prices & Studio Fee
How much does it cost?
Pottery pieces are individually priced, usually £10 to £45, plus the studio fee.
Is there a studio fee?
Yes — the studio fee is £6 per painter.
What does the studio fee include?
It covers:
-
use of our paints (36 colours)
-
stencils, stamps and tools
-
glazing and firing
-
your time in the studio
Do I pay the studio fee per item?
No — it’s once per painter per session, even if you paint multiple items.
Do I have to pay before you glaze and fire my pottery?
Yes — full payment is required before items are glazed and fired.
Can I pay when I collect?
No — payment must be made in full before glazing and firing.
How Pottery Painting Works
How does it work?
-
Choose your pottery
-
We explain how the paints work and share tips
-
You paint your piece
-
Leave it with us for glazing + firing
-
Collect it around 14 days later (we’ll text you)
Can I paint more than one item?
Yes — you can paint as many items as you like during your session.
Can children take pottery from the shelves?
Yes, but please help younger children.
What if I break something in the studio?
Please tell a staff member straight away. Customer breakages may need to be paid for.
Arrival & Timing
What if I’m running late?
If you’re running late, please let us know and we’ll hold your table for you.
If you arrive late, please bear in mind you’ll have less time to paint, as sessions are a fixed duration and can’t be extended.
Food, Snacks, Drinks & Alcohol
Can we bring hot food?
No — hot food is not permitted in the studio under any circumstances.
Can we bring snacks?
Yes — snacks can be eaten at the table, but we don’t recommend eating while painting.
Why shouldn’t we eat while painting?
Greasy or sticky fingers can affect the pottery surface, and the glaze may not stick properly.
If you eat, please wash your hands before touching the pottery again.
Can we bring drinks?
Yes — feel free to bring a takeaway coffee or a drink bottle.
We also sell tea, coffee, juice cartons and snacks, plus complimentary water.
Can we bring alcohol?
Alcohol is only permitted during adult-only events where explicitly stated.
Customers must drink responsibly.
Collection Times & Storage
When will my pottery be ready?
Your pottery is usually ready for collection 14 days after painting. We’ll text you when it’s ready.
How will I know when my pottery is ready to collect?
We’ll send you a text message when your pottery is ready for collection.
How long do you keep finished items?
We keep fired items for 12 weeks after notifying you. After this, items may be donated or disposed of.
Unfinished Items
What if I don’t finish my pottery?
We can keep unfinished pieces for 1 month.
If you return to finish it, there is a £6 studio fee.
You can also finish at home using takeaway paints.
We will fire items after 4 weeks, finished or not, due to storage limits.
Facilities
Do you have toilets?
Yes, we have toilets.
Do you have baby changing facilities?
No — we don’t currently have baby changing facilities.
Safety, Materials & Washing
Are the paints safe?
Yes — paints and glazes are water-based, lead-free and non-toxic.
Should we wash hands after painting?
Yes — hands should be washed after painting and before eating/drinking.
What if something spills or breaks?
Please tell a staff member immediately.
Finished Pottery Care
Is the pottery dishwasher and microwave safe?
Dishwasher safe ✅
Not microwave safe ❌
To keep colours vibrant, we recommend hand washing.
Kiln Issues / Handmade Variation
What if something goes wrong in the kiln?
While rare, kiln damage can happen. Our liability is limited to replacement of the item or the value paid.
Minor imperfections/colour variation can occur and are part of the handmade firing process.
Prams & Accessibility (Standard Sessions)
Are prams always allowed?
Due to space limitations, prams may not be permitted during certain sessions. If you’re unsure, please call the studio before your visit. The booking system will ask if there are any prams included in your booking and the studio will be in touch if this exceeds our limit for the session.
Do you have wheelchair access?
There is a small step at the front door, but we can usually accommodate wheelchairs. Please contact us in advance so we can prepare the space.
Parking
Is there parking available?
There is 20-minute restricted parking on Waterloo Road.
Nearby car parks include:
-
Ebbisham Centre
-
Epsom Station car park
-
Hook Road car park
Photography & Social Media
Do you take photos in the studio?
We may occasionally take photos/videos for promotional purposes.
If you don’t want to appear in imagery, please tell a staff member on arrival.
Personal Belongings
Are my belongings safe?
Personal items are brought in at your own risk. We’re not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
Behaviour & Refusing Service
What happens if behaviour is unsafe or disruptive?
We may refuse service or end a session early if behaviour is disruptive, unsafe or inappropriate. No refunds will be given in these circumstances.
Things You Can and Can’t Bring
Can I bring my own brushes/stencils/stickers?
Yes — that’s fine.
Can I bring my own paint/bisque/pottery?
No — we don’t allow outside paint, bisque or pottery.
Gift Vouchers
How can I buy gift vouchers?
Vouchers are available in the studio in denominations of £20, £30, £40 and £50.
They can be used against pottery and studio fees during normal opening hours.
You can also order posted vouchers via our website voucher page.
If you still need help
If you can’t find what you need above, please call the studio on 01372 742244 during opening hours and we’ll be happy to help.