Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to receive my order?

Generally speaking, I will ship your item(s) within 1 week of receiving your order. Depending on how far the package is traveling, what day of the week I deliver it to the post office, and any extenuating circumstances (e.g, a holiday), you should receive your package within 2 weeks of placing the order. During holiday seasons where gift-giving is common, I’ll do my best to have a faster-than-usual turnaround time so things can get to you as quickly as possible. If at any time you need something sooner than between 1-2 weeks, send me a message and I’ll expedite the timeline.

What are “seconds” and why are they discounted?

“Seconds” are pots that have a minor defect or are not up to standard for some other reason but are still functionally and structurally sound. When potters sell seconds, they sell pots with slight imperfections at a discounted price in an effort to minimize financial loss and material waste. After all, just because a pot doesn’t meet a potter’s ultimate standard doesn’t mean it can’t make someone really happy! When I sell seconds, I describe the nature of the defect, provide pictures of the issue, and mark the product down according to the reason for and impact of the imperfection. My seconds have so far consisted of (1) pots that have a small chip in the clay on the bottom of the pot that is invisible unless the pot is turned upside down, and/or (2) pots where my maker’s mark—an “e.” stamped into the clay before it dries—got sanded off or glazed over. Seconds I list for sale do not have serious issues that compromise the structural/functional integrity of the pot itself. You can feel safe making your purchase and getting a great pot for an equally great price!

Are your glazes food and plant safe?

Yes! Unless otherwise specified, the glazes I use are all food and plant safe. If a certain pot is intended for functional use with food and/or drinks, all glazes on the body of the pot will be food safe, including both the interior and exterior of items like mugs, cups, and pitchers.

Do you accept commissions and special orders?

Yes, gladly! If you have something in mind or want to brainstorm together on a special order, no matter how big or small, let’s talk about it. Email me at sayhi[at]elliotthepotter[dot]com, or send me a message through the form on the contact page.

Do you also make functional pottery or just decorative things?

I make both. I really love exploring all sorts of shapes, angles, and silhouettes with clay—and that typically translates to me making more decorative forms than functional ones—but I do make household wares. Some of the forms I make most often, such as vases, bud vases, and bottles, occupy a nice middle ground between decorative and functional. If you’re interested in something in particular and want to know if I can make it, send me a message. I’ll be honest if I can’t. :)

Do your pots really look like the pictures?

Yes! The one caveat is that I take photos of the pots in my garage at various times of the day and without minimal equipment. After I take the pictures, I spend a bit of time correcting white balance issues with most of the photos to bring their truer color back. I do not edit the photos for the sake of exaggerated enhancements, and I am careful not to misrepresent the real-life appearance of my pots. The glazes I use produce complex textures, finishes, and movements, some of which show up better in some light than in others. It’s a good idea to take a look at your pots under various lighting conditions so you can appreciate their fullness. I think direct sunlight is the best light source for really glimpsing all the details.

Can I microwave my cups, mugs, bowls, plates, and other functional dish ware? Can I put it in the dishwasher?

Technically, yes! I recommend hand-washing because it will extend the life of your pots, and that’s the case for any handmade piece. You can microwave your pots, but remember that they’re not produced in the same way or with the same materials as commercial dish ware. The exterior surface may become hotter than expected, especially as I throw thin pots, so be mindful when getting something out of the microwave.

What if I need to return something?

Returns are not accepted unless there is a defect that occurred during shipping. If that’s the case, please email me at sayhi[at]elliotthepotter[dot]com. If you are unhappy with your product once it arrives, please be in touch as well. I only want you to be happy with what I’ve made, so we’ll figure it out together.

Do you ship internationally?

The short answer is yes, but my website is not currently set up to support international shipping. If you see something you want, send me a message through the contact page and let me know the item(s) you’re interested in so we can discuss the size, weight, and cost of shipping the package.

I hope this helps! If you have any additional questions, please email me at sayhi[at]elliotthepotter[dot]com or send a message through the contact page.

Cheers,

E.