Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are listed some frequently asked questions I’ve received about my work and the website. If you don’t see what you want to know, please contact me.
It says the item I want is out of stock. Can I order it anyway?
Yes, you can. I’ll just have to make the piece(s) you order. Understand that this will take 2 to 4 weeks.
Why does it take so long to make something?
I ask that when ordering an out of stock item to please allow 3 weeks. Pottery must be completely dry before it is fired in the kiln, and most of that 3 weeks the piece is simply sitting and drying. Also, I need an entire kiln load in order to be able to fire. I realize that one mug is important to you, but I have to have dozens of pieces all completed and dried at the same time in order to fire a kiln load.
Can’t you speed up the drying with fans, heaters, etc.?
Fans and heaters will speed up the drying time, but they also cause pottery pieces to warp, for handles to crack or even fall off, and added decorations to come loose from the pot. Clay shrinks when it dries, and the whole piece has to dry evenly. Believe me, I want your piece to dry quickly too!
I saw some pottery you made that is not on your website. Why not?
I have been a potter a long time, and I can make hundreds of different pieces. I simply can’t have every possible piece on the website. However, I may have one of those in stock and if not, I can make it for you. So please contact me.
Can you make sets? Is there a discount for a multiple piece order?
Yes, I can make a set. However there is no volume discount. I make each and every piece by hand, usually on the potter’s wheel. It’s not like an assembly line setting, where once it’s up and running all we have to do is keep the line running and extra 30 minutes to make so many more. Making a set is no problem, but each piece is still handcrafted as though I am only making one. And I am, making that one just for you.
What about dinnerware sets and place settings? How much are they?
Yes, I can create a custom dinnerware set for you. It is totally custom, so the cost will depend on what is in the place setting, how many pieces, how intricate is the decoration. This is not like a department store, where here are our place settings and this is what you can get and that’s it. I like to ask people, “How do you eat?” Do you eat a lot of salads, soups, pastas, etc. Let’s put together a place setting that suites your eating habits and lifestyle.
One of my pieces got chipped/broken. Can it be refired and repaired?
Sadly enough, the answer is no, it can’t be refired. Clay shrinks when it is fired, and a new piece of clay would simply shrink away from the pot and not adhere. About all that can be done is to glue it back together. BUT have you ever noticed that a lot of the ancient pots in museums are all glued together?
Can you replace a broken piece?
Usually the answer to this one is yes. The easiest way to make sure I know exactly what you had is to email me a photograph of the piece, even if it’s broken. That way I can see what glazes I used and how the piece was shaped.
Still didn’t see it? Please contact me: MelvinRowe@PotteryRowe.com