frequently asked questions
Can I get this by the weekend?
The reality: Pottery is a slow motion art form.
We move at the speed of clay. Each item requires time to be made, dried (slowly to avoid cracking) bisque fired, glazed and glaze fired again. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. We can’t rush the kiln… it’s the boss.
I saw this on Pinterest/Tiktok. Can you make the exact same thing?
The reality: Artists aren’t photocopiers
We love inspiration! However each potter has a unique “hand”, and glazes react differently depending on the kiln and clay body. Not to mention we don’t always have access to some of the beautiful glazes you see from overseas. We can use your photo as a reference for style and vibe, but your piece will be a unique original and not a carbon copy.
Why is a mug from you so expensive when I get one for a quarter of the price from PEP Home?
The reality: Hand-made vs. Factory mould.
You are paying for a one of a kind piece of functional art. Beyond the hours of labour, our prices cover high quality materials, kiln electricity, studio overheads and years of specialized skill. Plus, our mugs have a “soul” that factory machines just can’t replicate.
Can you just ‘fix’ this broken piece I have from another artist?
The reality: Refiring old clay is a recipe for a kiln explosion
Unfortunately, we cannot repair or re-fire ceramics made by others. Once a piece is finished, adding new clay or glaze and putting it back in the kiln can cause it to crack or even shatter, potentially damaging our equipment and other work.
Is it microwave or dishwasher safe?
Our functional pieces are safe for both, however hand-washing is always recommended to keep the glaze looking vibrant for decades. Note: Any pieces with gold luster or metallic accents are strictly NOT microwave safe unless you enjoy indoor light show. We do not typically use these unless it is part of a custom order.
Can you make me a life sized statue of my dog?
No.
What if I don’t like it when its done?
Because custom work is made specifically for you, we require a non refundable deposit of 80%. We communicate clearly during the design phase to ensure we are on the same page before the wheel starts spinning. More information on the whole process and what to expect is shared as soon as a custom order is received.
Can I come in and just ‘help’ you make my order to lower the price?
We love your enthusiasm, but our studio is a production space. For safety and quality control, only our trained team handles the pieces during the creation process. However if you are interested in trying pottery out and making something yourself we do offer classes.
Can you match this glaze to my specific living room paint colour?
We will try our best, but the kiln is a chaotic fire breather. Glaze isn’t paint it’s a chemical reaction involving minerals at 1190℃. Sometimes the kiln gods give us “sage green” and sometimes they decide you’re getting “shrek green”. We embrace the surprise.
Can we do that thing from the movie Ghost?
Only if you bring your own Patrick Swayze and a very specific 80’s soundtrack.