Question 1

What is the best way to keep up to date with products, classes, and events?

Accepted Answer

Follow me on Instagram where ceramic updates, new class schedules, and events are announced.
I am currently working on a newsletter that you can sign up for here - this newsletter will include small write-ups of product releases, events, new classes, and a peek at current experiments in my studio.

Question 2

Do you offer commissions?

Accepted Answer

I would love the opportunity to work on a vision that you may have, please keep in mind that I only accept commissions that I feel aligned with. Although I may have the means to produce something vastly different, I will likely guide you to someone who fits what you are looking for if you inquire about something that is far outside of my usual. That being said, if it is a project that is exciting I will always consider it.

Question 3

Do you offer wholesale?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you would like to inquire about wholesale, please email me at eliwestceramics@gmail.com

Question 4

Would you produce for cafes and restaurants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am able to take on small restaurant or cafe orders! I would love to sit down and discuss what it is you have in mind for your space, how you would like it to help highlight the food or drink that is being served and how we can design the pieces to be unique to you. Please get in touch with me about any potential projects at eliwestceramics@gmail.com.

Question 5

The piece I received looks slightly different from the photo on the website, why is this?

Accepted Answer

Due to the handmade nature of my ceramics, some inconsistencies between pieces and collections is highly likely. This can be caused by small variations when throwing or variations with glazes. Although I do what I can to mitigate differences between pieces there will always be some variation, this is what lends handmade ceramics to be so beautiful and full of life. 
If there are major differences between pieces, I will post them on the website as separate products with their corresponding images.

Question 6

What is "made to order"?

Accepted Answer

For items listed as ‘Made to Order’, I will try have them made and ready to ship in 4 weeks, although please allow up to 6 weeks for your items to ship.

Shipping times can change due to various conditions and circumstance surrounding drying times, firing schedules, and material readiness.

If an item is going to take longer than 4 weeks to ship, I will reach out via email in order to update you on the status of the item.

In the rare event that an item may take more than 6 weeks to ship, I will reach out and provide you the ability to request a refund if you do not want to wait for the item to ship.

Question 7

Are handmade ceramics durable?

Accepted Answer

My pieces are handmade and are more fragile than industrially manufactured work, that being said they are still durable and perfect for everyday use.
I recommend hand washing the pieces, the sudden change in temperature in a dishwasher has the potential to cause ceramics to crack. Avoid using pieces in the microwave and avoid allowing food or drink that heavily stains to sit in the pieces for extended periods of time. Specifically with pieces that either have a matte glazed interior or an unglazed exterior.

Over time, the pieces will likely show small scratches and cutlery marks which is normal and can be removed using a small amount of ‘Bar Keepers Friend’, or ‘Norex’.

The pieces may slowly begin to change with use, although clays and glazes are durable, over periods of time you will begin to see variations on their surface. This is something to be embraced as it shows how the pieces are changing with you and how you use them.

FAQ