Frequently Asked Questions
If your Questions are not answered below, please go to my Contact Page and call or email me.
How long will it take to receive my order?
I will box and ship your order within two business days of receipt. Orders are shipped via USPS, priority mail, and usually it takes up to 5 business days to receive. All orders are insured and tracked. If I am unable to fulfill your order within 2 business days I will email you.
Do you accept returns?
Yes ~ if the piece does not meet your expectations, you have up to 30 days to return it for a full refund. Shipping the return is your expense. Special orders with any personalization are not returnable.
Do you wholesale your work?
If you would like to carry my work in your shop, I do accept wholesale orders over $300, with a current Resale Certificate from your state. Please contact me directly for wholesale inquiries. Wholesale for outright purchases is standard keystone. Consignment (within 50 miles of Northampton, MA) is 70/30.
Is your pottery safe for foods?
Yes ~ all glazes are lead-free and food-safe.
Can your pottery go in the oven and/or microwave? How about the dishwasher? The stovetop?
Yes ~ pots are fired to over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are safe to warm up foods in the oven or microwave. Please, DO NOT put any of the pots on the stovetop. If the piece has NO added elements (sticks, crystals, feathers, etc) you can safely wash them in the dishwasher. If there are any added accents from nature, please wash by hand!
Do your glazes scratch or otherwise change with use?
Glazes are melted glass, basically, and can scratch from extended use, although it really depends on the glaze and on the use. Matte glazes may show marks from silverware more easily; I recommend “Bon Ami” cleanser and gentle scrubbing to remove marks. Care should be taken to not bang on the edges (as when trying to clean off a spoon, for example) as the glaze could also chip.
Why does a glaze not look the same on all parts of the pottery?
Handmade pottery is not a totally “predictable” product. The clay body may have imperfections such as specks of minerals which may show after the high fire. The glazing process may result in some drips or layering. Glazes look different depending upon the type of clay used, the place in the kiln, the age of the glaze. These differences are not “mistakes” or blemishes – they contribute to the hand-crafted character of each individual piece.
If I break a lid to a jar, can you make another to match?
Yes…..and no. In order to truly “match,” pieces must be made, dried, fired, and glazed together. This ensures proper fit and similar coloring. I could take measurements from the piece and calculate shrinkage, etc, but the chances are slim that the replacement would totally match the original.
Can I order one of your pieces in a different color or size?
Yes. If you like a design but would like a different color or size, we can discuss it and I can make it.
Can I order something specific for a special occasion such as a wedding?
Yes. I would be happy to discuss the special order, and depending on the individualization, you could purchase it and then return it if you don’t like it. Pieces with names, dates, etc, would be non-returnable.
What if my pot arrives damaged from shipping?
I ship through USPS, and insure all items. If an item arrives damaged, please document all shipping/tracking information, take photos and email me so I can claim the insurance. I will replace that item; please allow up to 60 days for replacement, as most items are “one of a kind” and there is no “back stock.”
Could the pottery scratch granite or quartz countertops, or wooden shelves?
All of my pots are unglazed on the bottom – either the complete bottom, or the foot. This is so the pot does not adhere to the kiln shelf during the glaze fire. Unglazed stoneware can have a rough texture so you should be careful not to drag the foot on the countertop or shelf. If you are using a piece strictly as a decorative accent or centerpiece, you may want to glue a piece of felt to the foot.