Hands On Art & Play, Inc.

Had an amazing time at Hands-on Art a few weeks ago. Met the lovely owner who introduced us to the array of different items that we could paint. There were loads to choose from despite supply issues. Having chosen our pieces we were very well briefed on the tool/paints provided and given good advice on how to not totally mess up our crockery. Want tea? No problem. Coffee? Sorted. Think you are too much of a tough guy to enjoy a nice blackcurrant squash? Of course you're not, you're painting your very own TEAPOT and having a whale of a time. Two weeks later after going full Sir Alan Sugar on our masterpieces by firing them, I returned to pick up the packages which had been wrapped for me to avoid damage see photo. You can see the results of the paint having recoloured due to the cooking. Overall very happy and would 100% recommend also good for parties from what I can tell from the other side of the room.

We booked HandsOnArt Adventures for my daughter's 4th birthday. Janet went all out to make this a special experience. We arrived and before we even entered.....a beautiful birthday sign in the shop front with my daughter's name! Our table perfectly decorated and a brief masterclass in painting our chosen pieces - just the right amount of information for my 4 year old to really engage. She was shown the kiln and has since been playing a 'pottery shop owner' at home.....Janet she is inspired. She has asked for her creation and is keen to be present when we collect. If I could I would give more than 5 stars! Janet was an amazing host- faultless.

I went here with 2 of my uni friends and it was good! A nice range of things to paint, the paint dries quickly, decent prices and nice vibes. Janet was very nice and explained things thoroughly and was very helpful when we needed anything. Would definitely recommend! Easy enough to get to by bus from the uni:

We went here for the first time to celebrate our little one third birthday and it was a lovely experience, the children absolutely loved it and their dinosaurs plates are both super cute and useful!! Definitely recommend it!!!

We have been to a birthday party here. The idea and the activity is really good. It was a really nice birthday party for a 5 year old. I am sorry to say it but the host needs to try to be nicer. It was a children's party. It was no need to be rude. For most of the adults was the first time being in a pottery shop. We didn't know they had to sit at all times and what kind of coffee you have. Just an advice try to say it nicer for example if someone asks 'can I have an expresso please?' instead of saying 'this isn't a coffee shop' try say something like we don't have it sorry you can choose from and list what you have. This is just an example of a couple of situations. We had a good time though and we just smiled when we felt the host was a bit rude. Later edit: I do not understand the reply, sorry. I haven't read any apology, no responsibility taken. I wouldn't call it quite negative experience as I said all in all it was alright. Children enjoyed it. I do not see how a discussion could help. Like I said in my initial review you can see my point: the remark with coffee shop, not a walking around shop, children not to mix the colours, rolling eyes when a child wanted something else... Again the way it was said was the issue, it was rude. I do not feel the need of a conversation to be honest. The only reason I wrote the review was only to point them out so maybe, just maybe next time you or who was the host on the day will be nicer with anyone. I do not need explanations really. We all have bad days.

We've been regular visitors to Hands On Art for many years - and we're always greeted with a warm & friendly welcome. Janet and her team have a great selection of lovely items to paint, and the process is well explained and all questions happily answered. Pottery painting is not just for the younger children! I've recently visited with teenage girls and, unlike when they were younger, when they rushed their way through a paint session, they took their time, carefully creating keepsake items and chatting like grown ups. I've also attended the adult only evening paint sessions, bringing in our own Fizz and nibbles and putting the world to right, with some therapeutic creativity! I highly recommend Hands On Art - and love to support a small, local business even more important in these challenging times!.

Hands On Art is an absolute gem. Since being a very small child and then most recently for her 8th birthday, my eldest daughter has loved pottery painting there and we have very happy memories as well as some lovely artwork. Janet and her team are always hugely welcoming and full of great ideas to help the creativity flow. It's definitely somewhere that we will continue to come back to as a family time and again. Highly recommended!

Love Hands on Art and love Janet Me and my girlfriends attend the Paint and Prosecco night occurs the first saturday of every month whenever we can. It is a fantastic environment, with everything you need and plenty of advice / encouragement.

Great fun and very therapeutic. Choose a ceramic then decorate it. I did something they called decoupatch where you stuck little patches of patterned paper to the item. You could also paint your item. Some children were making pottery while we were there. I booked a table and it was free to reserve. There were lots of kids there but we went as 3 adults and it was an enjoyable couple of hours. You got drinks as well and the prices seem straightforward. Parking was easy also. A hidden gem.

This place is my second home and does wonders for my mental health. I've spent hours painting different pieces whilst listening to the radio playing quietly in the background. I've come to know the owner very well and love her enthusiasm for art and I don't understand why anyone wouldn't go more often.