CUSTOM ORDERS

Custom Orders

We are happy to do custom orders for you & whether it's for products in our catalog, or something you need, but which we haven't shown, or products we used to make. If it's not a product in our regular line, we DO need to talk about it first though. If extensive design or development time is involved, it may not be feasible for us to undertake. Clay is an amazingly adaptable material & almost anything you can imagine can be made. BUT.  We have to stick pretty close to the types of things we do in our normal flow. If we can't do something for you, we'll do our best to direct you to someone who might be able to help you.

For regular line items, we are happy to glaze any item to your choice of glaze patterns. We try to maintain an inventory of standard items finished through the first firing. This means Betsy can glaze and fire them in 2 to 3 weeks depending on kiln schedules. If Tom has to throw it, it will take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to get through the whole process, often more.

We book our production time well in advance (6 months to a year) including holding time for custom orders. Typical lead times will be 6 to 8 weeks for one or a few items.  For full sets of dishes, we can only produce about one set per month because of kiln space limitations. Typically our year for sets is booked full by the beginning of July.

Custom glazes and matching colors are not possible. Typically it takes 6 months to a year from the time we first uncover a glaze that has potential, until it's ready for first sale. Then it's another 6 months before it becomes a regular item. Our color palette is also limited by the nature of our process &. highfire reduction gas.

Matched sets. In making matched sets, we make several more than the required number, and then pick the best.  Sizes and shapes will vary somewhat but there will be no widely variant pieces. Glazes will be as matched closely as the nature of our processes and firing allow, but, again, there will be variation.  We guarantee satisfaction and will replace or refund, but the customer will be responsible for return and replacement shipping. 

Glaze variation is part of the process.  The finished color and surface of the glaze will vary from piece to piece. The nature of the hand applied, gas fired process guarantees that. Even something as simple as the strength and direction of the wind will change how the kiln fires.  (Overall, Betsy deals with some 10 variables in firing the final pieces.  Some of these variables are uncontrollable).

How to Get the Best From Custom Work.

By its very nature, making pottery is a uniquely individual process. Every thing the potters do is permanently impressed on the clay. Every day, with each piece made, the potter gains skill. Subtle changes are incorporated from day to day depending on many factors. So work will vary from month to month, year to year. 

Actual design of a piece often evolves as the piece is being thrown or glazed. While a specific shape can be closely matched, often the best work evolves when the primary concern is final use, more than design specifics.  The more tightly a piece is pre-designed, the less chance there is for inspirational evolution. 

A big part of the beauty of handmade craftwork is in the variation.  Each piece takes on its own character. And you, as the user add your character and memories to the work. 

We've also noticed that, especially with glazes, the mind can change the perception of color and design in the time between seeing a sample piece and the final work. We guarantee your satisfaction and will take back anything with which you are not happy.  If we can, and you wish us to, we will remake the piece(s) for you. In the case of larger orders, we will send an approval sample before completing the whole set. 

Placing Custom Orders

If you're interested in placing a special order, please call us at 1-888-737-4014 so we can talk about your precise needs. We'll also give you an estimated delivery date.

Special orders will require a deposit and a valid credit card number.   As soon as your order is finished, we will contact you for final billing and shipping information. 

If you have a "drop dead" date for delivery, like a birthday or anniversary, let us know so we don't miss it by chance.