FAQ

• What kind of clay do you use? Right now, I use Laguna bmix and fire to cone 6. It's a porcelain/stoneware mix. 
• Do you make everything by hand? I sure do! Most of my pieces are constructed from clay slabs rolled out with a slab roller. I've developed and use a series of templates. 
• What are the earring posts made out of? The posts are titanium (nickel and cadmium free) paired with stainless steel backings. I have sensitive ears, so I know how tricky it can be to find earrings that don't irritate! The hanging earrings are Argentium Silver.
• Why can't this go in the microwave? If it's marked "not microwave safe" it's because either: 1. gold luster is a metal and metal cannot go in a microwave; or 2. red clays with a high iron content might not fair well with microwaves because again, metal can't go in the microwave.
• Is this art functional? Absolutely! My work is meant to be used. I prefer sturdy, simple forms so it's less intimidating to actually use your one of a kind, handmade item.
• How do I care for my handmade pottery? Handmade pots can withstand the same use and washing as factory made ceramics. If there's any luster or dainty sculpture bits, it's best to hand wash the pot; otherwise it can go in the dishwasher.
• Is the luster actually real gold? Yup! Luster is a liquid that contains 22 karat gold, which is what remains when fired for a third time after the glaze fire.
• How do you package your pots? For most items, I double box. The pot is wrapped in tissue paper and a small amount of bubble wrap, then placed in a double walled box. Then that box is placed in a larger box with eco friendly dissolvable packing peanuts. I also reuse a combination of shipping materials I receive in the mail if they are exceptionally clean. as ceramics are breakable, I take great care in how I package my work; I find  double boxing is the best protection for insuring a safe arrival to it's new home.
• Is this safe for the Dishwasher? If there is no gold or mother of pearl lusters, then yes. Anything with the shiny and/or delicate bits should be hand washed to preserve its condition.
• When will you be making this design again? I rotate through popular designs, so if you missed it once, it will absolutely make it's way back to the shop, especially if I know it's wanted! Faces and dice mugs will be in nearly every shop update. Everything else bows to the whim of my creative yearning.
• Can I preorder this design? Every now and then I'll do a round of pre orders to make sure I'm making what you want! This operates much like a shop update. There are listings for you to purchase your mug, I get busy making and then poof! 6 to 8 weeks later it arrives at your doorstep. I announce the day the listings go live on my social media and in my newsletter so that you can prepare in advance.  Outside of this it can be hard for me to keep track of invoices and information, so I like to keep it nice and tidy within this format.

Returns, Exchanges, ETC:

I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and/or cancellations. Please contact me within 7 days of delivery and ship items back within 14 days of delivery. Once I receive the item in it's original condition, total cost minus shipping will be refunded. For cancellations, they must be requested within 48 hours of purchase.
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The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:

• Custom or personalized orders
• Digital downloads

Conditions of return:
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

***International Buyers Please Note: The buyer is responsible for all customs, duties, and/or import taxes. Any delays caused by this is out of my control. COVID-19 has impacted international shipping the most, please be aware that shipping delays are inevitable for the foreseeable future. Thank you for understanding!

Commissions

Do I take on commissions?  
The Short answer: Not at the moment. I happily accept commissions in the slower months, as long as they're within my scope of ability and interest. If you're comfortable with my style of work and willing to work with my timeline, we can talk! If it's something I can't take on, I do have a few other potters to recommend depending on the project. 

How long do they take?
Most commissions take between 6 to 8 weeks to make, sometimes more. First stage is sketches and planning, which can take a bit depending on workload. Due to the nature of ceramics, there is a lot of waiting (drying, making things to fill the kiln, glazing, firings, etc). This also allows some wiggle room just incase something happens during the firing as ceramics can be cruel and mysterious sometimes. I try to keep up communication for each step of the way, between bisque firing, glaze firing, and luster firing if your commission has shiny bits. 

When will commissions open back up?
Right now commissions are closed, as I'm ramping up for the Renaissance Faire and soon the Holiday season.  Best place to check is my instagram (@averiverastudio) or sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of my website.