Biscuit FAQs
Q. Painting place or Café?
A. Both and more
The choice is yours. There is no need to paint and no need to take refreshment. Many customers love us for our fantastic coffee, organic teas, homemade cake and organic ice-cream; many love us for the painting. Many like us for both. We create wonderful parties. We offer a choice of three party packages and unlimited choices for bespoke parties. For ten painters or more we are delighted to open in the evenings.
Q. Do I have to book?
A. No
We will always find space for small groups. We are usually very busy at the week-ends in the afternoons so come at other times if you want to be sure of space.
Bookings can be made on 020 8853 8588 or at crumbs@biscuit-biscuit.com
Q. How do I paint?
A. Its easy!
Choose your piece, pay for it and select a pallet, sponge, water pot, brushes and paint. Paint and have fun, then come and get a kiln number from us. Pencil or pen marks will burn off in the kiln.
Q. Are there any tips for good results?
A. A few
Any areas not painted come out white. For strong colours wait for one layer to dry and then add another layer of paint.
Q. Can I paint over the first colours?
A. Yes
Once one layer is dry other colours can be added. Light colours will not show up well over dark colours. Use light colours as a background and add the dark colour over the top
^ back to top
Q. Can we do handprints or footprints?
A. Sure it’s easy and fun
Staff are happy to help you if this is new to you. The best way to do this is by getting the hand or foot print you are happy with on a plain ceramic first – then decorate. If you are not happy with your first try, wash it off and start again.
Q. Can I mix the paint?
A. Yes
Like most paints you can mix the colours. Mix enough for what you want to do; it’s very hard to match if you have to re-mix.
Q. Is Biscuit part of a chain or a franchise?
A. No
Biscuit is an independent shop designed and set up by local people. Please ask if you are interested in our franchise opportunities.
Q. When do I get it back?
A. In seven days
After your ceramic has a kiln number, we dip it in glaze, stack it in the kiln and fire it. This process takes several days. Once cooled, it is packed and hung up on the wall with your number and is ready to be collected.
Q. Can I take it away straight after painting?
A. Yes, BUT!
You can take it home, but firing brings out the colours and the paint will rub off over time.
Q. Can I have it more quickly?
A. Yes
The minimum to fire and return a piece is three days. We are willing to do this where possible. There is an additional cost of £ 3.50 to cover the additional staff costs in doing this. If we don’t return it in on time you surcharge will be refunded.
^ back to top
Q. There is a mark on it when fired - will it come off?
A. Probably not.
Once fired most all the paint is sealed and cannot be altered. It is possible to grind off some of the glaze and do small repairs but this is a difficult and rarely satisfactory approach. Some of the paint, especially black, will be more evident after firing. Even small spots of paint may come through the top coat with firing. Any grease marks, usually from hands, will cause the paint to have a changed appearance. The painting of ceramics is not a perfect process and imperfections are part of the beauty of a hand-finished piece.
Q. Is the firing process risk-free?
A. No
Tiny bubbles of air, that are impossible to see, can sometimes still be in the piece. When fired this can lead to a piece cracking, or small pieces flaking off. This can sometimes be repaired.
Q. Can I leave it and finish later?
A. We prefer you to take it and bring it back
There is always a risk your piece may be damaged or fired by accident. To protect your ceramic we pack it in a bag so you can take it home. Bring it back any time to finish it or to have it fired.
Q. Will you come to local schools?
A. Yes
We are delighted to bring the painting to local schools as classes are often too big to come to us. Ceramics completed at school will be fired by us at Biscuit.
^ back to top
Q. Can you post it to me?
A. Yes
We post all over the world as many of our customers are visitors, or, are making the pieces as gifts. To keep the costs reasonable our responsibly ends with the posting of the item.
Costs for posting are
50% of the price of the piece anywhere in the UK
£ 3.00 to Europe
£ 5.00 to America and Middle East
£ 8.00 to all other destinations.
Q. What do the parties cost?
A. Different prices depending on the party.
At the weekends there are party packages with exclusive use of the safe and secure party room. This includes a ‘Biscuit Buddy’ to run the party, painting, food, invitations and thank-you cards’. The packages are for up to twenty painters and ten helpers.
During the week, or in the evening, you may choose a bespoke party where you pay for what you paint, and eat and drink. To open in the evening requires a minimum of ten painters.
Q. What about a party at home?
A. Of course
Simply select the pieces that you want and leave us a deposit for the paints, brushes etc. of £ 25.00. Take them home, paint them and then return them to us to be fired.
Q. Do you do office/work/corporate events?
A. Yes
Ceramic painting is a fantastic activity for workplace groups as the activity will be new and exciting to virtually everyone. Added to this you will have the ongoing joy of the items you will make that will probably be used in the office everyday! We can also come to you.
^ back to top
Q. Can I use the WiFi?
A. Yes
Customer may use the WiFi for free, simply ask for the code. We restrict the use for one hour when we are busy, at our discretion.
Q. Are babies and children welcome?
A. Yes
We are equipped with baby change facilities and support breast feeding. There are high chairs and a range of food, snacks, drinks and treats for children.
Q. Are there disabled facilities?
A. Yes
There are facilities for the disabled such as toilets and wider access doors.
Q. Is there a discount for charity and/or special needs groups?
A. Yes
We are always happy to discuss your needs and often provide additional services or design a package to meet your needs and budget.
Q. Do you give donations to local charities?
A. Yes
We have many requests for donations. To be fair to everyone our policy is to give
£20.00 of gift vouchers once a year to any organisation within a five mile radius that have an event mainly involving children. We need a letter of request on headed paper or similar to be able to make such a donation.
^ back to top
Q. How can I keep in touch with what’s happening at Biscuit?
A. Join our email list
Keep in touch with our newsletters to find out about,
- Evening painting
- Holiday workshops
- Specials
- Promotions
- Competitions
- Saturday Morning Clubs
- All the new exciting developments
Q. Are your cakes really home-made?
A. Yes
The bakers are local and mostly deliver their cakes themselves. They are made by real people with the finest ingredients, skill and passion. Taste the difference for yourself!
Q. Can I work in Biscuit?
A. Please apply online
We welcome applications for work from talented and committed staff who can contribute as Biscuit Buddies or resident artists.
^ back to top
|
