Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
The studio is in Aromas, California.
Where can I purchase your work?
I sell my work on this website and now, as Covid-19 is more manageable, I will likely re-open my studio twice a year to the public for on-site studio sales. I usually host one weekend event in April, and another in October or November. Outside of these dates, I am happy to arrange to meet you by appointment- please call or email me to arrange. I also participate in one or two local art festivals. If you choose to join my mailing list, I will notify you about these events.
I’d like to come by the studio to see your work in person. How do I arrange that?
Please email me and we will arrange a time and date.
Is your work safe for food? Can I put it in the dishwasher and microwave?
My pottery is designed and made to be used. Unless otherwise noted, all of it is food safe, may be put into the dishwasher, microwave, and the conventional oven. If a piece is particularly delicately made, you may prefer to hand wash.
Note: Most pottery, including what I make, should not be used directly on the stove top as it will cause cracking, but my work will withstand boiling water as long as the piece is at room temperature (for making tea, for example).
What is the difference between stoneware and porcelain?
Stoneware is high fired clay that may be naturally occurring or custom blended and will withstand temperatures in excess of 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. The clay itself often is colored in rich shades of tan, orange, and brown caused by minerals such as iron oxide. Stoneware often has a slightly sandy texture. My stoneware is a warm brown clay that adds speckles to the glaze during the firing.
Porcelain is a blended clay that is white, smooth, and, when thin, translucent. It is a very pure type of clay, free from iron and other minerals that would darken its color. Its chemical composition is closer to glass when compared with stoneware, which makes porcelain a slightly denser clay. I use true porcelain, which is always high fired, traditionally above 2,350 degrees. First developed in China, its beauty and rarity in early ceramic history caused it to be more highly valued than gold.
How durable is your pottery?
My pottery is made with specially formulated clay bodies and high fired so that the clay matures to its strongest possible state. With reasonable care and use, these wares will last for generations. Some of the dinnerware and pots used daily in my own household date to the 1970s.
Note: By its nature, stoneware and porcelain are able to withstand high temperatures but do not react well to quick changes in temperature. Thermal shock (high heat applied to cold ceramic ware or vice-versa) may cause cracking. Use in a conventional oven is fine because the heat surrounds the piece evenly. Microwaving is safe because the food transfers heat to the pot relatively uniformly. High fired glazes generally resist the abrasion that occurs in dishwashers. Thus, my pots are perfect for our modern lifestyles while carrying on their time honored domestic uses.
What is your return policy?
All sales are final. Please remember that my work is all hand made and each piece is unique, and slight variations from the website photographs may occur. If you would like more information regarding a specific piece, please email me before you purchase. However, I want you to be happy with your purchase, so if you are dissatisfied, please contact me within 7 days of receipt so we may discuss how best to resolve the situation.
Do you accept custom orders?
Depending on my work cycle, I enjoy collaborating with customers and fulfilling custom orders. Dinnerware sets, baby sets, and additional pieces to blend with previous purchases are possible ideas. I am unable to incorporate registered logos, trademarked and copyrighted designs. Email me to discuss your ideas for a custom order.
What is your shipping policy?
Shipping pottery requires specialized packing materials and techniques, and the weight and size of the carton as well as destination determine the cost. I will ship by the least expensive USPS Priority rate, which offers 2-4 day delivery, or by UPS, whichever is cheaper unless the customer specifies a preference. Shipping and packaging costs are estimated on the website. If your actual cost is less, I will refund you the difference.
What about insurance?
All website orders are fully insured. Please inspect your order upon arrival. If there is any damage, contact me immediately so I may file a claim and we can discuss how to replace the piece or issue a refund. Photograph the piece and carton, and save all packing materials. All claims must be made within 7 days of when you receive the package.
May I pick my piece up in person?
Yes, this is perfect for local sales and will save the shipping costs. Please select the PICKUP option and I will contact you to discuss scheduling your pickup.