Your most frequently asked questions
Prepare for his arrival
How does it work?
The process is simple and enjoyable. Choose your favourite unpainted ceramic piece from our wide selection, select your paint colours, and let your creativity run wild as you paint your design. Our friendly team is at your service to guide you, offering painting tips as well as techniques to help you create your masterpiece.
What skills are required?
No artistic skill or experience is necessary! Café Modelé is a welcoming space for beginners and experienced artists alike. Our experienced team is here to help and inspire you every step of the way, ensuring a fun and stress-free painting experience.
Do I need to book?
Booking a workshop session is not mandatory but recommended.
This is to ensure you get an available table. If you would like to sit at the same table as someone else, make sure to do a group booking. We cannot guarantee that two separate bookings will be seated next to each other.
Can I organise an event at your premises?
Absolutely! Café Modelé is the ideal venue for special events. Whether it’s for a birthday, team-building activity, baby shower, or any other occasion, our workshop can accommodate groups of up to 40 people. If you have fewer than 12 guests, you can book directly on our website. For larger groups, please contact us directly to find out more about our event packages and availability. We offer packages for groups of 8 or more.
You’d like to hire our space for a private event, such as a seminar or other function? It’s possible! We would be delighted to discuss your specific requirements and provide you with a tailored quote. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any further information.
Do you offer group rates?
Yes 🙂 We offer group packages for eight or more people. Click here to see our services.
Haven’t found the right package for you? Feel free to write to us directly at hey@cafemodele.be. We’re sure we can figure a package that suits your needs.
I have not received a confirmation email. Has my booking been processed?
Don’t panic, it may happen sometimes 😊
Start by checking your spam folder: the confirmation email is often hidden there.
If not there, it means that the booking has unfortunately not been confirmed. In that case, simply make another booking.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, and it’s very simple. You can either do it directly using the link you received by email, or you can contact us directly by email or on Instagram. But be mindful of deadlines :).
Reservations may be modified or cancelled within the following time frames:
- Ceramic painting workshops up to 24 hours in advance
- Group event with event package at least 72 hours in advance
These deadlines allow us to reallocate your tables. Any cancellation requests after these deadlines will not be eligible for compensation.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, your furry friends are welcome at Café Modelé. Just make sure to ask around to see if anyone is too scared…
Are the paints toxic?
All our paints are non-toxic and water-based. Once your piece has been painted, glazed and fired, it is suitable for food use. However, it is not dishwasher or microwave safe, and must absolutely not be placed in the oven!
Can I put my ceramics in the dishwasher?
We recommend washing your ceramic piece by hand. Think of it as a small work of art that you will drink or eat from. To preserve it, you need to treat it with care.
Can I put my ceramics in the oven and microwave?
It is best to avoid this. Earthenware items are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, and putting them in the oven or microwave might damage them.
From what age can one participate?
We recommend the activity for children aged 3/4 and above. However, each parent is responsible for their own child and there is no actual age limit at Café Modelé.
During
How long does it take to make a piece?
Each workshop session lasts 2.5 hours, and the time needed to complete a project varies depending on the size and complexity of the piece. On average, painting a ceramic piece takes about 1 to 2 hours.
We also offer take-home kits so you can paint at your leisure at home. There is no time limit on the kits 🙂
I’m not finished yet. Can I paint at home?
Yes! Café Modelé will be happy to pack the piece of your choice with selected paints and brushes, for an additional charge for paint pots and brushes. You must use the paints provided if you wish to bring the piece back for glazing and firing. We use glazes as paints, specifically designed to create colourful ceramics. Only items and glazes from Café Modelé may be used for these projects.
I haven’t finished, can I come back and finish painting?
Was the 2,5 hour workshop not enough for you? Would you like to come back to finish painting your piece so you don’t have to take it home? You can! There is an additional charge of €10/hour, and you will need to specify the date and time you would like to come back. If you exceed a two-week delay, we reserve the right to fire your piece. However, you can take home your piece with you to ensure that it is not fired by mistake.
