Production Times & Process

Why the Wait? Understanding the Journey of Your Handmade Ceramics

If you’ve recently browsed the shop or placed an order, you might have noticed that your pieces don't ship out the very next day. In a world of "prime" shipping and mass production, the pace of a small pottery studio is a bit different.

I often get asked: "How long does production take, and why don't you have items in stock?"

I wanted to take a moment to pull back the curtain on the studio process and explain the timing behind your unique pieces.

Made to Order: Crafted Specifically for You

The main reason for the wait is simple: All of my pieces are made to order. I don’t keep a finished inventory of every item. Because I offer such a wide range of forms and glaze colors, it isn’t possible for a small, handmade studio to stock every combination in advance. When you place an order, I am creating that specific piece specifically for you.

The Slow Art of Pottery

Every item that leaves my studio goes through a rigorous, multi-step journey. There are no shortcuts to quality:

  • Wheel-Throwing: Each piece starts as a lump of clay and is shaped by hand on the potter's wheel.

  • Slow Drying: Clay cannot be rushed. It must dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking or warping.

  • The First Fire: Once bone-dry, the piece goes into the kiln for its "bisque" firing.

  • Glazing: I hand-apply the glazes you’ve selected from my collection.

  • The Final Fire: The piece goes back into the kiln at a much higher temperature to vitrify the clay and melt the glaze into its final, beautiful finish.

This careful process is exactly what makes every item unique. No two pieces are ever identical, and that’s the beauty of handmade work.

What is the Typical Lead Time?

Because of the hands-on nature of the studio, my production time typically ranges between 3–6 weeks. This can vary slightly depending on the size of your order, please note that larger orders, such as full dinnerware sets, may take longer to completeand depending on the current studio schedule (some weeks the kilns are busier than others!).

Thank You for Supporting Small

I truly appreciate your understanding and your support of the 'slow-made' movement. In a world of mass-produced, disposable items, choosing handmade is a choice to bring something meaningful into your home.

By waiting a few weeks, you aren't just receiving a ceramic vessel—you are receiving a piece of art made with intention, heart, and soul. Unlike something pulled off a factory shelf, these pieces carry a story and a unique character that cannot be replicated. These are objects designed to be part of your daily rituals for years to come, gaining emotional value over time. Whether it’s your morning coffee or a family dinner, you are using a piece that was touched by human hands at every stage.

Thank you for choosing quality and soul over speed. I promise it will be worth the wait."

Have questions about a specific order? Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all. I’m always happy to help and give you an update on where your piece is in the process!

Ready to find your unique piece? Browse the Collection