Autumn Decoupage at The Coffee Cauldron, Cheltenham — Paint Mini Cauldrons & Pumpkins

Read the full experience

At the heart of Cheltenham's Montpellier quarter, The Coffee Cauldron, Rotunda, Montpellier, Cheltenham hosts an autumn decoupage workshop that marries hands-on craft with a warm café atmosphere. Over two evenings — Wednesday 30th September and Wednesday 21st October — local maker PaintpotParties guides participants as they paint and decoupage small ceramic cauldrons and pumpkins, with all materials provided and a complementary hot drink and cake included. This workshop is designed for makers and first-timers alike. The format is relaxed: expect two focused hours of instruction where you'll learn basic paint techniques, decoupage layering, and how to seal delicate ceramics for seasonal display. Small ceramic cauldrons make whimsical trinket dishes; pumpkins translate easily into mantel-ready decorations or thoughtful handmade gifts. The Coffee Cauldron supplies the setting - a compact, characterful café space with the aroma of speciality coffee and ovens still warm from fresh baking - so bringing a sense of curiosity is the only true requirement. What makes this offering stand out in Cheltenham is its blend of practical skill-building and local hospitality. It's easy to picture the group circled around a communal table beneath the Rotunda's low-lit interior, swapping tips while steam rises from a hot cup. The sessions are intentionally social: you'll finish with a finished piece and new conversation partners, ideal for visitors looking for a low-key evening event that speaks to the town's creative streak. Practical details are straightforward. Tickets include materials, instruction, a hot beverage of choice, and cake; the minimum age is 12. Wear clothes you don't mind staining, and plan to arrive a few minutes early to find the Rotunda meeting point. The workshops are compact enough to fit between sightseeing and dinner plans, making them a perfect addition to an autumn weekend in town. Beyond crafting skills, the event offers a local perspective: spending time at The Coffee Cauldron connects you with independent Cheltenham hospitality and the Montpellier area's lively café culture. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking an evening activity, a couple after a cozy date, or a parent accompanying a teen, this workshop is a practical, tactile way to bring a souvenir home that you made yourself. Book early - small group craft nights in this central Rotunda location tend to sell out as autumn evenings draw in. Expect small-group attention: facilitators will walk you through color mixing, brush selection, and safe glue use, helping beginners avoid common mistakes such as over-saturation or uneven varnish. Finished pieces dry quickly but handle them gently for 24 to 48 hours. If you have a mobility concern or need assistance, contact organiser ahead of time to discuss accommodations. These evenings also make excellent, low-pressure team-building or birthday options—check available dates and reserve a spot via the provided booking link to secure your seat.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal physical exertion; suitable for most fitness levels

Frequently asked questions

Are materials included?

Yes — all paints, brushes, ceramics, and decoupage supplies are provided with your ticket.

What's the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12; younger children may be accommodated at the organiser's discretion.

Can I bring a guest or come as a group?

Yes — group bookings are welcome; check available dates and reserve early to secure multiple spots.

Do finished pieces need more drying time at home?

Pieces are typically dry to touch but treat them gently and allow 24 to 48 hours for varnish to fully cure.

Is the venue accessible?

If you have mobility concerns or accessibility needs, contact the organiser ahead of time to discuss accommodations.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation and refund details are provided at booking—check the booking link for current terms.

Local insights

Wildlife

Grey squirrel
Common urban birds such as magpies

History

Cheltenham grew as a fashionable spa town in the 18th century; Montpellier is one of the town's historic cultural quarters.

Conservation

Support local small businesses by taking public transport or walking to the Rotunda and disposing of craft waste responsibly; organisers aim to limit single-use plastics.

About Paint Pot Parties

Paint Pot Parties is a creative events company based at The Old Kennels in England. The business runs guided painting workshops, pop-up art nights, family sessions and seasonal specials hosted at restaurants, theatres, studios and outdoor venues across the region. Events include family paint and picnic mornings, Paint & Pudding evenings, Paint & Pizza nights, Paint & Sip workshops, kids’ pumpkin and Halloween sessions, decoupage skull workshops, Barre & Brushstrokes and themed community pop-ups. Workshops are led by experienced artists and therapeutic art coaches, with several sessions explicitly guided by art coach Brydie. Many events are described as suitable for all skill levels and include clear instruction, stencil or traceable options, and supplied materials where noted. Public pop-ups have taken place at venues such as Cotswold Lounge (Chipping Norton), Gupshill Manor (Tewkesbury), Stroud Brewery, Cattivo (Cirencester), Rose & Crown (Redmarley), The Globe (Stonehouse), Brasserie Blanc (Cheltenham), Dunkertons Park, Swan Theatre (Worcester), Topoly's (Gloucester), The Plough (Prestbury), Norton Grounds and other local establishments named in event listings. Paint Pot Parties programs combine social dining and painting — for example, workshops paired with pizza, bruschetta, brunch or seasonal puddings — and occasional performance-led evenings like the Drag Arty Party. Tickets are offered per event, often with limited availability, and the company promotes engaging, accessible creative experiences for families, friends and community groups. Booking information and dates are provided per event, and many nights are hosted in partnership with local restaurants, bars, galleries and community clubs. Attendees can expect social atmospheres, step-by-step instruction, and take-home artworks at the end often.

Base locationCheltenham, England

Tours offered33+

Adventure tips

Arrive early and find the Rotunda meeting pointThe workshop starts promptly — arrive 10 minutes early to grab a coffee and settle in at The Coffee Cauldron’s Rotunda location.

Wear clothes you can stainAcrylic paints and glue are used; dress in layers you don't mind getting splattered or bring an apron.

Take care with wet piecesPieces can be handled after drying but give varnish 24–48 hours to fully cure to avoid smudges.

Bring a tote bagFinished ceramics are small but fragile; a padded bag or a box will help protect them on the trip home.

Recommended gear

Old shirt or apron: Protects clothing from paint and glue splatter during the session.
Small tote or padded bag: Keeps finished ceramics safe while traveling home.
Notebook and pen: Jot down color mixes, techniques, or ideas for future projects.
Phone for reference photos: Use images for pattern inspiration or to photograph your finished piece.