After
What happens after the session?
Once you have finished painting, leave your masterpiece with our team. We will glaze and fire the piece in our kiln – at an impressive temperature of 1010°C! – transforming it into a durable, food-safe and vibrant ceramic. Your creation will be ready for collection in approximately one month. The team will inform you of the delivery time depending on the firing schedule.
I can’t remember the date of when my creation will be ready. What should I do?
Don’t panic! We have created an app to track your creation so that you can follow the progress of your ceramic piece and be sure that it will be ready before you come to collect it. Just go to the section: Track my creation and enter the date you came.
My item has flaws, what should I do?
Our pieces are glazed and fired by hand. You also paint them by hand. Their DIY nature may result in certain imperfections after firing. We do our utmost to avoid these.
If you have any questions about your pieces, please contact the shop where you painted your works directly!
When can I collect my item?
For ceramic painting workshops: once painted, the pieces are glazed and fired in a kiln at 1010°C. The pieces are available after approximately three weeks to a month later, depending on demands, and must be collected within a maximum of 30 days after firing. You can check the status of your ceramics on our app: Track my order.
How do I retrieve my piece?
Please visit our ceramic café during our opening hours only and within the specified time frame. Show a photo of your pieces to a member of our team and indicate the date you visited. To minimise our carbon footprint, please remember to bring a bag and some newspaper or fabric for wrapping. ♻️
Not sure how to introduce yourself and want a friend to do it for you? That’s possible, just remember to send us the photo taken before baking, along with the date.
I’m here to pick something up for some friends. Is that possible?
That’s possible, but please remember to show us the photo taken before baking and indicate the date. And make sure to let them know in advance to avoid any surprises!
I am not from Brussels. How can I collect my piece?
Please note that express firing is available for an additional charge of €5 per item, allowing you to collect your ceramics within 72 hours, excluding closing days.
Home delivery is possible after discussing it with the team.
Options are to be arranged on the day of your workshop, so please discuss this with our team.
How long do you keep the pieces after firing?
The maximum recovery period after baking is 30 days. All the information will be provided when you receive the collection email.
My collection period has expired. Can I come and collect my item?
You can send us an email or Instagram message to find out if your item is still in stock. However, we reserve the right to dispose of items whose collection period has expired.
Gift voucher
How do gift vouchers work?
The recipient of your gift voucher can book a slot to come and paint the ceramic item(s) of their choice. They can present their voucher at the till, where the cost of their drinks and ceramics will be deducted. The voucher can be used multiple times and by multiple people.
How do I obtain a paper gift voucher?
You can come to the workshop to pick up a physical voucher.
What amount do you recommend for a gift voucher?
To access most of the rooms, we recommend budgeting €35 per gift voucher and allowing the recipient to enjoy a hot drink as well.
Can I use my gift voucher for coffee?
Absolutely. Your gift voucher is valid on all items offered by Café Modelé.
Can I choose a ceramic item that costs more than the value of my gift voucher?
Of course. You can complete the transaction using your preferred payment method.
Takeaway kit
Do you have any painting kits for home use?
Yesssss, our nomad kits are specially designed so that you can paint in peace from home or even from the beach ;).
What does the kit contain?
Obviously, you will have your ceramic piece, but we will also lend you two paintbrushes and five small pots of paint so that you can paint in the comfort of your own home. You will also find a short guide inside to help you create your work of art.
How much does it cost?
It’s the same price as in the shop. We just ask that you bring back the brushes and paint pots.
My paint is dry, what should I do?
If it is completely dry, you can come and refresh it at La Papoterie. You will be charged £1 per pot. If the paint has simply lost some of its liquidity, you can add 1 or 2 drops of water.
Can you lend me some extra equipment?
We do not lend out additional equipment, but you can purchase additional accessories such as brushes, sponges, or palettes. Please ask our team.
What should I do with my item and kit once I’m done?
You must bring your ceramics back to Café Modelé so that we can fire them for you. Don’t forget to bring your accessories back too!